Why Do Cats Sleep So Much?
You have surely noticed your cat sleeps a lot! And just like other animals, they need a lot of sleep to stay healthy. You may find them sleeping on the couch, kitchen counter, behind the curtains, upside down on your bed – practically anywhere! If only we humans had that luxury…
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However, have you ever wondered why cats sleep so much?
More specifically, is all this sleeping actually healthy for them?
Cats spend more than 15 hours a day resting or sleeping, so it is likely the way your cat is catching up on sleep isn’t a cause for concern. Still, humans usually take around 7-8 hours of sleep, so to us, this seems like a lot of snoozing. Also, activities like hunting and exploring are rather energy-consuming. Aside from hitting the hay, our furry friends do this all the time, so it’s no wonder why cats sleep so much.
Additionally, cat sleep patterns also depend on their life stage. For example, young kittens are growing and need up to 20 hours to be fully rested. Likewise, an adult cat needs 15 hours or less.
Now, let’s go into further detail and discover why cats sleep so much.
Reasons Why Cats Sleep
Diet, lifestyle, and breed can make a difference in how much a cat sleeps, along with age. However, here are the common reasons why your cat must be sleeping too much and if it is really a cause of concern or not.
- Cat Naps
Cats take frequent naps that last for up to 30 minutes. These naps let them rest their body and mind without falling into a deep sleep. It allows felines to react quickly to the potential threats in their surroundings.
- Conserve Energy
Cats require a lot of energy as they hunt, explore, play, and get involved in other activities. So it definitely makes sense for them to conserve energy by sleeping more! As they rest, they are ready to tackle the tasks they want to do, whether jumping off a tree or exploring something new.
- Bored
Boredom can also be another reason why cats sleep. While sleeping is usually not a big deal, boredom can lead to other problematic behaviors such as constant meowing, destruction, etc. To prevent it, cats need stimulation throughout in the form of vertical territories such as scratching posts, trees, or regular playing. Watch over what they love playing with and try keeping them occupied. When they are not engaged in activities they love, they’ll most likely go back to their favorite thing – sleeping.
- Stressed or Anxious
Just like humans get affected by stress, so do cats. One way they express stress or anxiety is by the way they sleep. If your cat sleeps more than usual, it could be a sign of stress or anxiety in their environment. It is essential to note that cats get easily stressed for many reasons, such as when new family members are introduced to them, when they are in a different environment or because their feeding time has been changed.
- Sickness
Certain diseases can make your cat sleep. These include- heart and liver disease, cancer, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, etc. Whenever you notice any unwanted symptoms, such as weight loss or loss of appetite, make sure to visit a vet immediately.
- Injury
Cats often get injured while running or jumping at a high speed from one location to the other. These rigorous activities result in injuries such as muscle strain or torn ligaments. To deal with and recuperate from the injuries, they need rest and may sleep more. You may notice your cat sleeps more when they have a wound or an infection, as their immune system works more than usual.
- They are up at night.
Felines are usually up at night, so they use the day to catch up on their rest. They are typically the most active in the early morning and dusk. However, since this causes a clash between your and your cat’s sleeping patterns, you need to think of a creative solution. For instance, dedicate an hour or so to your furry friend once you return from work or are done with your chores. You can play, explore, and even go outside. After all their energy is used up, they’re more likely to sleep at the same time as you!
- Age
It is not uncommon that cats also develop arthritis or joint pain as they age. To relieve the discomfort they may be facing, they become lethargic and sleep more. Your vet may eventually diagnose the problem and help come up with a treatment plan to reduce the pain and improve its mobility. Always take your cat to the vet when you notice any injury or pain.
Cat Sleeping Patterns
Usually, the number of hours your cat sleeps and their typical sleeping pattern will change as they get older. Here are the possible cat sleeping patterns for cats in different age groups
- Kittens will sleep for most of the day with a few brief encounters of wake-up sessions between meals.
- Adolescent cats have erratic sleeping patterns.
- Adult cats tend to have more sleep and can have 12-20 hours of sleep each day. Once your cat reaches adulthood, it’s more likely that it will develop recognizable patterns.
- Senior cats tend to have less energy and reduced mobility, which is why they sleep more.
So why do cats sleep so much? We hope by now you have understood that sleeping is a normal cat behavior and sleeping for 18 hours or so is normal. No set amount of sleep indicates any emergency or health concern with your cat. It is, therefore, important to understand your cat’s normal sleeping patterns and recognize that they change significantly. If your cat sleeps more than usual, there may be an underlying health concern. If that’s the case, we recommend you visit the vet immediately.
Did you love our article and looking for more inspirational insights on cats and their well-being? Read through our informative blogs!
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