Why Do Cats Sleep So Much? Here Are 4 Reasons Why

Does your cat spend most of their day sleeping? In case you’ve been worried about your cat’s sleep habits, there’s actually not much room for concern. Most cats take their sleep schedule seriously and sleep an average of 16 hours a day¹. 

Is there more to cats’ sleeping patterns than just plain laziness, though? The truth is, your feline companion needs all the sleep they can get as it’s a crucial factor in their development and well-being. Surely, occasional power naps could be motivated by sheer boredom, especially if they’re the only pet in the home. However, in most cases, they need their rest for other, more specific, reasons.

4 Reasons Why Cats Sleep So Much

1. Preserving Energy

One of the reasons why your cat is sleeping a lot is to preserve energy. Even if your cat has never had to hunt in their entire life and food is readily available, their instincts tell them otherwise. Cats’ urge to protect themselves and hunt ² is deeply rooted in their genes, and this instinct isn’t any weaker in well-fed domestic cats than in a stray cat. 

A cat’s extra sleep preserves energy so that when they awake, they’ll feel alert and energized enough to take on any challenge — catching an (imaginary) prey or fighting off an intruder. 

That said, it is normal for active cats to sleep longer than the average, as their recovery will take more time. It is also important to note that a domestic cat’s daily rhythm, including active periods of sleep, largely depends on the owner’s lifestyle ³ and habits. So, even if you feel like your cat is completely ignoring you, they’re adopting much of your day-to-day routine. 

2. Running on a Crepuscular Clock

Cats are crepuscular animals⁴, which means they run on a 24-hour clock and have activity peaks at dawn and dusk. This is precisely why you may witness outbursts of energy from your cat early in the morning, only to see them crash after breakfast. They may spend the entirety of the day in their favorite napping spot only to wake up for another energy burst in the evening. 

This schedule also happens to coincide with times of the day when rodents and birds, which are common prey for cats, are active.⁴ 

3. Temperature Regulation

Another reason why cats sleep more is to help themselves stay cool. This can be particularly true for cats who reside in warmer climates or during the summer months. According to veterinary experts, when cats sleep, this helps them regulate their body temperature.¹ 

It’s important that cats are able to slow down and keep their temperature in check when it’s hot out because they can be at risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke⁵, the latter of which can be fatal. 

4. Polyphasic Sleep-Wake Cycle

Felines have a polyphasic sleep-wake cycle ⁶, meaning they have multiple sleeping periods during the day. This is why you’ll mostly see your cat taking many naps during the day rather than sleeping for longer, uninterrupted periods as humans do. What’s interesting about the polyphasic sleep rhythm is that babies also naturally follow it.

One study on cats’ sleeping patterns found that a typical cycle included 26 minutes of wakefulness followed by 79 minutes of sleep.⁶ 

How Much Sleep Do Cats Need?

Kittens

Kittens tend to sleep much more than adolescent and adult cats because they need more sleep as they’re still developing and growing. A newborn kitten will spend up to 20 hours a day⁷ sleeping, but this habit will change as they mature. 

Adolescent Cats

For cats, adolescence starts⁸ at the age of one and lasts until the age of six. Adolescent or young adult cats are in their prime and tend to be the most active in this stage. While young adult cats mostly spend around 15 hours a day sleeping, this number will vary depending on the cat’s character, habits, and daily activities.⁷ 

It is completely normal for a cat in this stage to sleep even more. What is, however, a potential sign for concern is a sudden change in the cat’s behavior. If you notice that your cat is sleeping much more than usual⁹, and this change is also followed by lethargic behavior, there could be an underlying issue. 

Adult Cats

A mature adult is a cat of seven to 10 years of age.⁸ In most cases, felines in this age group will sleep the least out of all categories, sometimes even less than 15 hours.⁷ However, you shouldn’t be concerned if your adult cat decides to prolong their naps, as long as the change isn’t too drastic.

Older Cats

Older, or senior, cats are over 10 years old.⁸ Older cats typically sleep more than younger cats because they have less energy and mobility.⁹  In this case, you may find that your senior cat sleeps closer to the amount of time they did as a kitten.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do cats sleep?

As mentioned, cats are most active at dawn and dusk.⁴ This suggests that they would rest mostly during the day and would become more active when it’s twilight.

Is it normal for cats to sleep all day?

Yes, it is normal for cats to sleep most of the day, with some sleeping as much as 20 hours a day if they’re a newborn kitten.7 What would be considered out of the ordinary is if they suddenly change their behavior, stop eating, and show signs of discomfort or illness when they are awake.⁷

How do I know if my cat is sleeping too much?

If you have concerns your cat is sleeping too much, you should closely monitor their behavior and look for any additional red flags.

Is your cat eating less than usual? Are they having difficulty moving or getting up? Do they appear to be lethargic when awake, and they used to be playful and active? Answering these questions can help you know if it’s time to call a vet.

Why do cats sleep in a ball?

Cats often sleep curled up in a ball. This curled-up position helps them to keep warm10 when it’s cold out.