How Cats Know When It's Bedtime and the Benefits of Routine
Cats are known for their keen observational skills and ability to pick up on their owners' routines. Here are a few reasons why they seem to know when it's bedtime:
Routine Recognition
Cats are creatures of habit and can learn the schedules of their owners. They may notice patterns such as when you start winding down (turning off lights or changing into pajamas).
Sensory Cues
Cats have excellent senses. They can hear subtle sounds, like the rustling of blankets or the soft click of a lamp being turned off, which can signal that it’s time for bed. These cues help them stay in tune with the daily rhythm of their owners.
Behavioral Conditioning
If you consistently reward your cat with attention or treats when you go to bed, they may associate your bedtime routine with positive experiences. This can create a reinforcing feedback loop that makes them even more attuned to your schedule.
Social Instincts
Cats are social animals and often seek companionship. They might encourage you to go to bed to ensure they have your company, which can make them feel more secure knowing you are nearby.
Hunting Instincts
Some experts suggest that cats may be influenced by their natural instincts. In the wild, they would be more active during twilight hours. Encouraging their owners to settle down might align with their own active periods.
Overall, your cat's behavior is likely a combination of learned behavior, sensory awareness, and a desire for companionship.
Cats Live by Routine!
Cats in nature go out to hunt just as twilight is hitting and again in the morning before the sun is fully up. They catch it, eat it, groom themselves, and sleep. Repeat. Routine is everything!
If you go to bed around the same time each evening, the cat will record the information in their brain and will want you to keep to that routine! It's not just a coincidence; it's a sign of their keen observation of your daily rhythms.
They Know Our Habits Well
Cats are more aware of our habits than we often realize. They are like living alarms, knowing when certain activities are about to occur. They are less likely to disturb you in the middle of the night, which is a great benefit for your sleep quality.
Benefit of Routine
Understanding and respecting your cat's need for routine is important for both of you. By establishing and maintaining a consistent bedtime routine, you can enjoy better sleep and a more harmonious living environment. Your cat will appreciate the predictability, and you will benefit from their companionship and the peace of mind that comes from a well-behaved, well-rested feline companion.
Most animals, including your cats, know these things and many of us don't give them the credit they deserve. They enjoy seeing us off to slumber-world for our deep REM sleep. Many will hop on the bed and do their little dance as a way to say thanks for the day.
When I go in the barn at night before bed, I leave the lights off and wait for my eyes to adjust. Most of the animals give me a low volume, low frequency murmur to acknowledge me. A few come over to get a back scratch or their face petted. They all know it's a universal event, but we humans do it in a different way. We're all the same but we're upright, pay taxes, and don't mind our own business.