Night. Silence. And suddenly – the patter of paws, crazy jumping and loud meowing. A familiar picture for many cat owners.
The phenomenon of cats' nocturnal madness has long intrigued and sometimes irritated their owners.
However, behind this behavior there are deep biological and psychological reasons, rooted in the wild past of these graceful predators.
Natural hunter instincts
Cats are natural predators and their biological clocks are set to be nocturnal.
In the wild, dusk and night are ideal times to hunt small prey.
Domestic cats, despite thousands of years of living alongside humans, have retained these instincts.
When the lights go out in the house, ancient reflexes awaken, and the pet begins to "hunt" for imaginary prey, be it a toy mouse or a tassel from a curtain.
Energy accumulated during the day
Many cats spend most of the day in a sleepy state, especially when their owners are away.
By the evening, when people return home, pets are full of energy and ready for activity.
If a cat does not receive enough stimulation and play during the day, all the accumulated energy spills out at night in the form of unbridled fun and running around the apartment.
Heightened senses in the dark
Cats' eyes are ideally suited for night vision. In the dark, their pupils dilate, allowing them to detect the slightest movement and faint light.
Hearing also becomes more acute, which makes night a time of increased sensitivity to the surrounding world for the cat.
A rustling sound outside the window, the sound of dripping water, or even a slight movement of air can trigger a burst of activity.
Territorial behavior
Night is the perfect time for cats to explore and assert their territorial rights.
In apartment buildings, pets may react to the sounds and smells of other animals coming from neighboring apartments.
This encourages them to engage in active behavior, such as meowing, scratching furniture, or trying to get outside.
Hormonal changes
In some cats, especially those who are not neutered, nocturnal behavior may be related to hormonal surges.
The period of estrus in cats is often accompanied by increased activity and vocalization, especially at night.
Even after sterilization, some pets may retain these behavior patterns.
Reaction to changes in the home
Cats are creatures of habit, and any changes in their environment can cause stress and anxiety.
New furniture, rearrangement or the arrival of guests can disrupt the pet's usual way of life.
As a result, the cat may become more active at night, trying to adapt to new conditions or express its dissatisfaction with the changes.
