Cats are known for being selective creatures. They demand attention when suits them, but reject snuggling with their owner when they’re not in the mood. They are picky eaters, can appear aloof and indifferent to their owners and seem pretty happy to go it alone most of the time.

This choosy attitude even extends to their sleeping habits. Most of us have spent a considerable amount of money to provide a large, plush and expensive cat bed, only to find that our pussy refuses to sleep in it. Instead, he chooses the most uncomfortable places. But is he just being fussy, or is there an underlying motive for this behavior?

According to animal behaviorists, most cats prefer to sleep in places with good vantage points, which comes from their instinct to protect themselves. A high position for resting gives your cat an aerial advantage for spotting any potential dangers around him. Much of this instinct comes from their ancestry that cats used to be hunters that lived in the wild, and their climbing ability meant that they had somewhere to retreat from larger predators, plus the capability of attacking smaller prey high up in the branches. Therefore, climbing and being up high was natural, and this has been passed down to the cats that we keep as pets today.

Except for high places your cat might prefer small, enclosed spaces too, for sleeping, an instinct that also comes from the need to feel protected. Many cats love to sleep in cardboard boxes that are enclosed on all sides which means that they only have one point of entry, reducing their vulnerability.

Once your cat finds the perfect place to sleep, he may be happy there for a while. However, after a few months, he might feel like changing spots. We’re not pretty sure about the exact reason behind this behavior. However, experts suggest that it comes from the fact that cats are extraordinarily clean creatures who severely dislike dirt and dust. Therefore, if the area in which they sleep becomes too dirty or the scent changes, your cat will probably start looking for somewhere else to sleep. Why cats like to sleep up high

Most cats will sleep anything up to 16 hours per day, so make sure that your furry friend has somewhere where he feels safe and comfortable to relax and nap.

Find the best cat hanging beds and cat hammocks for unlimited hours of up high resting for your cutest friends here.

Photo: Eric Han