Why do cats cover their faces when they sleep?

There are many different explanations for why cats cover their faces while sleeping, from trying to keep warm to protecting their whiskers. Here's the answer to the question of why cats cover their faces while sleeping.

There are many different explanations for why cats cover their faces when they sleep , from trying to keep warm to protecting their whiskers. Here are the answers to the question of why cats cover their faces when they sleep .

Why do cats cover their faces when they sleep? Picture 1 Why do cats cover their faces when they sleep? Picture 1

Cats are relaxing creatures. They spend nearly two-thirds of their lives sleeping. If you've ever seen your feline friend cover his face while napping, you might wonder why. Turns out, this helps them sleep better.

While domestic pets don't typically have to stress about killing prey, house cats are "programmed" to conserve energy for hunting. According to experts, covering their faces helps them sleep in several ways.

Many pet experts believe that cats cover their eyes to block out sunlight. Cats often seek out sunny spots to nap, but bright light can irritate their sensitive eyes and prevent them from falling asleep. By covering their faces, they create a dark environment for themselves, making it easier to fall asleep.

Cats may also try to stay warm and retain body heat by curling up tightly. Certified cat behavior expert Stephen Quandt explained to Woman's World, "Cutting into a ball, wrapping their tails, and covering their faces all help them retain body heat."

Pet food brand Canidae explains that cats often cover their faces when they sleep to feel safe. They know their faces are vulnerable, so covering them is a way to feel safe. Their whiskers are especially sensitive, allowing them to sense parts of their environment that they might not otherwise see or feel. Cats cover their faces to keep things from touching their hair follicles and causing sensory overload. If there is no good place to hide their faces, they may use their paws instead. However, it is also possible that cats like to sleep this way simply because it is comfortable, similar to curling up in a fetal position in bed.

The final—and possibly funniest—reason is that cats can fall asleep in this position while grooming themselves. Sometimes, they will lick their paws and wipe their faces to clean themselves. Doing so can cause them to become sluggish and fall asleep while they are doing their business.