Do cats hibernate? Reasons and suggestions

If you've ever imagined your kitty curled up in some hidden corner like a bear, dreaming about spending the winter, it's time to face reality. Cats don't hibernate.

Your cat may sleep a little more when the temperatures drop, but don't mistake this for the great winter hibernation reserved for some members of the animal kingdom. But why does the extra sleep occur? Let's take a deeper look.

What happens when cats sleep too much?

If you're one of the many cat owners, you may have noticed a trend: your cats sleep more in the winter. So, if they're not hibernating, what are they doing? In short, cats are generally more lethargic in the winter. Their activity levels drop and their sleep time increases, but this isn't hibernation.

This is simply your cat's way of coping with fewer daylight hours and cooler temperatures. In true hibernation, metabolic processes slow down significantly, but your cat is still very aware of his surroundings and can act quickly if necessary.

Cats are in a state of sleep that is closest to hibernation

They don't really hibernate, but stray and wild cats will exhibit a state similar to a brief, short-term hibernation called torpor. It's not as extreme as the winter coma that bears go into, but it's a way to conserve energy. In this state, metabolic rate drops and body temperature (only temporarily) decreases.

This helps them conserve energy for their usual patrols and leaps, as foraging for food in the winter is like shopping on Christmas Eve—choices are limited and competition is fierce. In a home environment, however, you're more likely to see a cat staying by a heater than in any type of hibernation.

Cat Mood and the Winter Blues

There is a belief that some cats may develop what is known as "seasonal affective disorder"? Although not an official diagnosis, observations have shown that some cats do show signs of low mood during the gloomy winter months. They may eat more, play less, or show a lack of interest in activities they normally enjoy.

How to Keep Your Cat Happy and Healthy in Winter

Want to undo your cat's frown? We've got the key tips you need to know.

Participate in activities

Whether it's investing in a new puzzle feeder or setting up a DIY obstacle course, keep that kitty moving! First, it will beat back boredom and help maintain a healthy weight. But keeping your cat occupied can make the colder months more reflective of activity-filled summer days.

Enjoy the sunshine

Although you can't bring the sun indoors, you can at least place your cat's favorite resting spot near a window. Pets usually enjoy sitting in the sunlight that shines through the window onto the floor. You might as well give your cat easy access to the sun.

Watch your diet

With less activity, your cat won't need as many calories. Be vigilant about portion control to avoid unnecessary weight gain, which can easily happen in the winter. An occasional fluctuation in weight isn't necessarily a cause for concern. But if it sets your cat on a path of frequent weight gain, you'll have a problem.

Indoor Winter Wonderland

Provide plenty of cozy blankets or a heated cat bed to keep your feline friend warm and cozy. Even though you might have the heater on, pets still prefer to nest where they can. You don’t have to go overboard, either; even a single blanket can make all the difference.

Conclusion

While cats don't hibernate in the truest sense of the word, they do have their own "winter mode," so to speak. It's like a cozy, lazy weekend that lasts all season long. But just like you shouldn't spend your entire weekend lounging on the couch, neither should your cat.

The winter months are an important time to monitor your pet's mental and physical well-being, making sure they are as active in the snow as they are in the sun.