![]() This misconception probably comes from the fact that cats sleep 16 hours every day. But some people still think cats are nocturnal. Even though they sleep a lot, they are actually crepuscular. Many people probably group all cats together and consider every feline nocturnal.īut house cats are not nocturnal. So these cats sleep most of the day and hunt at night. Their sleep patterns are adjusted to their prey. Wild and feral cats actually are nocturnal. However, it is understandable that people think cats are nocturnal. But this is actually misleading information. Many resources and websites even list cats as nocturnal. It is very common for people to think that house cats are nocturnal. Why Do People Often Think Cats are Nocturnal? But, generally speaking, house cats are actually crepuscular and wild cats are nocturnal. It is not uncommon for a cat to stay awake during the day if their owner is always home to play with them. However, house cats can further adapt to their owner’s schedules. So, they have adapted to this schedule and become crepuscular creatures. And house cats are often fed in the morning or evening. ![]() Their owners provide bowls of dry kibble and plates of wet food. House cats generally don’t need to hunt for their food. By hunting at night, they can approach their prey closer than they could during the day. Although they don’t have night vision, they can see well in low lighting. This really all boils down to hunting patterns. But feral and wild cats are still considered nocturnal. Our pampered pets have adapted to the crepuscular lifestyle. Nope! In this post, I am specifically talking about domesticated house cats. Crepuscular animals include domesticated house cats, rabbits, and skunks. Others, to avoid competition with other predators. Some animals adapted to the crepuscular cycle to avoid hunting during the hottest part of the day. This waking pattern is related to their feeding patterns. Although they are often mistaken for nocturnal animals, these creatures are most active at dawn and dusk. Squirrels and songbirds are more traditional diurnal creatures that are always awake during the day and asleep at night.Ĭrepuscular animals are active during twilight. However, for social or cultural reasons, humans can adapt and become temporarily nocturnal. Sound familiar? Humans, of course, are diurnal. They are awake during the day and sleep at night. Nocturnal animals include owls, mice, tigers, and beavers.ĭiurnal animals are just the opposite. Some have enhanced senses of hearing and smell, which allows them to hunt in the dark. They often have large eyes that allow them to see better in low lighting. These animals have adapted to the darkness. Nocturnal animals are active at night and sleep during the day. ![]() What is the difference between crepuscular and nocturnal? And what does it mean to be diurnal? ![]() What is the Difference Between Crepuscular, Nocturnal, and Diurnal?Īlright, let’s take a step back. However, crepuscular animals are generally classified as being most active at dawn and dusk. Bright moonlit nights or overcast days often encourage activity in crepuscular creatures. However, crepuscular animals can be active at different times of the day. Other animals, including bats, hamsters, beetles, moose, deer, and possums are also considered crepuscular. And although domestic house cats don’t traditionally hunt, they are often fed in the morning or evening (adding to their crepuscular nature). ![]() So, over time, crepuscular animals adapted their hunting patterns to the times they most successfully caught prey, which happened to be in the low light of dawn and dusk. Generally, animal waking hours are based on prey availability. They are most active during twilight hours (dawn and dusk). But what exactly are they?ĭomesticated cats are considered crepuscular creatures. Ok, so now you know that domesticated cats are not nocturnal. Ok, once the shock wears off that domesticated cats are not nocturnal, continue into this post to learn more about what they actually are: crepuscular. Basically, it means animals (like cats) that are most active during dawn and dusk. We will discuss all things nocturnal and crepuscular in this post. They are crepuscular.ĭon’t worry if you’ve never heard the term “crepuscular”. But, domesticated cats are, in fact, not nocturnal. And our furry friends do enjoy sleeping the day away. ![]()
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