Cats look at their most adorable when asleep – which is a good thing as they tend to do a lot of it. They can sleep up to 18 hours a day, which aids and restores their bodies to full health, so they have lots of energy for running, pouncing, climbing and stalking. Cats are known as crepuscular which means they are most active in the hours of dusk and dawn.
Cats have the physiology of a predator, so they’re hardwired to give chase and hunt. Large cats such as lions have a similar pattern of sleeping during the day and, although domesticated, housecats still retain that sleep pattern.
As cats spend most of their life sleeping, sorting out a comfortable resting place is essential. There are plenty of cushions, cat houses and baskets in a variety of materials, types and sizes. To start with the basics, most cats love boxes because they are keen explorers and inquisitive and often look for potential hiding places. So a box-like sleeping area satisfies this instinctual need.
For cats who are real outdoor lovers, providing a top-of-the range cat kennel is a good choice. The larger varieties have ample space for bedding and cushions, windows, an area for toys as well as a litter tray.
You might have noticed that your cat loves sitting on the TV or the computer. It’s not only because they want attention from you – it’s also warm. Cats adore heat, as you can see when they sun themselves in the garden. So why not try a state-of-the-art cat pod with heat pads, or a self-heating cat bed, insulated on the floor-facing side? These will relax your cat and provide a warm place to snooze.
A plastic-covered cat bed is useful for active cats who love to be outdoors in all weathers. When it returns home wet and tired, it can snooze on the plastic cat bed, leaving your sofa free from muddy paws. Plastic cat beds can be wiped or hosed down so are easily kept clean and hygienic.
As well as oval and rectangular sleeping pads, there are also varieties of hooded cat beds. Some come in faux suede and sheepskin and make a great hiding place for a cat nap. Choose machine-washable varieties and a bed with a non-slip base.
If your cat loves watching the world from the window, a windowsill cat bed allows it a view of the outdoors as well as a cosy place to relax and snooze. A cuddle cup acts like a blanket around a cat, to help keep in its body heat. Many cats love cuddle cups to nap in, particularly in the winter when they come in from a night’s prowl. They are also excellent for cats who usually sleep curled up.
Register for Gourmet’s “Very Important Cat Club” and you’ll receive great offers including free goodies, the chance to win tickets to the BBC Good Food Show and voucher discounts for Gourmet products.
Simply sign up on the Gourmet website and you’ll get £1 off your next Gourmet multipack purchase when you register. And you’ll be kept up to date with exclusive recipe offers and the latest news to keep the feline in your life fit and healthy.
