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Cats enjoy exploring, especially at night. This is due to the fact that they are creatures whose instinct is to hunt when it is dark outside, particularly at dawn and dusk. A cat is most active during those times of the day. If your cat is allowed to go outside, you may be wondering what they do in the middle of the night. You are not alone in this question.
Cats who venture outside after dark enjoy exploring the terrain and claiming new territory. With fewer people on the streets, cats have more freedom to roam. Cats hunt at night as many prey animals are nocturnal. Some cats appear to hide from more dominant pets, while others appear to seek a new mate. Many cats will welcome the opportunity to roam after dark, but it is not always safe. Find out what cats do after the sun goes down and decide whether you want them to stay outside while you sleep.
Why Cats Are Most Active at Night
Cats are frequently described as nocturnal, but this is not entirely correct. Cats are actually crepuscular, which means they are most active just before and after the sun rises and sets. It’s just that many cats actively seek the peace and tranquillity of the early morning hours. Humans are usually in bed sleeping after dark. During the day, cats are bombarded with a cacophony of sounds and smells. When it gets dark, the streets outside become much quieter. It’s usually a more peaceful time for cats.
Cats can also see well in low-light conditions. The unique anatomy of a cat’s eyes, as explained by the American Journal of Optometry and Physiological Optics, reflects minimal light. In many ways, feline vision improves at night. If you walk the streets at night, you will undoubtedly see many cats going about their business. These will primarily be domesticated house cats taking advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore and stake a claim on the streets.
What Do They Do At Night
Your small little cuddle bug may appear to be a couch potato during the day, but their instincts kick in whenever they get the chance. In fact, if they are allowed outside, they may have left you a “present” of a mouse or bird on your kitchen table.
A University of Georgia study collected video footage of over 50 cats to see what they do, where they go, and what they encounter at night. They discovered that up to half of the cats studied spent their time hunting wildlife such as lizards, frogs, and mice. Other cats went exploring as well, but many of them stayed within a 12-mile radius of their home. Cats are territorial, so they prefer to roam within their own neighborhood, following established paths that they have become familiar with.
Outdoor cats obviously have a significant impact on wildlife. Even a small number of cats can deplete local songbird populations through kills and injuries, as well as their presence. It has been proposed that the domestic cat has aided in the extinction of 63 bird, mammal, and reptile species.
Where Do Cats Go at Night?
Some cats will spend the night in their backyard, but the majority of cats will consider this a waste of time. The cover of darkness is an excellent opportunity to explore new territory. As a result, a better question would be, “How far do cats roam at night?”
Cats have varying levels of curiosity, courage, and wanderlust. A cat’s average roaming distance is between 40 and 200 meters from home. It all boils down to the risk vs reward equation. A cat will not feel compelled to travel far if it can find territory, prey, food, water, and stimulation close to home. Cats prefer to be able to retreat to a safe area if necessary. If a cat’s immediate surroundings are uninteresting, it will feel compelled to explore further. Cats that catch an interesting scent may also follow it as far as they deem necessary. It is not uncommon for cats to walk for miles, lost in the moment.
Is It Safe For Cats To Go Outside At Night?
Even if your cat enjoys going out at night to hunt, it is not safe for him. When left alone, it is in danger. If you have an outdoor cat, its lifespan is only 3 to 5 years. An indoor cat has a life expectancy of 10 to 16 years. This vast difference is due to the dangers of outdoor life. Nighttime can be a dangerous time for domestic felines. You must be aware of the risks if you decide to leave your cat outside overnight. If in doubt, leave the cat flap open so your cat can come and go as he pleases.
Moreover, they can face threats like:
- Having a car accident while walking, sleeping, or crossing the street.
- Catfights are taking place.
- Being confronted with wildlife, and thus the threat of death.
- It is dangerous if your cat is exposed to antifreeze and other toxic chemicals.
- Your cat could become separated from you or be stolen.
- Getting trapped in drains or spaces can also be fatal to your cat.
How To Stop It?
Your cat is a natural hunter and will expend its energy in this manner at night, which can be harmful to your cat. Making your cat play is the best way to help him expend this energy. As we all know, your cat may want to go outside because it is feeling active, so you should try to keep it inside and train them into the new routine.
Your cat may be restless at first because it wants to go outside, but it will soon be trained. As we discussed earlier in this article, your cat’s indoor environment should include a variety of toys and other items. Give your cat water and a litter box before going to bed so it doesn’t make your house dirty or try to escape outside. Your cat will soon develop a new routine of not going out at night, and it may even sleep if it is tired from playing with the toys you gave it.
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