For the casual observer, it may seem like cats don’t get up to much. They enjoy long naps, love laying in front of sunbeams and can generally be low on energy most of the time. So why are cats so lazy, or is that an unfair misconception?
The answer is a fascinating one as there are many factors that affect feline energy. Here we’ll go through all the good and bad reasons why your cat may seem lazy. Let’s get started!
Cats Are Crepuscular by Nature
It’s firstly important to know that cats don’t have the same sleep cycle we do. Humans are diurnal, which is easy to understand. We sleep during the night and are active during the day. However, cats are crepuscular.
This means they are most active around the hours of dawn and dusk. This matches the most effective hunting times for their prey, such as rodents and birds. Between these hours, cats will naturally wind down.
Cats will have multiple short naps throughout the day. This also means they will be awake for much of the night while you’re fast asleep. Cats naturally do sleep a lot but it’s worth appreciating that their sleep cycle is nothing like our own.
They’re Built to Conserve Energy
Hunting requires a lot of effort for a cat. In the wild they will spend a lot of time stalking, chasing, and pouncing. Cats are extremely quick, have lightning-fast reactions, and can also jump extremely high for their size.
This means they will need to conserve energy in between these bursts. Evolutionally, if they didn’t rest a lot, they wouldn’t have the energy required to hunt when the next opportunity comes along.
This energy-saving tactic is common among ambush predators, including the famous big cats. This is also a big reason that cats get the zoomies. If they’ve not found an outlet to release their energy, it can come out in sudden bursts.
So, Are Cats Lazy?
A healthy cat may appear lazy but won’t be. All cats sleep a lot, and this is simply due to their need to conserve energy for when they really need it. Even if given regular meals, a cat will still follow this evolutionary instinct.
It may also be that you’re missing your cat’s active hours. While you’re at work, they may be zooming around and having fun. Equally, they are likely to spend much of the night awake while you’re sound asleep.
So, there is a good chance your cat isn’t lazy. Instead, it’s just being its natural self. However, there are a few reasons why a cat may be lower on energy than usual. Read on as we’ll look at the negative reasons your cat may appear lazy.
Boredom Can Look Like Laziness
Cats are intelligent creatures that need plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Without it, their mood will suffer. An under stimulated cat can rest more than usual as it’s simply bored with its surroundings.
Solo indoor cats will rely on humans for engagement. They will either need to be played with, or have toys to play with. You’ll also want to give them environmental enrichment, such as with cat trees, scratching posts, and window perches.
If you find that your cat is sleeping more than usual or its behavior has changed, ensure it’s getting enough stimulation. Signs to look out for include destructive behavior, excessive grooming, and overeating.
Health Problems May Be a Factor
A high level of sleep is normal for cats, but any significant change in energy levels should be investigated. One of the more obvious signs of poor health is if the cat is overweight, as moving around could be overly uncomfortable or exhausting.
Arthritis is also common in older cats. This inflammation of the joints will make moving around more difficult. As such, they are more likely to rest and look lazy. Other symptoms can include a reluctance to jump, limping, and stiffness.
Other health issues can look like laziness too. They can include issues with their thyroid, diabetes, anemia, and heart disease. If you see any weight, appetite, or bathroom changes, then it’s best to consult a vet as soon as possible.
Age Plays a Big Role
Just as with any animal, cats slow down with age. Kittens are more likely to have bursts of energy and need lots of playtime. However, an adult cat will settle into a rhythm where they prefer to have long naps. At 10 years and older, senior cats will naturally rest more.
Older cats won’t chase toys or generally be as active as they used to. They can still enjoy life but will prefer gentler interaction. You still want to keep them engaged with activities, but their energy levels will start to lower.
Diet and Nutrition
A poor-quality diet can lead a cat to feeling sluggish. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they have to eat animal-based protein and fat to survive. A low-protein diet will leave them feeling unsatisfied and low on energy.
Filler food like corn, soy or rice doesn’t give your cat the right level of nutrition. If you’ve recently changed your cat’s diet, this may be responsible for their change in energy levels. Make sure you get food which matches not only their needs but also age and activity level.
Other Factors
There are also other factors that can make a cat appear lazy. Cats can experience anxiety and depression, causing them to withdraw and sleep more. This often comes with a major change in their environment. Sometimes time is the only healer for this, but make sure you provide safe spaces and positive interaction.
For some cats, it’s just a part of their personality. Cats are highly individual with some being energetic extroverts and others being content on the couch. It can also depend on the breed too, with some cats being more naturally chilled out than others.
Even the weather and seasons can affect their mood. In the colder months, they can seek out warm spots to nap. Conversely, in the hotter months, they want to avoid overheating so they may reduce their activity during peak temperatures.
