In truth, it’s pretty common to see cats sleep on their backs. Your cat might stretch out on their back or flop up against a couch cushion, or they might go as far as to put all four paws up in the air and fully expose their belly. If you see your cat sleeping on their back, you should be flattered — this sleeping position conveys something important about how your cat feels about you.

Why cats sleep on their backs

So, why do cats sleep on their backs? There are several potential reasons behind this behavior. First, the position may just be comfortable for your cat. You might notice your fur baby stretches out and flips onto their back after their been lying on their side for a while. They might find sleeping on their back comfortable, and they might also realize that lying on their back means their stomach is exposed and ready to soak up the sun coming in from a nearby window.

If your cat knows that you react by patting them when they are on their back, they might assume this sleeping position more often to get your attention. Some cats will flop down next to you on the couch and then roll over, inviting you to rub their bellies. Be careful, though — this is also the opportune moment for a sneak attack where your cat might grab at or even nip at your hand. You’ll have to read your cat’s body language and pay attention to the cat’s preferences to decide if they really want their belly rubbed, or if they just want the satisfaction of knowing that you’re watching.

The significance of a cat sleeping on back

At first glance, you might think that a cat sleeping on their back is cute, but if your cat does this often when you’re around, it signifies something you should be aware of. Skip Googling “cat on back… concerning?”

A cat’s belly is one of the most vulnerable areas of their body. If a cat were attacked by a predator, they would instinctively protect their belly, since a predator could easily kill the cat if their belly were exposed. Although your cat is domesticated, those instincts are still present.

When your cat voluntarily rolls over to lie on their back, they’re exposing their belly. Your cat is willingly putting themself in a vulnerable position around you, and that shows that they trust you. Whether your cat lies on their back next to you on the couch or feels comfortable enough to lie like that while you walk through the room, they are demonstrating that they know you won’t harm them and they’re confident enough to expose that vulnerable belly to you.

What to do with a cat sleeping on their back

If your cat sleeps on their back, they are showing that they trust you. It’s up to you to maintain that trust. Refrain from starting your pet. Allow them to remain comfortable and stretched out, especially if they are in a deep sleep, though some kitties enjoy snuggling while they sleep.

You’ll need to observe your cat to determine which option they really prefer.

Your cat’s sleeping habits can give you insight into their health. A sudden change in your cat’s sleeping habits could indicate that they’re sick. While a cat who’s comfortable enough to sleep on their back is probably just fine, get to know your cat’s sleeping preferences so you’ll notice any changes that might occur in the future. If your cat suddenly starts sleeping more or less or switches positions or postures, something might be wrong. Stress and household changes can contribute to sleep changes, but it’s always good to start with a trip to your vet, just in case.

What are the sleep stages for cats?

On average, cats sleep 15 hours a day as compared to the eight hours of sleep humans (should) should get. It would appear that cats understand the value of sleep and prioritize taking time to rest. Sleep helps them recharge, maintains their immune system, and supports their general wellbeing. Essentially, adult cats experience three stages of sleep and kittens experience four.

Catnaps

The lightest type of sleep is the short “catnaps” cats take. During this stage, cats are very aware of their surroundings. You may notice that while your cat is taking a catnap, their ears still turn in response to sounds. Initially, wild cats used catnaps as a natural defense mechanism and passed this behavior to modern domestic cats.

Light sleep

Light sleep is between a catnap and deep sleep in terms of the level of awareness cats experience. In this stage, cats are still able to pounce at a moment’s notice if necessary. This stage lasts an average of 25 minutes before deep sleep sets in.

Deep sleep

Deep sleep is also known as the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep. When truly sleeping, cats cycle from light sleep to deep sleep and back again. Deep sleep only lasts five to 10 minutes at a time and is when cats twitch and likely dream. You may also notice that your cat is harder to wake when they’re in this stage.

Cats may not go into deep sleep if they are uncomfortable or feel unsafe. To make a welcoming sleeping environment for your kitty, be sure to provide them with a bed or otherwise padded, raised sleeping area. Sleeping on a raised platform allows cats to escape other stimuli on the ground, such as children or other animals. Their bed should be in a room that is relatively cool. If the temperature is too cold, your cat might roll up into a ball to sleep. Cats will sleep in a more relaxed position in warmer temperatures.

Activated sleep

Kittens have a fourth sleep stage, known as activated sleep. During activated sleep, a kitten’s nervous system is active (whereas it’s usually at rest during sleep), and they may cry, squirm, or have more pronounced twitches than average. Like other nerve firings that occur in young animals, this is important to help the nervous system mature. Never rouse a sleeping kitten. They need lots of rest to make up for all the energy they exert while awake!

Why do kittens twitch more than adult cats?

You may have noticed that younger cats tend to twitch more than older cats. A similarity between humans and cats — beyond that we both go into REM sleep — is that our young have immature nervous systems. Their nervous systems are hard at work making neuron connections and constantly firing, which is why babies move their limbs often and kittens are so active. Twitching during sleep in kittens helps to properly develop their nervous systems.

What is cause for concern?

If your funny little cat often twitches in their sleep, you may be concerned that the condition is something serious. However, many cats twitch in their sleep. They might move their ears, knead the air, or make vocal or sucking sounds. Several theories exist as to why. Some people believe twitches are involuntary muscle spasms, but many scientists agree that cats twitch while in the REM stage of sleep. In humans, the REM stage is when we remember our dreams. Cats can sleep up to 16 hours each day, and a larger proportion of their sleep is REM sleep when compared to the human sleep cycle.

For most cats, twitching while asleep is normal, common behavior. There is no reason to see a vet over your cat’s twitching unless they are also lethargic, have a decreased appetite, vomit, their body stiffens or they have jerky movements when they twitch, or they are hard to wake up. These might be symptoms of other serious illnesses. Whole-body stiffness and jerky movements may be indicative that your cat is having a seizure and not just innocently twitching. Seizures do not only happen during sleep, though, so you will probably notice them while your cat is awake, too. If your cat has seizures, you will also likely find that they act oddly while awake — they may have wobbly feet or appear confused.

Remember that a cat’s twitches are usually not harmful. It can even be entertaining to watch a cat twitch! Admittedly, we are a little envious that cats get so much more sleep than we do without a care in the world, but sharing your life with a cat has many health benefits, too. Cats can reduce anxiety, and a cat’s purr can also calm your nervous system and lower your blood pressure. How wonderful to sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

Can cats sleep with their eyes open?

They can. If you’re reading this article, you have probably already observed your cat sleeping through the day with her eyes open. Not all cats do it, and cats that can don’t usually do it all the time. The first time you notice your cat sleeping with her eyes open, it can be quite jarring. It looks a little spooky, and you may start to worry that something is wrong with her.

In the majority of cases, however, sleeping with open eyes is no cause for concern. Many cats sleep with their eyes partially open. Researchers have found that the trait is more common in older cats. Even though this behavior is normal, it’s still a good idea to keep an eye on your cat. In some rare cases, sleeping with their eyes open can indicate a medical issue. If you notice your cat sleeping with her eyes open and she’s twitching, schedule a vet appointment. You may have observed and then wondered why cats twitch during sleep as they are dreaming. If you have noticed such phenomena, take note: this could also be a sign that your cat has epilepsy. In these cases, it is always better to be safe and talk to your vet.

Why do cats sleep with their eyes open?

So while this behavior isn’t unusual, you may still be wondering why cats can sleep with their eyes open. The explanation may surprise you and make you marvel at your cat even more.

Just like us, cats experience a sleep cycle with multiple stages. When they are in a light sleep, their eyes are more likely to open. Although they are resting, their body is still aware of its surroundings and reacts to everything that’s going on. You may also notice their ears twitching and facing in the direction of whatever has caught their attention. While your home is a safe place, your cat’s instincts never take a break. Sleeping with her eyes open allows your cat to keep track of her environment and feel more at ease. During the deeper REM (rapid eye movement) sleep stage, most cats will not sleep with their eyes open (though it is still possible).

A cat may also sleep with their eyes open because of an injury. Cats have a translucent third eyelid beneath the other two. If this eyelid is wounded, your cat may be unable to close her eye. An eyelid injury is easy to spot, especially when your cat is awake. If the eyelid is damaged, the cat may need surgery. Luckily, eyelid damage is rare and probably not why your cat is dozing with her eyes open. But if your cat is experiencing any other symptoms, be sure to take her to the vet for a full checkup.

Should you be concerned?

In the grand majority of cases, the answer is no; there’s no reason to worry because your kitty is sleeping with her eyes open. However, if she’s showing other symptoms, like twitching, seizing, or eye trauma, you may want to schedule an appointment with your vet. They can let you know if your cat is experiencing a medical problem. Most of the time, though, it’s entirely normal — if spooky — for cats to sleep with open eyes. Nothing is wrong with your kitty.

Cats often do things that are weird, funny, and incomprehensible to us. Seeing your cat asleep with open eyes can be a bit unnerving. But just remember: Cats like to be aware of their surroundings, at all times, which can result in snoozing with their eyes open. Pretty normal, as cats go; nothing you need to lose sleep over.

The more you can familiarize yourself with what’s normal for your cat’s sleep, the faster you’ll be able to recognize even small changes when they occur. From snoozing more to seeking out new sleeping spots, there are a number of red flags indicating that your cat might not be feeling well and might benefit from a visit to the vet. Even paying attention to your cat’s sleeping positions when they’re sick will help you recognize similar patterns down the road.

Sudden increase in sleep

One key sign that your cat might not be feeling well is if he suddenly increases the amount of time he spends sleeping each day. A sudden increase in sleep can signal that your cat is unwell and trying to rest to support his body’s healing. Your cat might also start sleeping through key times of the day, like through mealtimes or playtime sessions. If your cat is an indoor-outdoor cat, you might notice him sleeping during the times when he normally would be outside exploring.

Difficulty getting up or lying down

If your cat isn’t feeling well, he might have a hard time getting up or lying down. If he’s dealing with pain, he might move around more slowly or even limp or walk awkwardly once he does get up. You might also notice that he spends a longer time than usual circling before he settles down.

Unusual sleeping positions

Sometimes cats’ sleeping positions when they’re sick can differ from their normal sleeping positions. Many cats will stretch out all the way or flop on their sides or even roll onto their backs when they’re relaxed and comfortable. Study your cat’s normal sleeping positions so that you can identify changes in them.

If your cat is uncomfortable, he might sleep differently. Your cat might sleep in more of a crouched position and might not ever stretch out. He might sleep in a way that keeps weight off a sore body part, and he might appear stiff or braced while he sleeps.

Difficulty waking

It should be easy to wake your cat by gently talking to him or making noise while you’re in the same room. If your cat doesn’t wake up easily or doesn’t seem aware of your presence, it could indicate a problem.

You can also try to wake your cat by opening a can of cat food. If normally your cat gets up for food readily but starts to ignore its presence, he’s probably ill and needs veterinary attention.

Choosing new sleeping spots

It’s natural for your cat to seek out different sleeping spots throughout the year. He might head to the bedroom when winter comes to stay warm, then move to the kitchen during the summer to take advantage of the sun shining in through the window. But if your cat starts abandoning his usual sleeping spots for unexpected new locations, it might indicate a problem.

Look for disruptions in your cat’s habits, for example, suddenly spending lots of time under the bed or in a closet. Cats who aren’t feeling well often seek out quiet spots where they can be alone. If all of a sudden your cat chooses secluded spots he doesn’t typically frequent, it might indicate that he’s ailing.

In conclusion

When you notice any of the above red flags, schedule an appointment with your vet right away. Your vet can thoroughly examine your cat and look for illnesses or injuries that might be causing his sleep abnormalities. Illnesses can progress quickly with cats, and many of them are stoic about being sick, so it’s important to act quickly and have your pet examined. In addition to changes in your cat’s sleep patterns, you might notice modifications in his behavior, like a decreased appetite, increased vocalizations, or an altered attitude that could indicate he’s not feeling well. By carefully observing your cat’s sleep habits, you can keep an eye on his health and quickly determine when he might need veterinary help.

Improved comfort

Heat has wonderful pain-relieving properties, and your cat can benefit from them with a heated bed. When your cat is curled up on a heated bed, that heat can help to loosen stiff, tense, and sore muscles. It can also help to relieve joint discomfort, like arthritis, soothing your cat and making him feel relaxed. Your cat may be more comfortable and better able to move after he’s slept on a heated bed.

Improved sleep quality

By improving your cat’s comfort, you’ll be helping him to sleep better, too. Rather than being tense because he’s cold or stiff, your cat can relax more on a heated bed. He’ll be better able to sleep comfortably, and because he’s more relaxed, he should be able to get exceptional sleep.

Better mood

When your cat is warm, cozy, and comfy, he’s more likely to be in a happier mood. The health-supporting properties of a heated bed can benefit your cat, especially when he is older or has ailments that limit his mobility. As a result, your cat may be more peaceful and extra receptive to your patting and giving him attention.

Increased immune system health

If your cat spends a lot of time outdoors and is often exposed to low temperatures, these conditions can weaken his immune system. A heated cat bed can give him a place to get out of the cold, supporting his health. If your cat is already sick, then being able to warm up is even more important.

Heated cat houses help in this situation, but in extreme temperatures, it is ideal to bring your cat inside, entirely out of the cold.

How to choose the best heated bed for your cat

Heated cat beds aren’t all the same, and it’s important to know what to look for when choosing the one that’s right for your cat. Start by looking for a bed that features a cord that’s designed to be chew-proof. You don’t want your cat trying to snack on the electrical cord, so look for one that’s wrapped and protected against kitty teeth. Make sure that the bed is also manufactured with multiple layers and designed so your cat’s claws can’t penetrate through to the wires that run within the bed.

It’s also important to choose a bed with an auto-off feature. An auto-off design paired with a timer means you won’t be wasting electricity, and you won’t accidentally leave the bed running for hours and hours when your cat isn’t using it.

You may also want to look for a bed with adjustable power settings, like the Pet Heating Pad for Dogs and Cats. This bed features an adjustable temperature setting that ranges from 86- to 131 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can choose the temperature that’s just right for your cat. Adjustable temperature settings mean you won’t be wasting extra electricity heating a bed to be warmer than it really needs to be.

If you’re not wild about the idea of an electrically heated bed, consider a self-warming cat bed, like the ThermaNAP Cat Bed Pad. This electricity-free pad features insulating fiber batting plus mylar, so it reflects your cat’s body heat to make the surface warm and cozy. This thermal pad is lightweight and easily portable, so you can move it around the house to all of your cat’s favorite sleeping spots.

Keep your kitty cozy

Investing in a heated cat bed can help to keep your cat super comfy when the weather is nippy. That bed can also offer valuable pain-relieving properties, and it can support a strong immune system to help keep your kitty healthy, too. Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of watching your cat seek out his cozy spot when it’s chilly in the house. If you decide that your cat would benefit from a heated bed, take some time to explore the options available and look for a bed that’s designed to be safe, but that also has the features you want.

NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid

The NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid includes melatonin, which is known for its ability to promote sleep. These soft chews help reduce stress and promote rest and relaxation.

Kat M. writes, “This stuff is great! My cats put me on a 4 am weekend wake up and feed me schedule. I started giving them one at bedtime and they leave me alone til 6.” C. Wilson also had good results: “These work well for the purpose I purchased them. I give my cat one treat at night (half of the serving suggestions), and he mellows out and I can sleep.”

VetriScience Laboratories Composure, Calming Formula for Cats

VetriScience Laboratories Composure includes colostrum, L-theanine, and thiamine to help encourage your cat to relax. It starts to work in 20 to 30 minutes and is delivered in a soft chew with a chicken liver flavor.

Siamic, a certified cat behaviorist and registered veterinary technician, praises this product. “I have been using this product lately in the shelter setting for cats who are stressed out by the change in the environment and in their life. It helps them navigate the tough waters of transitioning until they are confident enough that they do not need a supplement. I even use it in cats prior to a tough veterinary visit or transport which helps to calm them down prior to the veterinarian drawing blood or administering anesthetics/analgesics.”

Restful Pet

Restful Pet is a combination of hemp, chamomile, and valerian oil for both cats and dogs. It promotes relaxation and encourages your pet to rest comfortably. The drops are easy to administer.

Kate Williams finds this product significantly helped her cat: “I have a cat who has major anxiety, fur puller, and skin biter. He’s been on several medications but nothing works consistently. I decided to try this and although it took a little time I noticed a great improvement in my kitty.”

ThunderWunders Cat Calming Paw Gel

The ThunderWunders Cat Calming Paw Gel helps reduce stress caused by vet visits, fireworks, and other stressful situations. It’s easy to administer, and you just need to apply the gel to the top of your cat’s paw.

Sydney writes, “Tried it for our older cat to help with the transition. Moved and he is staying inside until we know the neighborhood better. Easy to apply on his paw at bedtime. Keeps him busy and then settles in for the night.”

Zesty Paws Calming Bites

The Zesty Paws Calming Bites promote calmness and composure in your cat. They include melatonin, omega-3 fatty acids, and L-tryptophan and chamomile. They’re easy to feed and feature a tasty salmon flavor.

Goldie171 recommends the chews. “I was so happy to find a product that helps my older rescue cat calm and took her nervousness away. I gave her half the salmon treat mixed in with others and I noticed her behavior was much more relaxed. Great product and would definitely recommend,” she wrote.

These products can promote a calm, relaxed outlook in your cat and encourage him to sleep through the night, and they’re particularly helpful when you pair them with other strategies to encourage your cat to sleep when you do. Try playing with your cat throughout the day and right before you go to bed to help tire him out. You might also want to break up your cat’s meals into multiple small feedings, and feed him just before it’s time for bed so his grumbling tummy doesn’t wake him up. A few adjustments to your lifestyle may help encourage your cat to sleep each night — and to let you sleep, too.

If you’re leaving your cat home alone, consider turning on a carefully picked song to create a relaxing environment. If you’re heading to the vet or groomer, then playing cat sleep music in the car can help reduce your cat’s stress. Cat sleep music, which is composed specifically with cats in mind, can contribute to your cat’s overall comfort and happiness.

What is cat sleep music?

The benefits of classical music have been touted for decades. Classical music can be soothing and relaxing, and it’s recommended to play it to babies — even when they’re in the womb. Researchers have even studied how classical music might contribute to plant growth.

While classical music is beneficial for humans, cats have different sound preferences, so attention has recently turned to developing music specifically for cats. A study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery in 2019 examined the effects that music created specifically for cats had on cat stress. It found that this special music appeared to keep cats more relaxed and calm than pop or heavy metal music does.

This cat music is designed to mimic sounds cats love. While classical music has a beat that’s close to the natural human resting pulse and includes frequencies found within the human vocal range, cat music tweaks these factors so that they’re more appealing to cats. Cat music is based on vocalizations, like purring, and includes frequencies within the cat vocal range, which is two octaves higher than the human vocal range.

The result is specialty music that appeals to cats. When cats in the study were played the music during a vet exam, they responded positively with lower stress than when classical music or no music was played. This indicates that playing special cat music could help reduce anxiety and comfort cats during stressful events, like trips to the vet.

Sleep music to try with your cat

If you would like to give cat music a try, samples are easy to find online. These are just a few of the best tunes for cats we rounded up.

Scooter Bere’s Aria

One of the top pieces to consider is “Scooter Bere’s Aria,” which was the piece used in the study referenced above. You’ll hear purring and plenty of high pitches, but while the trippy, ambient music might sound a little strange to you, it’s designed to be appealing and comforting to your cat.

Katey Moss Catwalk

“Scooter Bere’s Aria” is off David Teie’s album Music for Cats, and you’ll find other selections from the album on YouTube, too. “Katey Moss Catwalk” is a soothing tune that feels like it will lull you to sleep. At eight minutes long, it features prominent purring and plenty of slow-moving string lines.

Relax My Cat

There are lots of other relaxing music videos online intended for cats. Relax My Cat has a whole array of videos, including a two-hour-long video of sleep music for cats. While these tracks don’t feature the purring and high pitches of David Teie’s work, they are more classical music-based, so they’ll sound a bit more appealing to you. Many of the videos are two hours long, so you can leave them running to create a relaxing atmosphere in your home for both you and your cat.

Final thoughts on cat sleep music

When trying out cat sleep music, you may need to experiment with different songs to find the ones that your cat likes the best. Play the music and keep an eye on your cat. Look for signs of relaxation like softened eyes, yawning, and a peaceful demeanor. If your cat stretches out and decides it’s time for a nap, then you’ve probably found his jam. Keep track of which songs are most effective with your cat, and then pull them together into a playlist. You’ll be able to soothe and comfort your cat even when you can’t be there with him, all thanks to the power of music.

Ompaa Fluffy Pet Blanket

The Ompaa Fluffy Pet Blanket is soft, fuzzy, and purr-fectly sized for your cat (or dog). This blanket is made of stain-resistant polyester that’s durable enough for repeated washing and drying. It won’t shred or shrink and is easy to care for. The blanket features a faux long fur side and a Sherpa fleece underside, so it’s wonderfully soft and cozy. Because it’s so easy to wash, spills, drool, and fur are no problem. Size small measures 20 by 30 inches and is ideal for most cats, but you can also opt for the medium and large sizes if you need more coverage. Use it as a throw on your furniture, a cat bed, an area rug in the sunny spot your cat loves, and more.

Why we like it:

• Stain-resistant polyester can stand up to multiple washes
• Features both a faux long fur and Sherpa fleece side for maximum coziness
• Comes in multiple sizes

Furrybaby Premium Fluffy Fleece Blanket

Designed just for your pet, the Furrybaby Premium Fluffy Fleece Blanket is lightweight and conveniently sized for your cat. The blanket is made of Berber fleece, so it’s soft and cozy yet also durable. It can be machine washed and tumble dried for easy cleaning. The blanket is large enough to use to cover your furniture to keep cat hair off it, or you can use it as a cat bed, a cat carrier liner, and more. It’s ample enough for your cat to snuggle into, perfect for chilly nights. When ordering the blanket, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. It’s available in a small (24 by 32 inches) size that’s perfect for cats, or you can move up to the medium, large, extra-large, and jumbo sizes. You can choose a single- or double-sided blanket, depending on the weight and thickness that you want. You’ll also have your choice of six colors, so you can pick the one that looks fabulous against your cat’s coat.

Why we like it:

• Made from Berber fleece for comfort
• It’s machine washable and can be tumble dried
• Available in multiple sizes and colors

PetFusion Premium Pet Blanket

The PetFusion Premium Pet Blanket features a 100% polyester microplush for a soft and cozy feel. Dense fibers make the blanket pill resistant for long-term durability. The blanket is double layered for plenty of warmth, and it’s also reversible, so you can get maximum use out of it between washings. Even the smallest size measures a generous 31 by 27 inches, so you can fold it up to create a cat bed or drape it over your furniture for extra protection. It’s also available in medium, large, and extra-large sizes. That’s plenty of blanket for your cat to snuggle down into to feel secure. Suitable for year-round use, this blanket is machine washable, or it can be spot-cleaned with a lint roller. It’s available in slate gray or chocolate brown, so you can choose the color that looks best with your home decor or with your cat’s color.

Why we like it:

• 100% polyester microplush is soft and cozy
• Reversible and machine washable
• Available in multiple sizes and colors

All three blankets offer an excellent value, and they’re designed so that your cat will love to snuggle into them. When choosing the blanket that’s right for your cat, easy care and maintenance are a must. It should be able to withstand repeated machine washings. A soft, warm material will entice your cat, encouraging kneading and letting her settle into a comfy spot. You’ll want size options that fit how you plan to use the blanket. Smaller blankets can be ideal for cat carriers and on chairs, while a larger blanket is better suited for covering a sofa. Of course, you and your cat can always enjoy a larger blanket together!

Pet Craft Supply Co. Kitty Condor Crazy Catnip Cuddler

The Pet Craft Supply Co. Kitty Condor Crazy Catnip Cuddler is filled with organic catnip to pique your cat’s interest. That catnip is pesticide-free, so you can feel good about giving this toy to your cat. This crazy-looking condor features bright red feathers, and its size makes it easy for your cat to pick up the toy, toss it around, and cuddle with it. And your cat will do that — we’ve seen cats who’ve had these toys for years still seek them out, dig them up from their toy box, and carry them around the house.

Pros:

• Convenient size.
• Filled with organic catnip.

Con:

• You might find feather bits around your house.

Earthtone Solutions Felted Wool Ball Cat Toys

The Earthtone Solutions Felted Wool Ball Cat Toys are lightweight handmade balls that are wonderfully quiet. They’re made by artisans in Nepal, and they feature felted wool that’s sourced from New Zealand. Five bright colors and a convenient golf-ball size make these toys intriguing for your cat, and they’re perfect for batting and chasing without waking up the whole house. You can even hand-wash and air-dry these toys for easy cleaning.

Pros:

• Handmade by artisans.
• Quiet, lightweight toys.
• Hand washable for cleaning.

Con:

• Cats might lose interest over time.

Friends Forever Interactive Laser

Perfect for quiet solo play at night, the Friends Forever Interactive Laser appeals to your cat’s hunting instincts and can operate entirely on its own. This laser creates a beam that moves across the floors for 15 minutes at a time. Then, the auto timer shuts it off, encouraging your cat to rest. It automatically rotates and has three speed settings, so you can keep play exciting. It operates on battery power, so there’s no need to worry about your cat getting tangled up in a power cord.

Pros:

• Automatic operation.
• Silent performance.
• Battery powered.

Con:

• No power adapter included.

These toys are all great choices to keep your cat playing quietly while you sleep, but even the most captivating toys will get old after a while. To keep your cat from losing interest in his toys, buy plenty of toys and then rotate them. Each toy will still be new and exciting. It’s a good idea to put these toys away during the day, bringing them out only at night to keep them intriguing. If you can, position them on a carpet or in a room far from your bedroom to help minimize what noise your cat makes. Your cat’s play might not be entirely silent, but these toys will be quieter than most traditional cat toys.