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Cats – they’ll yell in our face at 4am then spend the day sleeping soundly, while we have to continue on, dishevelled and sleep-deprived. (Good thing we love them, hey?) This burst of energy when the sun sets and succession of naps at daylight would suggest that our endearing feline friends are nocturnal. So the question is – are cats nocturnal?
Cats are not nocturnal; they’re actually crepuscular animals. This means they’re biologically more active during dusk and dawn. Rory the Vet is here to explain further the mysterious behaviours behind our four-legged alarm clocks.
MEET RORY THE VET
We’ve partnered up with animal whisperer and renowned veterinarian, Dr Rory Cowlam, to share his wisdom when it comes to all things furry. And boy, does this man know his stuff.
Starting with his degree from the Royal Veterinary College, Rory has since co-starred in the CBBC’s series The Pet Factor, shared his knowledge on the likes of Blue Peter and written all about it in his book, Secret Life of a Vet.
Starting with his degree from the Royal Veterinary College, Rory has since co-starred in the CBBC’s series The Pet Factor, shared his knowledge on the likes of Blue Peter and written all about it in his book, Secret Life of a Vet.
Follow him on Instagram
If Cats Aren’t Nocturnal Animals, Why Do They Sleep Most of the Day?
It’s no question that cats take their sleep seriously – on average, they sleep 15 hours a day. This sleeping pattern has evolved from their wild ancestors. Being predatory species, they are wired to hunt, and this uses up a lot of energy. Although domestic cats no longer need energy to hunt, this instinct remains, which is why they still sleep for long periods.
Is Your Cat Awake at Night?
It’s normal for your cat to be active at night. It again goes back to their wild ancestors - nighttime is prime time for a successful hunt, thanks to their night vision, which allows them to sneak up on prey.
Other reasons why your cat is awake during the night is due to boredom and/or hunger. Which is where the 6am zoomies come in.
To avoid nighttime havoc, I suggest playing with your cat before bed to tire them out and provide them with mental stimulation. Make sure they have been fed and, if your cat can’t seem to get through the night, try using a timer feeder and setting it to go off overnight with a little food.
Cats are trainable and adaptable - they will often go to sleep with their humans and wake with them. Having a routine is key to this. However, it is important that cats still sleep the majority of the day. This may seem like a lot to us humans, but not getting enough sleep can lead to behavioural issues.
Conclusion
Now you know the answer to; are house cats nocturnal? They’re in fact crepuscular. Their nighttime antics are derived from evolutionary traits as well as aspects such as hunger or boredom. For a peaceful night’s sleep, keep a routine your cat can follow, observe their behaviour to ensure they are stimulated with plenty of play and make sure they are fed and satisfied. If all else fails, keep your bedroom door locked!
The information in this article is intended as a guide to help pets and pet parents on their journey together. It is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for professional advice from a vet, behaviourist, trainer or other professional. We encourage all pet parents to consult with their vet and/or behaviourist to ensure their pet’s specific needs are met.
Published on 26/02/2026
