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Do Cats Like The Dark – 3 Things To Know!

Do Cats Like The Dark – 3 Things To Know!

It’s 3 A.M., and your cat has the zoomies. You should be asleep, but instead, all you can hear is the scuttling of tiny paws. At such times you can’t help but ask yourself about how a cat perceives darkness. Is that why they love running and jumping around when the world is trying to sleep? Do cats like the dark?

Cats like the dark. House cats are more crepuscular, meaning it’s likely to be at its most active during the dusk and twilight hours. That doesn’t mean cats have a preference for darkness, but they’re wired by nature to stay alert right before the sun comes up and goes down.

Cats in the wild, however, are more nocturnal because that’s when they tend to hunt. If you’re a fellow cat lover trying to figure out your furbaby’s love of hiding in dark spots or being super-active when the lights are out – you’ve come to the right place. This article will explore all the connections between kitty-cats and the lack of light, including how safe leaving your furball in complete darkness is. 

Do Cats Really Like Darkness

Some things in life require observation and deduction. And, a question like – do cats like the dark exactly fits that bill. Why? That’s quite simple. There’s no way cats can communicate their fondness or dislike of the dark. 

So, the only option left to cat enthusiasts is to investigate feline behavior to form an assumption or theory of sorts. We’ve already touched upon the fact that many vets worldwide state felines (especially pets) are crepuscular and are most active during twilight and sunrise. 

If your cat likes waking you up at two or three a.m. for a meal and then proceeds to run around like crazy in the semi-darkness, it’s because of its crepuscular nature. It also makes sense that eating late at night renews your pet’s energy levels, which causes it to run and play, even in the dark. 

However, things get a little trickier when pet parents claim their cats tend to stay awake throughout the night – making them nocturnal. Is it possible for some cats to like staying awake during nighttime while others don’t? Absolutely. Cats have singular personalities. 

But, even then, it’s difficult to stay if cats like the dark because their sleep and wake cycles are linked to their nature – meaning it’s just the way they are. There’s not much liking involved in the process.

Why Do Cats Like To Hide In Dark Places

People likely assume cats like the darkness because they so often prefer hiding in small, dark places. For example, favored feline hiding places include cardboard boxes, closets, the gap underneath your bed, etc.

Nonetheless, a cat’s liking for dark places has little to do with a preference for the dark and more to do with safety and security. 

Cats are surprisingly anxious and careful creatures, and even the slightest thing can set off their fears. For instance, the sudden ringing of a doorbell, dropping something heavy, or any other type of loud noise. 

When something unexpected happens, your cat will likely make a beeline for someplace it can hide. Plus, dark spaces also give cats the advantage of not being seen but being able to see any approaching danger. 

Hiding is an instinct that cats get from their ancestors. In the wild, it’s not uncommon for big cats to snooze in trees during the day – to keep safe from predators. 

Similarly, you’ll notice newly-adopted cats that haven’t acclimated to their surroundings will often find dark corners to nap in because they’re not entirely at ease with the environment. 

Should You Leave A Cat In The Dark

There’s a popular misconception about cats that states the species can see in absolute darkness, which is not true. Felines can see better than humans in low-light conditions, but they still need some light to see properly. So, leaving cats in pitch darkness can put them at risk of injuries.

As long as there’s a source of light, no matter how faint – cats will be able to move around much better than humans. That’s because feline eyes are spectacularly designed to give them their own version of night (or low-light) vision. 

Cats possess a curved cornea and large lens, which lets them dilate their pupils completely to allow maximum light absorption. 

Plus, feline photoreceptors include more rods (instead of cones) – making them exceedingly good at seeing at night, motion sensing, and peripheral vision. On the other hand, with more cones, humans are better equipped to see in bright light. 

Finally, felines have a type of reflective tissue, called the tapetum, behind their retinas. The tapetum helps reflect light to sensory cells and allows the retina to receive more light. It’s also why your kitty’s eyes seem to glow in the dark or when you direct light at them. 

Do Cats Like Sleeping In The Dark

Cats love sleeping, period. In the wilderness, cats sleep for long hours during the day to conserve energy for their nightly hunts. House cats may not have to hunt for their food, but they still have the instinct to save their energy and use it wisely. 

The truth is, your cat can fall asleep anywhere, in light or dark, with loud noises going off in the background – as long as it feels safe. That’s why so many cat parents often catch their furbaby stretched out in front of the window, soaking in the sun.

It’s also equally likely to find your kitten napping under the blankets, on shelves, and under tables. But, what’s common in all your furbaby’s favorite sleeping spots is that your feline knows there’s no threat of danger involved. 

Other factors that may affect your cat’s choice of sleeping spots are proximity to you and adequate warmth. However, light or darkness don’t have much to do with deciding where cats sleep. 

Things To Consider

Cat parents looking for solutions to keep their felines calm during the night can breathe a sigh of relief. We’ve compiled a shortlist of handy tips you can employ to ensure your pet is less inclined to be the proverbial night owl. 

● Increase Play Time

Cat owners often complain they don’t have enough time to play with their pets because they return home tired from a long day out. That’s completely understandable. 

But, here’s the thing, playtime for your cat doesn’t have to involve much effort on your part. Not if you invest in valuable feline toys like lasers and cat teasers. 

One of the best and easiest ways to ensure your furbaby sleeps throughout the night is to keep it well exercised. The more energy your cat expends close to when you turn in for the night, the better your chances of having a peaceful night. 

● Try Keeping Your Room Door Shut

If your cat shows no signs of changing its nighttime routine, try to set up a comfy cat area for it outside your room, with a water bowl and all other cat necessities. Doing so will allow you to keep your room door shut without feeling too guilty. 

Your cat may require a day or two to get used to being denied entry to your space, but eventually, it’ll find better things to do with its time. 

● Get Your Cat A Companion

Believe it or not, your cat may be channeling Godzilla at night because it’s lonely or bored. You can help make your cat feel less lonesome if you’re opposed to the idea of another feline pet. Most cat owners will tell you that two felines in the same house tend to keep themselves occupied by chasing and playing with each other.