Cats can sleep up to 16 hours a day or even more as they age, often surprising cat owners who find them in unusual positions.
It may seem strange, but this behavior has roots in their wild nature and social tendencies. From curling up near your head for warmth to choosing a self-heating bed, these quirky habits give pet parents insight into their feline companions’ preferences.
Cats are both predators and prey, which explains why they’re protective of their bodies and often sleep in a ball. If you ever see your beloved furry friend lying with eyes open or looking a bit spooky, there’s no need to worry.
This is a common phenomenon that can look odd but is entirely normal for your curious feline friend.
Do Cats Sleep with Their Eyes Open?
Some cats can sleep with their eyes either fully or partially open, allowing you to see a faint movement in their REM sleep stage. This third eyelid, a translucent layer, is often visible and protects the eye from dry air or irritants.
If you observe unusual signs like swelling, discharge, cat squinting, or pawing, consult a veterinarian.
9 Potential Reasons Why Cats Sleep with Their Eyes Open
Cats have many unique habits that fascinate their owners, and sleeping with eyes open is certainly one of them. While it may seem odd to us, this behavior is perfectly normal and often connected to their instincts and health. Below are some reasons why your cat might appear to be sleeping with eyes open.
1. Natural Instincts
Cats are natural hunters, so they have developed certain behaviors to keep them alert to their surroundings. Cats often partially open their eyes even during rest, which allows them to stay aware of potential threats. This instinctive behavior is common in wild animals who needed to be ready for danger.
2. Sleep Cycle Stages
Like humans, cats have sleep cycles. In non-REM (NREM) sleep, also known as light sleep, their senses remain active. During this phase, cats may appear to sleep with partially open eyes. As they transition to REM sleep, their muscle movements relax, and eye twitching can make it look like they are dreaming. This cycle helps cats conserve energy.
3. The Role of the Third Eyelid
One of the unique features of a cat’s eyes is the nictitating membrane or third eyelid. This layer, located beneath the regular eyelids, helps keep the eye moist and protected while partially covering it during sleep. Cats’ third eyelids might become visible as they rest, giving them that open-eyed appearance.
4. Reaction to Noisy Environments
Cats are sensitive to noise due to their exceptional hearing. In a noisy environment, they may sleep with their eyes partially open to stay alert. Unlike us, cats don’t always find comfort in noise. Instead, they might prefer to rest in quiet corners to feel safe.
- High noise levels can be uncomfortable for them.
- Over time, sounds above 95 decibels may even cause hearing damage.
5. Injury or Trauma
A cat injury or trauma can impact its sleep habits. If your cat’s eye or nictitating membrane is scratched or damaged, it may struggle to fully close its eyes. Certain symptoms like inflammation or redness could indicate an issue, so if this happens frequently, a veterinarian check-up is advised.
6. Conserving Energy
Genetically speaking, cats evolved to save energy by sleeping lightly. This helps them survive on less food and conserve energy for hunting. Thus, your cat might appear asleep but actually remains awake to some extent, just being lazy or lethargic between naps.
7. Adaptations for Survival
Cats have evolved adaptations for survival from their days as wild animals. Sleeping with partially open eyes is a common behavior that keeps them alive and alert to their surroundings. For house cats, this is more of a habit carried over from evolutionary history rather than a necessity.
8. Sensitive Watchfulness
Cats are naturally vigilant and need to watch out for their surroundings. Even while resting, they can stay on the lookout for anyone or anything entering their space. This open-eyed sleep is part of their instincts to check on kittens or keep an eye on their owner.
9. Health Monitoring
If your cat regularly sleeps with its eyes open, it’s helpful to pay attention to any changes in behavior or signs of health problems. If your cat’s head size appears altered or if it shows unusual behavior after an incident, a vet can provide valuable insights into any underlying issues.
By understanding these reasons, cat owners can better interpret their pets’ behaviors and ensure their kitty stays healthy and comfortable in any situation.
Should I be Worried About My Cat Sleeping with Eyes Open?
It’s often normal for a cat to be found sleeping with eyes open, which might seem strange. If your Kitty seems fine and shows no unusual behaviors like cat squinting, then this sleep pattern may just be part of its nature.
When to consult a veterinarian:
- If your cat is gagging, has eye discharge or redness, or if there’s unusual behavioral changes after abortion in your cat.
- Watch for signs like seizures, fever, or twitching, which can mean something’s wrong.
- Scheduling a vet appointment can help figure out any underlying health issues.
Why Cats Sleep This Way: Some cats sleep with eyes open due to instinct. They need to stay alert in case of predators. This behavior is common even in kittens and often helps them detect threats.
For most people, the answer to the question is “no need to worry,” but noticing small details can make a big difference.
6 Useful Tips to Make Your Cat Sleep Peacefully
A scared cat often keeps its eyes open while resting. To make sure your feline friend sleeps peacefully and in good health, here are simple tips.
o Playtime for Energy Release
Playing with cats encourages them to let go of pent-up energy. Schedule playtime for at least 15 minutes twice daily using interactive cat toys to mimic hunting instincts. This physical activity helps them feel tired and ready for deeper, restful sleep.
o Create a Steady Sleep Routine
Keeping a regular sleep schedule is essential for your cat’s quality sleep. Establish routines so your cat learns when to rest. This prevents unexpected interruptions and helps them feel happier and more relaxed.
o Provide a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet rich in animal-based protein supports a cat’s health and nutrition needs. Make sure they get extra vitamins if needed, and check with a vet to keep their nutrition balanced. Proper meals improve sleep quality and make them feel healthier and content.
o Feed Closer to Bedtime
A satisfying dinner before bedtime helps your feline sleep through the night. Feed them in the evening to avoid waking up hungry and disturbing their sleep pattern. Proper timing with feeding ensures uninterrupted slumber.
o Make the Sleeping Environment Calm
Minimize disturbing sounds or sudden interruptions. This helps prevent stress in scared cats and keeps them calm, making it easier for them to close their eyes and sleep peacefully without worry.
o Support Mental Stimulation
Provide interactive play to stimulate their mind. Engaging their mental stimulation through play and exploration during the day makes sleep more satisfying at night. This helps them release energy and settle down easily.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, it’s perfectly fine if your cat occasionally takes a catnap with its eyes open. This quirk is a fascinating part of feline nature, allowing them to stay alert to their surroundings while they snooze.
However, if you see other unusual behaviors along with open eyes while they sleep, it’s best to chat with a vet to check their health. Like James Herriot, the British veterinary surgeon, said, “Cats are connoisseurs of comfort” — so keep your whiskered pal happy and healthy whether their eyes are open or closed.
FAQs
Should I close my eyes at my cat?
Making direct eye contact with your cat can create a peaceful gaze. When they slow blink with half-closed eyes, try blinking back slowly; it shows love and helps them feel relaxed.
Why doesn’t my cat close her eyes when she sleeps?
In this situation, it’s crucial to note that it’s a common trait for cats to sleep with their eyes partly open. There’s nothing to worry about—many cats keep their shutters slightly open to stay alert.
What does it mean when your cat sleeps next to you?
When your cat sleeps next to you, they feel security and trust in you, knowing you’re not a danger. They see you as extra defense against a possible nighttime predator attack and feel a comforting layer of safety you provide if needed.
How do happy cats sleep?
When cats are stretched on their side in a relaxed position, it shows they feel comfortable and at high level of trust. This position lets them fall into a deep sleep, feeling comfort with their surroundings even if they’re exposed.
