Why do cats cover their faces when they sleep?

Although we may think “Wow, so cute!!!”, cats do this not to be cute to us.

Behavioral scientists have made some guesses about this…

Possible reasons why cats cover their faces when sleeping

In fact, behavioral scientists have the same (boring) guesses as you.

Manual sunglasses

As the number one sleeper, cats sleep an average of 15 to 20 hours a day, with deep sleep lasting more than 5 hours. Therefore, they prefer to fall asleep in the warm sunshine to reduce calorie consumption and improve sleep quality.

However, while the sun provides heat, it also produces dazzling light. In order to protect their eyes, they have to use their paws as sunglasses.

More secure

Based on their instincts from years of exposure to the world, domestic cats are used to using their claws or other surroundings to protect their heads, faces and other important parts when they sleep, even though they no longer have to face their natural enemies.

Behavioral scientists speculate that this may be a vacuum activity of cats, just like stepping on milk, and is a behavior pattern inherited from cat ancestors.

Doing so can give cats a certain sense of security, just like humans will protect their heads when they are beaten.

Falling asleep while grooming

Cats usually spend 15% to 50% of their waking time grooming themselves. In other words, cats are either sleeping or licking and grooming themselves all day long.

When the act of grooming oneself collides with sleepiness, the result is… falling asleep while grooming.

At this time, the paws will be placed next to the face in a very relaxed state.