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Is my cat okay in my dark apartment?

My apartment is surrounded by trees and not a lot of sun gets in. I also usually have the lights off when I go to work. Then I come home and only a few hours later do I turn the lights off and go to bed. Is my cat okay being in the dark for so much of the time?


Asked by Member 871456 on Jul 7th 2011 in Health & Wellness
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Toby

First and foremost, cats are nocturnal creatures. They don't usually mind the dark at all.

Lights in your home being on or off should not necessarily matter because cats get no vitamins from indoor lighting.

If most of the sunlight to your apartment is blocked by trees, there is probably still some natural light which should do just fine.

Sunlight provides Vitamin D and studies show that in general, house cats spend 5 hours a day or less lying in sunny areas.
Orlando Pet Services even claims that cats do not require sunlight for Vitamin D.

Kitties will get in the windows when they need the sun and studies show that generally, they hit the windows so they can watch their territory and keep up with what those pesky squirrels and birdies are doing more than they simply wish to be in the sun for anything more than napping in the "hotspot."

If your kitty seems distressed that you are gone, try leaving one light and the radio or TV on and have a nice cuddle session when you return.


Toby answered on 7/8/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Izadore (Izzie)

As usual, Toby's right. I would be more concerned that, from reading your question, it doesn't seem that you have much interaction with your kitty. Playing with her, talking to her about your day, snuggling with her, grooming her, etc., is much more important to her mental health than having a light-filled apartment. I'm sure you don't totally ignore her, but try to spend a few minutes concentrating on just her each day when you come home.


Izadore (Izzie) answered on 7/8/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Akasha

While cats see a lot better than humans in low light, it is a myth that cats can see in total darkness. I leave a nightlight on for my kitty when I'm away at night, and also when I'm sleeping I leave it on in the living room so she can play.


Akasha answered on 7/13/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Zelda

I like to leave one or two window shades 1/2 way open with a table, desk, or other item that my girls can sit on and look out the window. They love this no matter the weather. Please try to interact with your cat more. Talk to him/her when you come home and are walking around your house. Let him/her come into the bedroom with you. Mine even like to watch tv with me just to be near me.


Zelda answered on 7/14/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Snickers

The two answers before mine are right. Cats do need some sunlight Natural light. You see cats sitting inwindows cause they love the heat from the day and or in a patch of sunlight on the floor. The heat from teh sun is soothing to a cat. They use it to warm up like we do, They asorb it into their bones as a aide to heal, young and old cats. Cats are nocturnal but they do need some kind of natural light. You can buy light bulbs that are natural light just read the lables. There is really no true substitute for the suns light though. cause she is not getting that kind of interaction, Play with her alot. If you can take her outside with You maybe on a leash (special ones for cats) she can asorb what the trees donot block. It would be fun for both of you. Good Luck. The suns rays are like Vitamins for a cats bones and bodies.


Snickers answered on 7/17/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


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