Cat Napping in a Hammock

About this drawing

Sleep is a cat's favorite thing, and a cat in a hammock has found the ideal way to do it. Grown cats sleep around twelve to sixteen hours a day, and kittens and seniors often go past that. It adds up to a surprisingly large part of a cat's whole life.

There is a good reason for it. Hunting is a short burst of hard work: stalk, sprint, pounce. Then the body needs to recover and save energy for next time. Even a pampered pet with a full bowl runs on that same ancient rhythm of quick action followed by long rest.

Much of this sleep is the famous catnap. It is light, and the ears keep turning toward any sound, so the sleeper can be up and moving in an instant. Only a smaller share is deep sleep, when muscles go loose and the cat might twitch.

Choosing where to nap is serious business. Cats look for warmth, quiet and height, and they often rotate between favorite places through the day as the sun moves. A hammock keeps them off the ground and cradles the body, which explains why pet stores sell small versions that hook onto windows and radiators. If you ever find a cat asleep belly up in plain view, take it as a compliment. An exposed tummy means it feels completely safe.

• cat
• nap
• hammock
• relaxing