Why Do Cats Like to Cover Their Eyes While Sleeping?

It’s often said that “spring makes you tired, summer makes you sleepy, and winter makes you hibernate.” In the summer, when the breeze refuses to visit the windowsill and the hot, stuffy air lingers, even humans feel their eyes getting heavy in the afternoon heat. Cats, too, will cover their eyes and nap near the door. If a cat owner pays close attention, they might notice that cats sleep in many different and quirky positions. Sometimes, when we brush them with a pet comb, they will purr and fall asleep, or they might lie on their backs, resembling a person, and nap to stay cool. Among all the sleep positions, the “covering the face” sleep pose is definitely an irresistibly adorable trick, one that’s hard to look away from.

It’s understood that most cats, as long-haired animals, choose sleeping positions mainly to regulate their body temperature. Depending on how relaxed they are, they adjust their sleeping positions accordingly. Many cats like to cover their eyes while sleeping to keep their noses warm, especially in cold environments. A cat's nose, exposed to the air, will lose body heat quickly. When they feel cold, they tend to cover their faces with their paws or tail to keep their noses warm and prevent themselves from getting chilly. At first glance, it might seem like they are deliberately covering their eyes while sleeping. Of course, during the hot summer months, cats rarely need to cover their noses for warmth. Most cats sleep more than half of the day and prefer napping in sunny, warm spots to enhance their sleep quality. However, in the afternoon, when the sun is bright, cats might bury their little heads to avoid direct sunlight, while still enjoying the comfort of a cozy nap. This position allows them to feel both safe and comfortable. In many cases, when cats cover their eyes while sleeping, they do so without even realizing it… For instance, when you are brushing them or massaging them, and they are already lying down, they may simply fall asleep in that position. Sometimes, even when they are licking their fur or washing their face and suddenly feel sleepy, they’ll end up covering their eyes and drifting off to sleep. Whether they are covering their eyes or lying on their backs with their bellies exposed, a cat sleeping soundly and peacefully shows that they trust their surroundings. As responsible pet owners, we can observe our cats' sleeping positions to gauge their sense of security and well-being.