Almost every cat owner has been surprised to find their pets sleeping soundly in the sink. It's unlikely that a human would dream of relaxing on a cold ceramic surface when they have a soft sofa and armchairs. But cats have their own reasons for this unusual behavior.
The perfect place for a comfortable pose
Cats prefer to sleep curled up with their paws and tail tucked under them. The rounded shape of the shell follows the curves of the animal's body and supports the spine. A standard-sized shell fits perfectly and allows the pet to assume a comfortable position. This position protects the most vulnerable part of the body—the abdomen. Since cats spend approximately two-thirds of their lives sleeping, they prefer to do so in comfort.
The shape of the shell gives a feeling of security
Animals instinctively care for their own safety. A cat is a predator, but in the wild, it can encounter not only prey but also a dangerous enemy. Even if a pet has never ventured outside the apartment, genetic memory compels it to seek out a secluded corner.
One such location is a sink. Firstly, it's elevated, making it easy to spot an approaching enemy. Secondly, the cat is positioned in a recess, so a predator that could potentially attack it won't immediately notice its prey.
The shell helps in thermoregulation of the cat's body.
Domestic cats have little interaction with the outside world, but their biological clocks never stop working. Even before winter sets in, the animal grows a thick coat to protect it from the cold. At the same time, the heating is turned on, causing the cat to become overheated.
The need to cool off by lying in a ceramic sink also arises in the summer. The cat loves that her new shelter remains cool even in the heat, so she begins using the bathroom whenever she feels sleepy.
Once inside the shell, the cat spreads its paw pads to maximize their contact with the cool surface. This way, the cat cools itself through its skin and protects itself from heatstroke.
This habit may not be to the liking of the apartment owner. No one wants to wake a sleeping pet, but if there's nowhere else to wash, there's no other option. It's unlikely anyone would sacrifice their own comfort to wait for their pet to get some sleep. It's easier to offer an alternative.
A cat might enjoy a box placed on a cabinet or in a dark corner. If your pet insists on using the sink and scratching when you try to get it out, you can lightly spray its fur with water. However, don't turn on the faucet—this will cause significant stress.
A cat's desire to rest in the sink may seem strange. But in fact, these furry homebodies have good reasons for sleeping in this particular spot. The owner can either accept it or provide another comfortable bed. But remember, cats are incredibly stubborn, so reclaiming the sink won't be easy.
