Are Cats Nocturnal? The Truth About Your Feline’s Sleep Habits

By April Liu

Are Cats Nocturnal? The Truth About Your Feline’s Sleep Habits

If you’ve ever been woken up at 3 a.m. by the sound of zoomies down the hallway or a paw patting your face, you might think your cat is a full-on night owl. But are cats truly nocturnal?

Key Takeaways

  • Cats aren’t nocturnal. They’re crepuscular, meaning they’re most active at dawn and dusk due to natural hunting instincts.

  • Nighttime energy is often about boredom or routine, not a true preference for being awake all night.

  • Adjusting play, feeding, and enrichment can help align your cat’s sleep schedule more closely with yours.

Nocturnal vs. Crepuscular

Many people describe cats as nocturnal, but that’s not entirely accurate. Domestic cats are actually crepuscular, meaning they’re most active during dawn and dusk. In the wild, these hours are prime hunting times. Even though your cat might not have to hunt for their dinner, that instinct is still deeply ingrained.

Why They’re Active at Night

Cats often seem nocturnal because:

  • Indoor cats may mimic their wild cousins’ hunting patterns.

  • If a cat naps all day while you’re at work, they may be full of energy at night.

BOXIE CAT FACT: Cats have incredible night vision, and they can even see in ultraviolet light. This unique ability helps them explore and understand their world. With Boxie Glo™ UV cat litter, you can tap into that superpower to naturally encourage litter box use. Read more about how your cat sees the world.

How to Encourage a Better Sleep Schedule

If your cat’s nighttime antics are keeping you up, you can gently help them sync more with your schedule:

  1. A good 10–15 minutes of pouncing and chasing before bedtime can tire them out.

  2. Cats often sleep after a big meal, so it might be a good time to feed them in the evening.

  3. Provide toys, scratching posts, or puzzle feeders to keep them busy while you’re away.

FAQ


Are cats actually nocturnal?


No. Cats are crepuscular, meaning they’re most active during the early morning and evening hours.


Why does my cat run around in the middle of the night?


This behavior is often due to instinct, boredom, or stored-up energy from daytime naps. Read here on how to keep your cat happy.

How can I get my cat to sleep at night?


 Play with your cat before bedtime, feed them in the evening, and provide daytime enrichment to tire them out.


Do cats sleep more during the day or night?


Cats typically sleep 12–16 hours a day, often in short bursts spread across both day and night.


Is nighttime activity normal for indoor cats?


Yes. Even indoor cats maintain hunting instincts that make them more active at certain times, especially at night or around dawn and dusk.