Understanding feline nighttime antics: Experts provide insight
Cat owners and those interested in feline habits have long wondered why these animals are often active in the evening and at night. Dr. Mikel Delgado from one of the Californian universities has spoken on this matter.
19 September 2024 16:46
Cats have a very specific daily rhythm. When night comes, they seem to run with unrestrained energy. Their nocturnal antics can seem incomprehensible even to those experienced with cats. Many people wonder about the reasons for this situation. However, it turns out that there are scientific explanations for this behaviour.
Scientists explain. Nighttime activity of cats is no coincidence
Some believed that cats' nighttime activity was associated with black magic. Science has a different opinion on this subject. Experts acknowledge that cats' nocturnal runs are an intriguing phenomenon on the border between charm and madness. Dr. Mikel Delgado from the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California, Davis, explains that this is a common phenomenon with several causes.
Science explains that cats are crepuscular animals. This means they are most active at dawn and dusk, related to their natural hunting instinct. Their internal biological clock prompts them to increase activity at these times of the day. Human influence also plays a role in their activity. Cats often sleep during the day when their owners are at work, leading to a buildup of energy for the evening.
Delgado said the cats are usually more active when we are more active, so because many cat owners are not around all day, when they come home, there is more activity at home, and the cats have all this energy accumulated during the day of lounging around.
How to curb a cat's nighttime antics?
Dr. Delgado emphasizes that there are ways to reduce cats' nighttime activity. This may be important for those owners who have trouble falling asleep due to feline play. Solving this problem seems quite simple. She suggests providing more activity for cats during the absence of household members. This can be achieved, for example, through a slow-feed bowl or installing a bird feeder on the balcony, which will provide additional entertainment for the cat.
Other simple objects can also substitute the owner's absence for the cat. Many people use colourful balls that catch the animal's attention, and an interesting idea is boxes in which treats are hidden.
