Wondering Why Cats Sleep So Much?
Like other animals, cats require a lot of sleep to maintain their health. However, there are times when it may seem like your cat spends more time sleeping than awake. Why are cats so restless? And what factors affect your cat's sleeping patterns? Here are some facts about all those naps.
How Many Hours a Day Does a Cat Sleep?
Cats sleep for 12 to 16 hours each day. To humans, who need about seven hours of sleep during adulthood, that seems like a lot of time spent snoozing. But if you think about it, it shouldn't come as a huge surprise that cats spend so much time sleeping.
Exploring and hunting require a lot of energy. Cats, who are predators, require a lot more sleep than people do in order to be awake and concentrated.
The stage of a cat's life may affect how much time it spends resting. While adult cats need 15 hours or less of sleep per day, kittens may need up to 20 hours because they are still growing and developing. Senior cats (those who are at least 10 years old) tend to sleep more than younger cats since they tend to be less active due to health problems or mobility problems.
7 Reasons Why Cats Sleep
1. They’re Taking Catnaps
Cats are thought to take short catnaps frequently, lasting 15 to 30 minutes, rather than sleeping for extended periods of time. Your cat can take a short snooze to rest his body and mind without dozing off. Cats can still respond rapidly to any threats in their environment because of these naps.
2. They’re Conserving Energy
It makes natural that cats would need to conserve their energy by sleeping more since they spend a lot of it when they hunt, play, or explore their environment. When your cat wakes up from a nap, he will be prepared to engage in whatever activity he chooses, whether that be chasing an interactive toy or darting up a cat tree.
3. They’re on Their Own Time
Crepuscular creatures like cats are most active during dawn and dusk. If your cat appears to be sleeping all the time, he may actually be up at night. Make sure your cat has things to do while you're in bed, such as scratching on a post or gazing out a window, to prevent him from waking you up at sunrise.
4. They’re Bored
Cats occasionally fall asleep because of boredom. Sleeping may not seem like a huge concern, but boredom in cats can result in destructive behavior, unceasing meowing, and excessive grooming.
Cats require daily stimulation in the form of vertical territory (cat trees, scratching posts, and cat shelves), puzzle feeders, interactive toys, and routine activity with the family in order to keep involved and avoid boredom. When you are unable to offer your cat a lot of attention, another cat can make a fantastic companion. Just make sure you introduce them appropriately.
5. They’re Stressed or Anxious
Cats experience stress in a similar way to humans. Cats have been known to alter their sleep habits as a means to cope with stress or worry. If they start to sleep more than normal, it may be an indication that something in their environment has them feeling stressed or overwhelmed. For instance, when new family members move into the home or if feeding schedules change, cats may experience tension or anxiety.
6. They’re Sick
Additionally, some conditions and diseases may cause your cat to sleep more than usual. These consist of:
- Hyperthyroidism
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Cancer
Take your cat to the vet right away if you notice any other changes, such as loss of appetite or weight loss.
7. They’re Injured
Being nimble animals, cats frequently leap from great heights or sprint around. The drawback is that this kind of intense exercise can occasionally cause ligament tears and muscle strains. Your cat may sleep longer in order to rest and recover from these wounds. A wound or infection may cause your cat to sleep more since their immune system is working overtime.
In addition, cats frequently experience joint pain and arthritis as they age. They might get drowsy and sleep more to ease their discomfort. If your cat seems stiff or lame, a trip to the clinic might be necessary. Your veterinarian can identify the issue and develop a plan of care to help alleviate pain and increase movement so your cat can resume resting.
When your cat exhibits symptoms of an injury or is in discomfort, you should always take them to the vet as soon as possible. They can assess your pet and, if required, offer physical therapy or write a prescription for medication to speed up recovery.
Is My Cat Sleeping Too Much?
Consult your veterinarian for advice if your cat is sleeping more than usual or if you notice any other behavioral changes with regard to their sleeping habits. If your veterinarian discovers a problem, they might advise food adjustments, more physical activity, drugs, vitamins, or behavior modification training. However, the solution might also be as easy as giving your cat more playtime and toys!
