“Dear Cocoa,

I always wondered about this and I thought you might be able to help.  Are pets actually stupid?  Or are they just antsy and un-feline-like?  My pets will run around the house and outside the house all day long without a single nap and then they curl up in a nice warm bed and sleep for a few hours and do it all over again.  I’m worried that they may be hurting themselves by not taking the usual early, mid-morning, late-morning, after-lunch, early afternoon, mid-afternoon, late-afternoon, and after-dinner naps that are so important to us felines.  Please advise. 

Signed Needs Advice”

“Dear Needs Advice,

I understand your concern, my friend, but pets are not felines and that is the simple truth.  Pets will run and run until they just can’t anymore; then they will rest for a short period (usually with something loud roaring at them) and then they are off again--sort of like the baby feline that can’t seem to stop moving.  Don’t worry, this is normal for them which is what makes them such wonderful pets because they take care of our needs even when we are sleeping. 

Signed Cocoa”

Cats truly do enjoy a lot of naps which seems to increase their energy three-fold.  This can be both amusing and tiring to us humans who can't gain refreshment from a 20 second power nap. Be sure to watch your cats carefully for signs of sleeping without the energy rush afterwards.  If you cat is sleeping most of the time and not very active, it could be a sign of illness.  Check with the Humane Society or your local vet for advice and possible treatment.