What Do Outdoor Cats Like To Sleep In?

Outdoor cats have certain priorities when choosing a place to sleep. These include somewhere safe and secure, somewhere warm and dry, and somewhere close to a regular source of food and water. Not much to ask, you might think, but a lot of thought and consideration goes into this. Cats living outdoors have many more potential threats in their environment compared to indoor cats, even more so when they are asleep.

Cats have different sleeping patterns from humans. It’s a common misconception that cats are fully nocturnal. Cats are actually crepuscular, which means they are most active at dawn and dusk. Outdoor cats will sleep at night for some time, as well as do all the other things we know they like to do such as hunting and mating.

Also Read: Nutritional Needs For Indoor and Outdoor Cats: Is There a Difference?

What Sort Of Cats Sleep Outdoors?

If you see a cat outdoors, there are a few things to consider. The cat you are seeing might not be an outdoor cat or a stray cat with no owner—they might be an indoor cat that spends time outdoors having a casual prowl about their neighborhood. Let’s explore the different types of outdoor kitties you might see in your neighborhood.

1. Domestic Cats That Are Allowed Outside

Some cat owners allow their pet cats to roam around outside. They are usually let out at certain times or they will have a cat flap to come and go as they please. They are well fed, well looked after, and rarely will sleep outside as they will have a comfy warm bed at home to return to.

Some of them even still use their litter box at home instead of going to the bathroom outside. They just like to explore their surroundings and keep an eye on everything. They will very likely be affectionate and enjoy a stroke or a back rub. However be careful—not all cats like to be petted so approach with caution.

Also Read: How To Pet A Cat – The 3 Basic Do’s And Don’t’s

2. Stray Cats

These are cats that did once have a home, but now, unfortunately, do not. They might have gotten lost or escaped from a cat shelter, or their previous owner did not want them any longer. It’s hard to believe, but unfortunately, this does happen. They might be living in a small group with other stray cats or on their own.

Depending on their history, stray cats might be responsive to human affection or might be frightened. They usually scavenge out of bins or hunt together in a pack. They will sleep outside in their group.

Also Read: What Is the Difference Between a Stray Cat and a Feral Cat?

3. Feral Cats

Feral cats are completely wild. They will not have ever had any human contact and they will go out of their way to avoid it. You might have a colony of feral cats in your neighborhood and not even realize it. They live in groups with other feral cats. They are very territorial and protect each other and treat each other’s kittens as their own. Like strays, feral cats will sleep outside together in their social group.

Also Read: What Is The Best Food For Feeding Feral Cats?

What Do Cats Look For When Choosing A Spot To Sleep?

So now that we know what sort of cat is sleeping outside, let’s look at the things they will seek out.

1. Safety

Cats, above everything else, need to feel safe when they are switching off to sleep. Cats are well-equipped and make cunning predators, but they also make tasty prey, too. Due to their size, bigger predators lurking in the night see them as an easy target so it’s important that they sleep somewhere that they are going to be safe.

Cats search out places that are up high and and out of sight so they can survey the surrounding area without being seen themselves.

Also Read: 5 Best High-Sided Litter Boxes For Messy Cats

2. Privacy

As mentioned above cats prefer to sleep somewhere quiet and private, out of the way of the busy hustle and bustle of the outside world. Cats don’t like surprises and they don’t like to be interrupted so they will choose somewhere remote and peaceful where they are unlikely to be disturbed. They usually pick somewhere they are sheltered from all angles so nothing can sneak up on them.

Also Read: Why Do Cats Sleep So Much

3. Warmth

All cat owners know that cats love to be warm and cozy. They will not settle somewhere damp or wet or cold unless they absolutely have no other choice. Cats are very good at self-care in that they prioritize comfort.

Feral and stray cats will usually huddle together to sleep as they use each other for warmth and to guard younger family members that might be more vulnerable, especially in cold weather.

Also Read: Why Do Cats Lie On Uncomfortable Things?

4. Proximity To Food Sources/Drinking Water

Cats are very smart, and also very good at conserving energy. They often choose places close to a reliable food source and clean drinking water so that they can nourish themselves adequately without burning off too much energy.

What Do Outdoor Cats Like To Sleep In?

So now we have covered all of that, what are the top places cats will choose to sleep in outdoors?

1. A Box

Cats like to be protected from every angle, so a box with a small entry hole is perfect for snuggling up in and feeling safe. The smaller the better—cats like to feel confined. A box will limit exposure to the elements and make them feel secure.

Also Read: Why Does My Cat Chew On Cardboard?

2. In Outbuildings/Sheds

Any large open building that your cat can gain access to can be used as a sleeping spot. Buildings such as sheds, outhouses, barns, or stables are perfect places for cats to sleep as they are usually warm and sheltered. They also quite often house other animals such as cows or horses so bonus points for extra warmth and some free help with surveillance from predators.

Stables and barns will also usually have straw or hay, which makes a very comfortable bed. They usually have a reliable water supply and some little furry mice-shaped snacks for hunting too. A very popular choice!

Also Read: Do Cats Cry Tears When Sad Or In Pain?

3. Underneath Our Cars

Quiet alarmingly, cats do love to curl up underneath our cars. Partly because there are lots of small enclosed, cat-shaped spaces. Also because if the car has been running recently then it will be oh-so warm and cozy. Cats often sneak into garages for this reason too.

Don’t be surprised if you find a cat snuggled up in the hood of your car if you have been somewhere in it in the winter months. It’s a good idea to check for cats before you start your engine when the weather is cold.

Also Read: What To Do If Your Cat Is Hit By A Car: A Step-By-Step Guide

4. Under Buildings/Furniture

Some cats like to crawl under structures to sleep. This doesn’t usually give them a strong lookout post, as it’s not normally an elevated position. However, they might still prefer it as they are protected and concealed from all angles and it acts like a mini cat house for them.

Also Read: Why Do Cats Scratch Furniture And Carpets?

5. Benches/Seats

Some cats like to sleep on benches or chairs with backs on them. They like to be at a vantage point above the ground and the back and side of the bench can offer protection from the elements as well as make them feel more secure.

Also Read: Why Does My Cat Steal My Seat?

Final Thoughts

Cats are extremely clever and very resourceful. They use their natural instincts to find the best places to sleep. They will always choose places that are warm and safe and offer them protection from potential predators and also from the elements. Cats find safety in numbers, so given a choice, will always group together rather than sleep on their own.

Also Read: How To Care For Feral Cats: 4 Tips For Happy, Healthy Ferals