Why Do Cats Sleep So Much? [7 Most Common Reasons]

Do you ever wonder, why cats sleep so much? It seems like they’re always taking a nap!

In this article, we’ll explore:

• the average hours a cat spends sleeping
• the reasons why your cat sleeps so much
• whether or not cats are nocturnal animals
• tips to get your cat to sleep if it’s not sleeping enough

By the end, you’ll know all you need to know about the sleeping habits of your furry friend!

How Much Do Cats Sleep? 

Cats need between 12 and 16 hours of sleep per day, with the average cat sleeping for about 14 hours. Kittens need more sleep to develop their growing brain and bodies and they can sleep for 20 hours!

However, unlike humans who need deep sleep, cats are not in deep sleep throughout that time. A study found that cats spend 22% of their sleep in a resting state.

Why Do Cats Sleep so Much? 

Here are some of the most common reasons why your cat sleeps so much:

• Heredity

The first reason is that your cat’s sleeping habits are hereditary. Cats belong to the same family of species as tigers or lions. In the wild, cats are predators and spend a lot of their time hunting for food. This means that they spend the day storing up energy so that they can be ready to hunt at night. Many cats keep their ancestral sleeping patterns and sleep for long hours during the day.

• Your Cat’s Just Resting

Just because you think your cat is sleeping all day, doesn’t mean it’s deep sleep. Your cat may be just lying down with its eyes partially or completely closed just like we tend to rest on the couch with our eyes closed! If your cat’s tail or ears move occasionally, there’s a high chance it’s not sleeping and may jump into action any time!

• They Are Bored

Most indoor cats live a life of luxury compared to their outdoor counterparts. They don’t have to worry about predators or hunting for food, and as a result, they can spend a lot of their time sleeping. If your cat seems like they’re always sleeping, it might be because they’re bored and have nothing to do.

• They Are Stressed

If your cat is sleeping more than usual, your cat may be stressed. It’s not just us humans that can suffer from stress. Cats can also experience stress from things like changes in their environment, moving to a new home, or the addition of a new pet to the family. If your cat is stressed, they may start sleeping more as a way to cope.

• Your Cat’s Sick

Another reason your cat may not be active is that it may be sick. Sleeping a lot is also a symptom of depression amongst cats. If you notice your cat is low on energy, sleeps a lot, is not interacting with you, and not eating food make sure to take it to the vet right away.

• Change in Seasons

You may wonder why cats sleep so much in winter. Just like humans, cats can experience changes in their sleep patterns based on the season. In the winter, when the days are shorter, your cat may sleep more to conserve energy. Similarly, in the summer months when there is more daylight, your cat may be more active and therefore sleep less.

• Pregnancy

Finally, if your cat is pregnant, you may notice an increase in her sleep and generally lazy behavior. She may start sleeping more as her body starts to prepare for labor. This increased sleep is normal and nothing to worry about.

Key Takeaways

Are Cats Nocturnal?

Many people think that just because cats sleep so much, they’re nocturnal animals. ‘Nocturnal‘ refers to animals that are most active at night due to a number of factors, such as avoiding predators or being better equipped to hunt for food in the dark.

While cats are known for being active at night, they are not strictly nocturnal animals. In the wild, cats will typically sleep during the day and hunt at night. However, domestic cats often reverse this pattern and become more active during the day when they can interact with their human families.

They can adapt this way due to the fact that cats are crepuscular animals, meaning that they are most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk.

What to Do if Your Cat Is Not Sleeping Enough?

As a cat parent, it’s important to monitor the sleeping patterns of your cat. Now that you know how many hours do cats need to sleep a day, it can be alarming if your cat is not sleeping enough. Here are a few things you can try to make sure your cat gets regular and sufficient sleep:

1. Give Your Cat a Good Place to Sleep

Just like humans, your cat needs comfortable surroundings to sleep. Make sure that your cat’s bed is in a quiet, safe place where it won’t be disturbed. It could also be the reason why your cat falls asleep on your chest! It may find it more comforting and secure!

2. Establish a Schedule

Cats are creatures of habit, so creating a regular sleep routine can help them get the rest they need. Try to put your cat to bed at the same time each night and offer them a small treat or toy to help them associate bedtime with positive experiences.

3. Tire Your Cat Out During the Day

If your cat isn’t sleeping a lot, you should tire it out during the daytime. Cats usually wake up during the night or early morning as they’re ready to play and are full of energy. If you engage with them during the day, they will start sleeping soundly at night. You can play with your cat or get it an interactive cat toy that will keep your cat busy!

4. Give It a Late Meal

Cats also sometimes wake up at night because they’re hungry. If you give your cat a meal later in the evening, it will allow them to sleep peacefully at night!

Conclusion 

Pet parents often wonder why cats need so much sleep. Remember, they sleep a lot because it is natural for them to do so. In the wild, they would sleep during the day and be up hunting at night. Domestic cats often reverse this pattern. If your cat seems like it’s always sleeping, there are a few possible explanations. It may be bored, stressed, or sick. Make sure to talk to your veterinarian if you’re concerned about your cat’s sleeping habits.