Why Spending Time With Cats Can Be So Comforting—According to Science

Learn how to help your rescue cat adjust during the first 30 days with tips on safe spaces, routines, play, and building trust at home.

Hi there. I'm Alexander. I was living in a home where there were too many cats, and none of us were getting fixed. As you can guess, that meant the population of us felines exploded. As the people in the cat room like to say, without the cats being fixed, the 12 cats in the cat room would quickly become 20.  Fortunately for us, The Rescue House was able to come in and take care of things. All of us got the care we needed in order to get a chance to thrive, and that includes getting fixed. For me, it meant I became a special cat. I'm cat number 20,000 for The Rescue House. They're setting a goal of raising $20K by the end of the year on my behalf. Please visit rescuehouse.org to donate and let them know you're doing it in my name. Thanks for supporting The Rescue House. They saved me!

You might think that Zero is a strange name for a cat. And it is. But that's okay. I will respond to it with cute meows if you say it to me. It keeps people from getting me confused with other cats.  After living outside and having problems giving birth to a litter, I went to get cared for by people. Unfortunately, none of my kittens made it. But I did, and because I'm so grateful to the people who helped me, I love being around you two legged creatures. I will call out to you if I notice you're around and I've gotten to know you. Soon, I'll follow you around and ask for you to brush my unusual coat. Come and see me in the cat lounge and I'll be happy to talk to you.

My life almost ended before it got a chance to start. I was on the euthanasia list at a shelter when The Rescue House swooped in to save me. I'm so grateful they did and I show that to everyone with my enthusiasm and playful personality.  When I say playful, I mean it. I will turn down food for the opportunity to play. Don't get me wrong, I love my food but playing is more enjoyable. And when it's time to relax, I'll find a place to sleep by my people. Come on in and meet me. Maybe you'll decide that I'm the cat you want snuggling next to you and purring.

Cats are famous for their luxurious lounging habits, and for good reason. 1. They’re Natural Predators Even the fluffiest house cat shares ancestry with wild hunters. In the wild, big cats like lions and leopards conserve energy by sleeping for long stretches between hunts. Domestic cats have inherited the same instinct: to sleep often and deeply, so they’re ready to pounce when needed. 2. They’re Crepuscular Creatures Unlike humans, cats are not strictly diurnal (awake during the day) or nocturnal (awake at night). Cats are crepuscular , which means they’re most active at dawn and dusk. That leaves plenty of hours in between for rest, often totaling 12–16 hours of sleep per day , with kittens and senior cats sleeping even more. 3. Sleep Supports Growth and Brain Health Just like in humans, sleep plays a vital role in a cat’s physical and mental health. During deep sleep, cats release growth hormones, build immune strength, and process stimuli from the day. It’s essential for kittens (who may sleep up to 20 hours!) and older cats recovering from activity or illness. Types of Cat Sleep: Light Snoozing vs. Deep Sleep Not all cat sleep is the same. You might notice your cat’s ears twitch or tail flick while they nap. This is likely light sleep, also known as a "cat nap," where they’re still partially alert to their surroundings. Cats also cycle into REM (deep) sleep , where you may see muscle twitches or whisker movement. This is when true restorative rest happens, and it’s essential for their physical health and emotional well-being. Signs Your Cat is Getting Good Sleep They nap in a variety of safe, quiet spots They seem relaxed, paws tucked, belly up, or stretched out They wake up slowly and comfortably They play, eat, and socialize well during active periods On the flip side, if your cat is constantly startled awake, sleeps in odd places (like the litter box), or seems overly lethargic, it may be worth checking in with your vet. How to Help Your Cat Sleep Well at Home Cats are self-soothers, but you can support their sleep routine by creating a calm, cozy, and enriched environment. Here are a few tips: 1. Create a Safe Sleeping Space Offer a variety of cozy nap spots in different parts of your home. Think: Window perches for sunbathing Covered beds or boxes for privacy Soft blankets in quiet corners Cats love options, so try giving them a mix of high and low spaces to choose from. 2. Stick to a Routine Cats thrive on predictability. Keeping consistent feeding and play times helps regulate their internal clock. Play with them during their naturally active times (early morning or evening) to encourage restful sleep later. 3. Minimize Noise & Disruption Make sure their sleep spaces are free from loud or jarring noises. Cats are light sleepers and easily startled. Turn off loud TVs, avoid vacuuming near nap spots, and provide a space where they won’t be bothered. 4. Enrich Their Waking Hours A well-stimulated cat will rest better. Offer interactive toys, climbing shelves, puzzle feeders, and play sessions throughout the day. A satisfied cat is a sleepy cat! How Cat & Craft Supports Cat Naps At Cat & Craft , we’ve designed our café and cat lounge to honor cats’ natural rhythms. You’ll find: Cozy corners and soft beds in both private and communal areas Vertical shelves for climbing and lounging A calm, welcoming atmosphere that encourages trust and comfort Respectful visitors who understand the golden rule: let sleeping cats lie 💤 Our cats are free to nap when and where they choose, which helps reduce stress and promote positive behaviors. It also gives adopters a glimpse into a cat’s relaxed, natural side, a key factor in finding the right match. Conclusion: Celebrate the Cat Nap Cats aren’t lazy, they’re efficient. Their frequent naps are a biological necessity and a sign of comfort, health, and trust. By understanding your cat’s sleep habits and creating a supportive environment, you’re helping them live their best (and most rested) life. So next time your cat curls up and drifts off mid-afternoon, take it as a cue to slow down too. Brew a cup of coffee, grab a book, and enjoy the peace of a cat nap kind of day. Want to see cat naps in action? Visit us at Cat & Craft, where the coffee is hot, the cats are cozy, and the vibes are always chill. 🐾☕