As surely as cats love cardboard boxes and knocking our keys off the coffee table, we can safely say that cats also love sleeping. In fact, cats love sleeping a lot. They seem to spend so much time asleep it’s a surprise they ever manage anything else!
But if you’ve ever found your cats sleeping on your bed, curled up in a patch of sun, or even stretched out on top of you, you might wonder to yourself—is my cat sleeping too much? Well, understanding feline sleeping patterns can help you determine whether your kitty’s sleep habits are normal or if there’s something more to investigate. Read on to learn more.
Why Do Cats Sleep So Much?
Cats are naturally crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. This behaviour stems from their wild ancestors, the African wildcat, who would hunt small prey during these hours. Hunting takes a lot of energy, and even though our domestic cats no longer need to chase down their dinner, they still have this instinct to conserve energy between these bursts of activity.
On average, cats sleep around 15 hours a day, though some may snooze for only 12 while others could be napping for up to 20 hours. We say only 12, though this is still considerably more than the average 8 hours of sleep that we humans get!
Even more unlike humans, who have a diurnal sleep pattern (awake during the day and asleep at night), cats follow a polyphasic sleep pattern. This means they take multiple short naps throughout the day—hence the term cat nap!
How Cat Sleep Patterns Change with Age
As cats grow and age, their sleep patterns naturally shift to accommodate their changing energy levels, physical needs, and overall well-being. Understanding these stages can help you ensure your cat is getting the rest they need at every stage of life, and answer the question—is my cat sleeping too much?
- Kittens—Young kittens will often sleep most of the day, up to 20 hours, as their bodies and brains rapidly develop. Sleep plays a big role in their growth, aiding muscle formation and cognitive function. You may notice your kitten waking up full of energy, eager to play before they tire out again.
- Junior and adult cats—Fully mature cats tend to be more active than kittens but still need plenty of rest a day, usually around the 15-hour mark.
- Senior cats—Older cats may sleep for longer periods, around 18 hours a day, as their energy levels naturally decrease with age. They may also prefer quieter, warmer spots to rest and might take longer to wake up and become active. Keeping an eye on any sudden changes in sleep duration can help identify potential health concerns.
Of course, it’s important to remember that each cat is unique—some cats may naturally sleep for longer than others, and vice versa. Your cat may also adapt their sleep to fit your schedule, often napping when the house is quiet and becoming active when you are. This could explain why your cat sleeps on you, seeking warmth and security in your presence!
What Does a Healthy Cat Nap Look Like?
A well-rested cat will wake up alert, active, and engaged with their surroundings. You may notice your cat lightly napping with their ears twitching at sudden noises, which means they are in a slight sleep and ready to spring into action if needed. During deep sleep, cats may curl up tightly or twitch, which could indicate they’re dreaming.
To learn more about the different shapes our napping cats adopt, check out our previous blog on cat sleeping positions.
Is My Cat Sleeping Too Much?
While it’s normal for cats to sleep a lot, excessive sleeping or drastic changes in their sleep habits could indicate a problem. Ask yourself:
- Has my cat become less interested in eating or playing?
- Is your cat spending a lot of time hiding or sleeping in unusual places?
- Has their sleeping pattern changed suddenly?
- Does my cat seem more withdrawn?
If the answer to any of these is yes, it’s best to take your cat to the vet for a check-up in case of any underlying health issues.
It’s also possible that something around the home may be causing your cat stress, so think about other ways you can also help. Plugging in a FELIWAY Optimum diffuser can be an effective way to restore harmony in the home, especially if your cat is showing other stress-related symptoms such as urine marking or scratching furniture.
Tips for Managing Night-Time Wakefulness
Many cat parents experience the challenge of a cat that wakes them up at night, especially if their cat is sleeping all day and becomes more active when the household settles down. Since cats are naturally more active in the early morning and evening, here are some ways to encourage restful sleep:
- Evening play sessions—Playing with your cat later in the day can help burn energy before bedtime.
- Establish a consistent routine—Regular feeding, play, and bedtime habits can all help cats feel more secure in their environment.
- Ensure a cozy sleeping spot—Cats prefer warm, safe spots to sleep; bonus points for using FELIWAY Optimum to help create a calming environment!
- Provide mental stimulation—Interactive toys and climbing structures keep your cat engaged during the day reducing night-time restlessness.
Understanding Your Cat’s Sleep
Seeing your cat sleeping all day—whether sleeping on the bed, on you, or even in a cardboard box—is a perfectly normal behaviour. However, it’s always worth monitoring their habits. Knowing what ‘normal’ sleep is for your cat will help you to notice if your cat is sleeping a lot more or less than usual. Providing enough stimulation and a comfortable sleeping environment are all ways we can support our cats in their overall well-being and happiness!
For more insights into cats and their behaviour, why not explore our other articles online? And while you’re there, don’t forget you can sign up for our newsletter to receive all our latest guides and advice straight into your inbox!