Cats sleep an average of 12–16 a day which may seem like a lot of their life compared to humans, but the busy little felines need a lot of rest. However, have you ever noticed your serene kitty stretched out in its favorite spot, supposedly sleeping, only to notice that its eyes aren’t fully closed? While your cat may be far away in dreamland, it may be faking its slumber, and there are a few interesting reasons why it may display the behavior.
Do Cats Fake Sleep?
It sounds like bizarre behavior, but cats pretend to sleep. While they may also be resting or taking a catnap, cats will generally fake sleep to trick others, including their owners, that they’re sleeping, but they are fully alert.
It’s a strange concept that requires research, but a few sensical theories can provide an explanation for this unusual behavior.
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The 8 Reasons Why Cats Fake Sleep
1. It Is a Natural Defense
Cats may fake sleeping as a natural defense mechanism against predators. They will get into their favorite sleep position and pretend to sleep when they are alert and ready to pounce. This may help predators lose interest; if they don’t, your cat is ready to defend itself.
It may also be a defense for an over-excited pet or child that may want to play, but your cat is not in the mood. Pretending to sleep can make them lose interest and leave your cat alone to rest.
2. It Helps With Stress
This can tie in with being a defense mechanism. If you have several visitors over, your cat may feel a little stressed and will pretend to be asleep to avoid interaction. If you have a cat-obsessed child or friend who wants to pet and hold your cat constantly, this could also make your cat feel a bit anxious, and fake sleeping can help it relax.
3. They Want to Watch You
This is a classic example of your cat “sleeping” without fully closing its eyes. It kills two birds with one stone by getting rest and being aware of what is happening around them. They may want to keep an eye on you without encouraging any interaction, and fake sleeping is a great way to do that.
This makes sense since cats are very curious creatures, so if a new person is in the house, it is also a good way for them to observe and sus them out without interacting.
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4. They are Trying to Steal Your Food
Cats can fake sleep to keep an eye on you and to avoid unwanted interactions, but their reasons may relate to hunger. If you are busy eating lunch or preparing food, they may curl up close by and have you believe they are sleeping. When you move away or are not looking, that is their opportunity to snatch a snack off the table or your plate.
So, don’t be fooled! Next time your cat seems peacefully asleep near the dinner table, don’t turn your back on your food, or you may lose a sizable portion of it!
5. They are Testing to See If You Still Love Them
If life has been distracting and you haven’t had the time to show your cat some affection, their fake sleeping may be a test of your love for them. Cats are very perceptive and will easily pick up on any changes in your behavior. They may fake sleep to see if you will notice them and come in for petting or affection.
6. Your Cat May Be Conserving Energy
Cats use plenty of energy when they play and hunt, so it only makes sense that they need a lot of rest. It may not be the best time for a nap, but they need a moment to rest without being disturbed, so fake sleeping is a great way to do that. A little rest can go a long way, so once they are done, they are ready to dart off again in their quest to hunt prey or play.
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7. Your Cat Could Be Catnapping
Cats often catnap for about 15–30 minutes to rest their bodies and minds. During a catnap, they will doze off but won’t fall into a deep sleep. This allows them to be alert to any potential threats and react quickly if needed.
During a catnap, their eyes may not be fully closed, and you may still notice some movement, which may lead you to believe that they are fake sleeping, but their only intention, in this case, is to get some rest.
8. Your Cat May Be Ignoring You
Your cat may be ignoring you and using fake sleep to do so. But don’t worry, if your cat ignores you, you most likely didn’t do anything to deserve it. Independent kitties occasionally need some alone time. It’s a good idea to give your cat space when they are resting, but don’t worry; they’ll come looking for you when they need some attention.
How to Tell If Your Cat Is Actually Sleeping or Faking It
It can be tricky to tell if your cat is resting, catnapping, or sleeping, but there are a few ways to help you distinguish which behavior is occurring.
1. Look at your cat’s position.
It may be in a deep sleep if it is stretched out and limp. Exposing its stomach is a vulnerable position, so if the tummy is exposed, it is most likely relaxed and content to sleep.
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2. Take a look at your cat’s paws
If your cat is on its stomach with its paws not fully tucked, but its head is upright, it may be pretending to sleep or just resting. This position allows them to stay alert and ready to escape a potential threat.
3. Real sleep is usually accompanied by deep breathing.
If your cat’s breathing is shallow and inconsistent, it is most likely because it is not asleep.
Image Credit: Александар Цветановић, Pexels
4. If you make a subtle noise, a sleeping cat will not react.
If your cats’ ears are moving as though they are trying to hear something, they are probably in a light doze or not sleeping.
Conclusion
Fake sleep can often be confused for a catnap, but sometimes your cat pretends to sleep for interesting reasons. They may be on the defensive to keep specific interactions or predators away, looking for attention, or plotting to swipe something off your plate.
However, there are times that cats catnap because they need extra rest but also need to stay alert. Understanding your cat’s body language can help you determine if they are fake sleeping or catnapping, but either way, it is recommended to give your cat space and perhaps not turn your back on your food!
Christian is the Editor-in-Chief of Excited Cats and one of its original and primary contributors. A lifelong cat lover, now based in South East Asia, Christian and his wife are the proud parents of an 11-year-old son and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper.
