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Why Does a Cat Walk in Circles Before Lying Down: 6 Reasons
12.04.2024 11:30
Updated: 12.05.2024 23:14
Sometimes cats behave strangely from a human point of view, and one of these habits is walking in circles before going to bed.
This ritual usually involves kneading or rubbing their head on the bed. Cats only do this on soft surfaces such as blankets, pillows, or even their owner's lap.
Let's look at the reasons why your pet might behave this way.
Make the place to relax more comfortable
One of the most common reasons why a cat paces in circles before lying down is to make its bed more comfortable.
Although her bed may be comfortable, the cat has a different opinion. She needs to make her already perfect and soft bed even more comfortable.
Feral cats have to make their night roost in the wild, often in areas overgrown with grass and bushes.
They walk in circles, tapping their paws on a soft surface to make sure they are safe and comfortable to sleep in. This behavior has been preserved in domestic cats as an instinct to create a comfortable resting place.
Looking for the perfect viewing spot
Another logical explanation for why a cat might walk in circles before lying down is that it is looking for the perfect position. This behavior also goes back to wild cats, who behaved in the same way, trying to find a place with the perfect view even while sleeping. No matter how trusting a cat is, it has an instinct to constantly be on the lookout for danger and other predators.
This is why most domestic cats like to sleep in elevated positions so that they can always observe their surroundings and react if any danger arises.
The cat will walk in circles before finding the perfect spot, and will usually choose one that faces the room. Cats rarely sleep with their backs to the room.
Territory marking
One of the reasons why cats may walk around their bed before they lie down is to mark their territory. Cats have scent glands on their paws, and when they walk around or rub against their personal space, they are marking their territory.
The cat believes that walking in circles leaves a scent that lets others know that the area has an owner. This is usually true for outdoor cats who need to protect their territory.
Scaring away other animals
Another possible reason why cats may circle and paw their sleeping area is the instinct to scare others away. Most outdoor cats do this before going to bed, while indoor cats continue to do it instinctively.
Since their ancestors were wild cats, they needed to check their sleeping area for possible strangers who could pose a danger to the cubs.
They had to drive away any snakes or insects hiding in the grass before they could lie down on it.
Boredom and stress
If a cat is obsessively circling a person, there are many reasons why it might be behaving this way, but the simplest explanation may be boredom.
A cat that lacks daily stimulation can quickly become bored and start behaving strangely. For this reason, it is recommended to engage your cat in various activities and provide her with toys, such as puzzle feeders, to stimulate her mental activity.
Stress or anxiety can be another reason why your cat is circling. If it's not related to sleep, it's best to take her to the vet.
Pain or discomfort
Another reason why a cat may exhibit strange circling habits is pain or discomfort caused by a certain condition or illness.
It is important to notice these symptoms as soon as possible so that you can respond in time. In some cats, circling may be a symptom of a more serious problem, such as vestibular disease.
If your cat is pacing frequently and a lot during the day and before bed, and is showing other symptoms, be sure to take her to the veterinarian.
Earlier we talked about how to protect your cat from falling out of a window .
