Is it that time of the year again when the season changes into a gloomy undertone?
Dark gray skies, a windy day, and your sleepy cat—ah, what a cute combo!
Do you wonder why your cat just sleeps the entire time on such a day?
In this article, we will answer your doubts about whether changes in the weather affect your cat’s sleep schedule and whether it is normal for cats to act lazily on rainy days.
Let’s get into it.
Key Takeaways
- Cats may sleep more during rainy weather.
- Changes in weather can affect a cat’s sleep cycle.
- Rainy weather may cause cats to be less active.
- Cats may experience seasonal depression during rainy weather.
- Keeping your cat engaged and active can help prevent increased sleep during rainy weather.
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Does Weather Affect Cat’s Sleep?
Of course, the weather affects your cat’s sleep cycle.
It should not come as a surprise that cats are just like humans and are impacted by the weather. Depending on the breed, age, temperament, and general health of the cat, their behavior might vary dramatically.
Whatever your cat’s typical attitude, it has been noted that cats tend to sleep more when the weather warrants it.
Yes, even if your cat only spends time inside, he will snore and look for a nap on a gloomy or rainy day.
Cats naturally sleep a lot—up to 20 hours in a 24-hour period in certain cases. They are built to sleep during the day and hunt at night in order to conserve energy, which is why this is the case.
But if your cat has been cuddling up in bed even more frequently lately, the rainy weather may be to blame.
Studies have shown:
There are undoubtedly seasonal variations in cats with access to the outdoors in terms of how many calories they burn and the concentration of hormones like melatonin, according to veterinarian Dr. Justin Shmalberg, DVM, a clinical associate professor at the University of Florida and the Chief Nutrition Officer of Nom Nom.
Dr. Justin Shmalberg, DVM
These elements would suggest that cats are less active during the rainy season.
The DVM Dr. Ignacio Casali adds to that by stating, “Sleeping, foraging, and reproductive habits in cats are significantly influenced by the endocrine and neurological systems.”
“The circadian rhythm and the circannual rhythm have an impact on these two systems.”
DVM Dr. Ignacio Casali
These facts might suggest that the wet season may have an impact on cats’ natural behaviors, such as sleeping.
Making sure they are in good condition and then considering seasonal changes are essential because these external influences can have a significant impact on how well your cat sleeps.
Cats might also be impacted by their owner’s amount of activity.
It’s always a good idea to keep indoor cats engaged and active, regardless of the season, according to some veterinarians who believe that any increase in sleeping by indoor cats is more likely to be tied to a decrease in the activities of their owners.
If your cat isn’t very active, think about letting them spend some time outside or adding some cat toys to the mix to keep them stimulated.
Possible effects of rain on a cat’s sleep patterns
| Effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Increased sleep | A cat may sleep more on rainy days due to the lack of outside stimuli and the comfort of being indoors |
| Decreased sleep | A cat may sleep less on rainy days due to anxiety or discomfort caused by the change in weather |
| No effect | Some cats may not be affected by rain and may sleep the same amount as usual |
Must Read: Do Cats Like Rain? Know The Secret
Why Do Cats Sleep When It’s Raining?
Rain causes the outside temperature to drop, which causes cats to sleep more. The average cat may sleep for twelve, sixteen, or even twenty hours every day.
In response to reduced daylight hours or modifications in your pattern, such as an earlier bedtime, kids may sleep even longer than usual during the rainy months.
Can seasonal depression be a cause?
Yes, cats go through seasonal depression too! Mental illnesses like anxiety and despair can affect cats.
We can’t always tell what’s going on emotionally with our cats, but you might notice that during the winter your cat is less active, sleeps more, or perhaps seems a little depressed.
They may be depressed as a result of having less time to soak up the light.
They could be reacting to our own cloud cover, for example. In the rainy season, your feelings of restlessness or listlessness may be reflected back to you by your cat, who is particularly attuned to our emotional states.
Must Read: Why Do Cats Go Crazy When It Rains?
There are several strategies to keep your cat happy and entertained during these months.
Purchase a new toy for them, or add a little catnip to one of their old favorites, to pique their interest. Teach them a new skill, like shaking hands, lying down, or waving.
Training a cat can be time-consuming and require patience, but it can also be enjoyable and rewarding.
Another suggestion is to place a bird feeder close to a window for your cat’s amusement. Place a stable perch on the windowsill so that your cat can observe the situation while sitting comfortably.
Make sure the window is locked so that your cat cannot damage themselves attempting.
Extended cat naps are often not a problem during the rainy season. However, if your cat is very lethargic, skipping meals, refusing to play normally, or exhibiting symptoms of the disease like an unkempt coat, you should call your veterinarian.
Factors that may affect a cat’s sleep patterns
| Factor | Effect on sleep patterns |
|---|---|
| Age | Kittens and senior cats may sleep more than adult cats |
| Health | Illness or discomfort may cause a cat to sleep more or less than usual |
| Diet | A balanced diet and adequate hydration may help promote healthy sleep patterns |
| Exercise | Regular exercise may help a cat sleep better at night |
| Stress | Stress or anxiety may cause a cat to sleep more or less than usual |
Interesting Read: Can Cats Drink Rain Water?
Are Cats Lazier On Rainy Days?
Yes, cold, rainy days make your cat feel more lazy and lethargic.
Just like with people, cats’ sleeping patterns can be influenced by the weather. Days that are chilly or rainy may make a cat want to nap.
In the rain, cats appear more sleepy and will contentedly nap all day.
They grumble when it’s lovely and sunny outdoors. They might not get excited and want to go charging around outside when it’s really windy.
It turns out that cats react to variations in air pressure more strongly.
Yes, thanks to their enhanced senses, they can detect warning signs of impending storms. The inner ears of cats may be able to sense a sudden drop in air pressure.
A cat is additionally more perceptive to odors and sounds. Consequently, your cat will hear the thunder before you do.
Similarly, your cat is more likely to detect the metallic scent of lightning in the air than the impending rain.
Interesting Read: Are Cats Scared Of Thunderstorms?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my cat seem cozier when it rains?
Because, despite what those who supposedly adore fall try to convince you, wet days are awful. especially if you are a little, warm-blooded critter descended from desert-dwelling ancestors.
The increased humidity and dip in temperature that rainy days bring are two things that the majority of home cats detest.
The good news is that you, their favorite person, are probably just lounging around on the couch. Because of this, your lap is the ideal spot for them to sit and warm their tiny paws.
How to save a cat rescued from a storm?
Warm her up and dry her fur. Put a heating pad on low or some hot water bottles in with her if you can find a cardboard box. Make sure there is enough space for her to escape the heat if she chooses. It would be lovely if you could put in a few towels or an old laprobe for her.
She should rest while you move the box to a quiet area. She might sleep all day if she’s that worn out, which would give her body time to rest.
If you can, keep it quiet and dark where she is. You can add food and water if she’s awake. But don’t try to force her to eat or drink; let her choose for herself.
There might be an animal shelter or humane society close by, depending on where you are. To find out if anyone has reported a missing cat, you can give them a call.
Consult your neighborhood veterinarian as well. Free ads may be available online and in print editions of your neighborhood newspaper.
She is now dry and warm thanks to you, who also provided a secure place for her to stay. Please know that, even if the worst occurs, you treated her right.
How do feral cats react to thunderstorms?
If a cat is wild, it will simply search for a hiding place to avoid getting wet, wherever that place may be. Cats tend to avoid thunderstorms since getting wet is not something they enjoy.
But if the storm is dangerous enough to endanger their lives, then any species’ survival instinct will take over, and cats are the best at finding protection.
The majority of cats that live with people rapidly take on their human’s attitude toward storms, rain, and thunder. If left outside, some people will be frightened, while others won’t care much and will behave like feral animals do, hiding beneath some thick trees or other things so they won’t get wet.
Final Words
If a cat naps more than normal, it typically wouldn’t be a cause for immediate alarm. To keep their bodies alert and ready to prowl, stalk, play, and hunt when they are awake, our feline pals slumber for the majority of their lives.
Cats come in a variety of personalities and temperaments, and this includes their sleeping patterns.
If your cat behaves differently during rainy weather, such as being energetic, let us know in the comments area. What does she do when she is at home?
You would also like to read:
- Can Cats Find Their Way Home After Rain?
- Where Do Stray Cats Go When It Rains?
- Why Is My Cat Sitting Outside In The Rain?
