A domestic cat sleeps an average of 12 to 16 hours a day, deeply and safely. But a stray cat, left to its own devices, doesn't sleep… it survives . Its sleep phases are short, shallow, and constantly interrupted by fear of the cold, predators, or hunger.
The result: his body becomes exhausted , his immunity collapses, and his life is dramatically shortened.
Here's what studies on the sleep of stray cats reveal, and how a simple Miawi shelter can transform their health and life expectancy.
1. The stray cat only takes micro-naps for survival
Cats have two types of sleep:
- Light (monitoring) sleep : tense muscles, half-open eyes, ready to flee.
- Deep (restorative) sleep : relaxed muscles, slow breathing, cellular healing.
Stray cats almost never get into deep sleep because they are in a constant state of alert.
According to a behavioral study from the University of Bristol, stray cats spend less than 3% of their time in deep sleep, compared to 25% for domestic cats.
2. Lack of sleep weakens their immune system
Without deep sleep:
- No cell regeneration
- Lower white blood cell production
- Permanent inflammation of the body
A tired stray cat gets sick faster, recovers less well and lives a shorter life.
A secure shelter allows the cat to relax enough to enter a restful sleep.
3. Shallow sleep increases stress and fear
The stray cat often sleeps:
- Under cars,
- In wet bushes,
- On the ground.
Every noise wakes him up. His heart races. His body produces cortisol (the stress hormone), which:
- Fatigue the heart.
- Increases anxiety,
- It reduces his life expectancy.
4. The shelter changes the cat's sleeping behavior
When a cat discovers a Miawi shelter:
- He begins by observing it from a distance,
- Then he cautiously settled in,
- And once he has gained confidence, he rests deeply there for the first time in a long time.
According to testimonies from shelters:
"The change in posture is visible: the cat lying on its side, belly exposed... the ultimate sign of trust."
A cat that sleeps deeply rebuilds its body, its immunity, and its ability to survive.
5. Deep sleep doubles life expectancy
Restorative sleep allows:
- Natural healing of minor infections
- Body temperature regulation
- Emotional stabilization
A stray cat with access to shelter can live 2 to 4 times longer than a cat left to its own devices.
The Miawi shelter is much more than a physical refuge: it is a vital resting space , where the cat can finally stop surviving… and start living.
Conclusion: a shelter is their first real sleep in months
A cat that closes its eyes in complete trust in a Miawi shelter is not just performing a simple act… it is healing . Its body repairs itself, its mind calms, its survival instinct gives way to true rest.
With Miawi, we offer stray cats not only a roof over their heads… but finally the opportunity to sleep soundly.
Because life begins when you can close your eyes without fear.
