- Do Cats Sleep With Both Eyes Open?
- What Does It Mean When A Cat Sleeps With Its Eyes Open?
- What Should I Do If My Cat Always Sleeps With Eyes Open?
- How Do You Tell If A Cat Is Actually Sleeping?
- Bottom Line
Do cats sleep with their eyes open? In fact, One of the most unusual things cats do is sleep with their eyes open. This is considered a warning sign that something is not right. Usually, the third eyelid appears after one or both eyes are opened. When cats are in a night of slow-wave sleep, they usually keep their eyes open to keep themselves from harm. This behavior is a defensive strategy that they use to protect themselves from potential injuries. However, it is also a sign of a painful injury or a symptom of a disease.
Although for some pet owners it is not unusual for cats to keep their eyes open during sleep, it is also normal for them to do so. The reason why they do it is that they are natural hunters and are made to conserve their energy by sleeping. Since they were designed to be aware of their surroundings, they can react immediately to situations that they see around them. Aside from this, their sleep cycle might also play a role in this.
Like humans, cats have a sleep cycle. When you see your cat’s eyes open, it might mean that they are in the early stages of sleeping, or they are already asleep. After they go into a deep sleep, they might still have open eyes.
Do Cats Sleep With Both Eyes Open?
Cats spend most of their time sleeping inside the house. They do it in various positions and in different parts of your home. But, can they sleep with their eyes open? Is this something that you have been eyeing or are you just curious and want to know what it is and what exactly does it mean? In this topic, we have decided to study this topic to share our findings and answers with you.
So do cats sleep with both eyes open? Although cats can sleep with their both eyes open, it is not unusual for them to do so on occasion. This behavior should not be cause for alarm. This behavior is entirely normal, especially for cats known to be natural hunters even while they are sleeping. Although it is not necessary to monitor your cat every day, it is still important to keep an eye out for signs or symptoms of illness or behavior that could indicate a problem.
While cats are known to sleep with their eyes open more often, this behavior can happen anytime but it may vary from cat to cat. Some cats will do it more often than others. This is very worrying for some owners as it can cause concern as it can be very alarming the first time they see it.
In order to address any concerns that you may have, we will talk about the various aspects of this procedure in greater detail.
Read also: How Much Sleep Do Kittens Need?
What Does It Mean When A Cat Sleeps With Its Eyes Open?
Aside from being programmed to escape from danger, cats also sleep with their eyes open to keep them awake at all times. This is a necessary part of their daily lives to ensure they can see around them. When it comes to hunting, cats are very aware of their environment and are very cautious when they sleep. They also keep their eyes closed to avoid getting attacked.
Here are some reasons why do cats sleep while their eyes are open:
They sleep lightly.
Cats are most likely sleeping with their eyes open to allow them to see clearly. This allows it to respond to danger. If you see your cat sleep with one or both eyes open, it is most likely that they are not in the deepest sleep stage. Since a light touch or sound can wake up the cat.
In order to maintain their energy levels, cats need to sleep in small, frequent bursts throughout the day. They also sleep differently when the weather is cool and rainy.
The environment is noisy for cats.
Although most domestic cats are less likely to become alarmed by the environment’s risks. However, they will still keep their eyes open for potential hazards and to see if the surroundings are loud and there is a lot going on. Also, while they are sleeping, your cats will usually keep their eyes open to keep an eye on the people around them especially if the house is full of strangers to their sight during each day.
This helps keep your cat safe from potential threats. It can also sleep in a quiet, dark room if it is worried about its surroundings. Place your pet’s toys and bedding, Ideally, these items will make your pet feel like they belong to you. It will also make them feel secure enough to fall asleep.
Your cat’s eyes are injured.
Fights are also known to occur on a regular basis for cats. They can also get injured if they encounter a territorial cat while they are out late at night. Also, shutting them down can cause discomfort to the animal. If a cat gets injured during a fight, its third eyelid can become lacerated. Some hospitals also noted that scratching can also cause painful corneal ulceration. This is a common injury that occurs for active cats.
The following symptoms are some of the most common signs of ocular trauma. They can also be triggered by other conditions.
- Grabbing their eyeballs
- The presence of cloudiness
- Redness and inflammation
- A scrape which can be seen
- Eyes that have a watery discharge
Although eye medications can help with treating these injuries, they may still require suturing to properly address the most severe issue.
Read also: How To Tell If A Cat Has Been Abused
Foreign objects in the eye can cause ulcers and painful sores, and they can prevent the cat from resting properly. If they are not removed as soon as possible, they could cause an infection in the eye. If objects that barely touch the surface of the cornea are removed using a local anesthetic, they can be safely removed. However, if they have penetrated deep into the body, they will need to be removed surgically.
Your cat’s eyes are dry.
A dry eye occurs when the tissue surrounding the eye gets too dry. This condition is referred to as keratoconjunctivitis sicca in cats(KCS). It occurs when the tissue around the eye gets too dry and the tear duct film gets too thin.
According to VCA hospitals, various medications are also used to treat this condition. Most of the time, this condition is caused by an immunological system weakness that can be triggered by a hereditary infection known as Herpesvirus. Also, inner ear infections can affect the nervous system of cats. Some cats can not close their eyes completely due to the amount of damage they cause. That is why they will sleep with the damaged eye open to minimize discomfort.
They are watching out for their owners.
A strong attachment to its owner is very important for cats, who find it hard to be away from their owners. According to a study, this makes them feel secure. A study revealed that when their owners come back, cats that have a deep connection with them tend to be less anxious and calm. They also keep their eyes open when they sleep to watch their owners.
Read also: How Much Attention Do Cats Need?
What Should I Do If My Cat Always Sleeps With Eyes Open?
Although your cat is sleeping with its eyes open, it is still possible that she has other signs of a medical condition. This is why it is essential to consult a veterinarian if she exhibits these symptoms.
It may be natural for cats to have wide eyes while sleeping, but it can be unsettling to see them sleeping with their eyes open. They perform a lot of strange and unusual behaviors. However, before you do anything, Keep in mind that cats are susceptible to their environment. They want to be aware of it all the time, which makes them very typical.
How Do You Tell If A Cat Is Actually Sleeping?
Your cat’s natural inclination to wake up comes from its primal instinct. To tell if it is really snoozing, look for its eyes if they open slightly and its ears to move toward noises. During the night, cats are more likely to curl up and sleep properly. They also switch between light and deep sleep, which is similar to the sleep cycle of humans.
Read this too: Why Is My Cat So Affectionate At Night?
This practice is very odd for humans, and it is also not worth it if it is not right. However, it is imperative to consult a veterinarian if you notice something is not right with your cat.