If you are a pet lover, you know by now that we will do anything and everything for our beloved furry friends. We treat them like a part of the family even if sometimes they show signs that they don’t want to be a part of it.
This includes getting them a bed of their own. A space in the house where they can let loose and relax the whole day and night.
In this article, we will take a look at what benefits a cat bed has and how it can help your cat sleep better at night. Should you get them a cat bed? Do Cats Need A Cat Bed? Or is it just a waste of your hard-earned money? Let’s find out.
Cats And Sleep
New cat owners must be wondering why your cats sleep so much? There is a logical and simple answer to that query. Energy conservation. Cats have this primal nature to sleep to conserve their energy for the hunt. Although domesticated cats do not need to hunt, they have still adapted these traits up to this day.
Keep in mind that your cats are not in deep sleep when they actually sleep. They are sleeping in a state where they are on high alert because there is that added stress that they are also prey in certain situations. So if you see your cat dozing off while sitting, that’s completely normal.
If you think that your cat is not getting enough sleep, better to take them to the vet to have them checked out. There might be some health issues that need to be addressed.
Just keep in mind there is no such thing as too much sleep for a cat. Wouldn’t it be nice if they had a bed where they could do just that?
Cat Sleep Cycles
As mentioned above, cats conserve their energy as much as they can for the hunt. They will sleep as much as they can so they can be fully alert when the time comes.
Cats are what they call crepuscular. This means that neither nocturnal nor diurnal. They are most active in the hours in between which are just after dusk and before dawn. When you are just about to go to bed, they are getting ready to do their activities.
Should You Let Your Cat Sleep In your Bed?
One thing to remember out of all of this is that all cats are different. There are cats that love to cuddle with their human counterparts and there are some that just can’t be bothered. Many humans are okay with that and there are those who want their cat to sleep in their own beds.
There are both pros and cons to having your cat sleep with you on the bed and even in the sheets.
A good thing about having the cat in your bed is that they can potentially calm your anxiety and prevent night terrors. It is also good to just have your cat beside you while you sleep.
The downside of it all is that cats are awake when you sleep. This can interrupt your own sleeping patterns. You may end up waking up too early and not get enough sleep, or you get broken sleep patterns and not feel as refreshed when you finally wake up in the morning.
Unless you are fine with waking up in the wee hours of the night, you have the same sleeping patterns as your cat does, then feel free to have them in your bed every time you sleep. However, a cat bed can eliminate that issue if you’re not too keen on waking up every now and then.
Benefits of Having A Cat Bed
Cat beds can really be advantageous for both the cat and the human. Aside from the human getting enough uninterrupted sleep, your cat can also get enough sleep in their own comfortable bed without having to be bothered by anything else. Here are just a few key benefits that we think are best to consider when you are deciding on getting a cat bed.
Instant Comfort
This gives them a softer place to sleep rather than just sleeping on the floor.
Temperature Regulation
Having a bed can greatly affect how your cat will feel in terms of temperature. Heated beds in the summer though, are not advisable as they can get too hot.
Manages Arthritis
Cat beds, especially orthopedic beds, are best for senior cats that have a few problems with their joints and their bones. This can make them feel comfortable while sleeping or lounging.
Designation
Cat beds tell your cats that they have a designated place in the house. This will keep your cat from going on your bed, couch, or other furniture that you don’t want them on. They will always come back on the bed every time.
Do Cats Need A Cat Bed?
Do Cats Need A Cat Bed? We think that cat beds would be a great addition to any cat home. Multiple cat beds around the house can be very beneficial especially in multi-cat homes as they will not fight over who gets the bed for the night.
Even if you don’t buy yourself a fancy cat bed with all the heating features or the softest fabric, a cardboard box with soft linen and sheets will work out fine for now until you get them a cat bed of their own.
The trickiest part of all this is getting your cat to use it at all. There are some that refuse it all together and some that just need a little bit of time adjusting to it. We wish you all good luck and a good night’s sleep!