If your cat seems to be sleeping a lot, it’s probably because it’s real. Cats are nothing more than having a few cat naps throughout their day. The average number of hours a cat sleeps a day will vary depending on several different factors, including their age and breed. However, healthy adult cats can sleep anywhere in between 12 to 16 hours a day.1
Cats have different sleeping habits than people, and it can take some time for new cat owners to get used to them. Getting enough sleep is essential to a cat’s health and well-being. So, if you are concerned about your cat’s sleep schedule, consult your veterinarian to determine if your cat is getting the right amount of sleep.
Average Sleep Time for Kittens and Cats
The amount of sleep a cat gets in a day can vary depending on their age. In general, young kittens tend to sleep more than adult cats. They can sleep about 20 hours a day.2 During their waking hours, they are usually very active, curious, and playful.
By the time a kitten reaches young adulthood, they need less sleep and will sleep between 12 to 16 hours. The number of hours they sleep will increase again when they start to reach their senior life stage. Older cats are often sleepy and less active, especially when they begin to experience loss of mobility and other age-related health issues.
It is important to remember that cats do not sleep for many consecutive hours at a time throughout the day. They usually sleep for more than an hour and will do some kind of activity before falling asleep again. Their sleep is broken up into different parts of their day, and the cumulative amount of sleep they get each day adds up to 12 to 16 hours.
Why Do Cats Sleep So Much?
Cats and humans have different sleep patterns. Most people are monophasic sleepers, which means we sleep for a long period of time, usually at night. In contrast, cats are polyphasic sleepers. This means they sleep for shorter periods throughout the day and night.
It is believed that polyphasic sleeping is beneficial for survival because it allows cats to rest without falling into deep sleep and becoming easy prey for natural predators. In the wild, cats also consume a lot of energy during their waking hours because they are usually hunting for prey. They have to do strenuous activities, such as climbing trees and thrashing. So, it is important for them to have enough rest in between to have enough energy for their next hunt.
You may also notice that your cat is most active at sunrise and sunset. This is because they are crepuscular animals, and these times of the day are when they naturally feel energized and ready to hunt and explore.
When to Worry
Because sleep is so important to your cat’s well-being, it’s important that you become familiar with your cat’s sleep patterns. Although cats sleep better than most people, sometimes they can sleep too much. Sometimes, cats oversleep if they are bored and lack energy. Boredom is a significant health issue, as bored cats are prone to behavioral issues, including aggression, over-grooming, and depression. It’s important for cats to get plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction every day to keep them happy and healthy.
Sometimes, increased sleep may indicate an underlying health issue or injury. Injured cats may sleep or rest more to recover from their injury and because they have lost mobility. Many health issues, such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes, cancer, kidney disease, heart disease, and liver disease, can also cause increased sleepiness or changes in sleep patterns.
If you notice any sudden changes in your cat’s sleep patterns, it’s best to consult your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may complete a physical exam on your cat and run additional diagnostic tests to diagnose any underlying health issues that may be causing sleepiness. They can also let you know if the increased sleepiness is just due to aging.
Conclusion
Cats spend about half of their day napping or sleeping. Their sleep is usually distributed throughout the day, and it’s common for them to take a nap after they’ve exhausted their energy from exercising or playing. Since sleep patterns can help you monitor your cat’s health, be sure to keep an eye on your cat’s sleeping habits. This will help you act as quickly as possible if they need veterinary care.
Featured Image Credit: Garna Zarina, Shutterstock
