Your cat would win the gold medal in sleeping if it were an Olympic event. They’re simply masters of the art of slumber. Kitties are always up for a snooze, no matter what time of day or night it is.
While you may assume that your cat’s naptime is nothing exceptional, there are a number of intriguing facts regarding cats and their naps that you should be aware of in case you get concerned about your cat’s behavior.
You are reading: How Much Do Cats Sleep? Why Do Cats Sleep So Much?
Cats, like people, have a wide range of sleep requirements. It all depends on your age, health, mood, and other factors.
You may be wondering how much sleep cats get and how much they need, so let’s get started.
Cats Sleep Much More Every Day than Humans
Sure, you’re used to sleeping for eight hours every night. Cats, on the other hand, get a lot more shut-eye. Adult cats sleep anywhere from 12 to 20 hours a day, depending on the breed. 2 Cats in their golden years tend to sleep more than their feline counterparts of the same age. At 8 to 12 weeks old, kittens fall asleep for about 20 to 24 hours a day, depending on their age. 3 When your cat spends most of the day resting, don’t be surprised.
This indicates that cats are more active at dawn and night, unlike humans, who are more active during the day. So, when you’re feeling energetic, they’re more likely to yawn and act sleepy. Some cats, on the other hand, can be taught to go to sleep with you at night by following your cues. Before going to bed, play with your cat to burn off some of her excess energy. After you’ve finished playing, treat her to a wonderful dinner. This is going to be the perfect way to get her to relax and go off to sleep.
Your Cat’s Hunting Instincts Lead to Sleeping More
So, why do cats spend so much time snoozing around? It’s part of their instinct to hunt. In order to save energy and be ready in the event of a prey strike, wild cats snooze a great deal. Those instincts are still there for your feline friend.
To conserve energy and body warmth, cats sleep more in hotter climates, where they are natively adapted. It’s also common that they go into a deep sleep for only five minutes at a period before waking up and drifting off for 15 to 30 minutes. 4 Your cat may even sleep in a position that makes it easier for him to get up and get moving in the event of a disaster. That’s why your cat is so quick to jump into action, even when he appears to be sleeping. He’s genuinely listening for strange noises that require his immediate attention, even if he’s not aware of it.
Cats Sometimes Sleep More When They’re Sick
When a cat is sick, they may be more prone to snoozing and being more lethargic. You’ll be able to detect whether your cat is napping excessively once you learn how much sleep she regularly requires. It’s possible that she’ll act lethargic, have less energy, and not play as much as usual if she’s feeling under the weather. They may eat less or drink less while they are sick, which can make them weary. Make an appointment with your veterinarian right away if you suspect your cat is napping excessively.
Consider How Active Your Cat Was While You Were Sleeping
If you observe that your cat spends most of the day resting, it may be because he doesn’t get enough sleep at night. During the night, some cats may curl up with you and then get up and go on adventures around the house after you’ve fallen asleep.
To make up for lost sleep time at night, your cat must sleep during the day when you are awake. He’ll appear to be sleeping more than he actually is, which is a good thing. If you have any doubts, installing a camera in your home and setting it to record while you sleep may help. When you get out of bed in the morning, check to see if your cat had a restful night’s sleep and is making up for it during the day.
How Much Do Cats Sleep?
Cats spend an average of 15 hours a day sleeping. In a 24-hour period, they can sleep up to 20 hours.
Cats spend the majority of their waking hours sleeping, as they are most active in the evenings and early mornings. If you’ve ever wondered why, you can thank their physiology for the explanation.
Cats are adapted to hunt at night, when their keen sense of smell and hearing enable them to catch animals while remaining undiscovered by their target.
When it comes to their wildcat cousins, our domesticated feline friends demonstrate many of the same traits as their wild counterparts. Having to chase prey requires a lot of energy, so cats try to sleep as long as possible so they have the stamina to take down their prey, even if it is a rubber ball or toy.
How Much Sleep Do Cats Really Need?
Cats spend the majority of their waking hours sleeping, and this is for a good reason. Their biology dictates it, as already said.
If your cat is sleeping 15 hours a day, you might reasonably infer that she needs 15 hours of sleep each day.
Something else to consider is whether or if she’s suddenly sleeping more than usual, or if she seems lethargic even while she’s awake. As soon as you see something like this is wrong, don’t hesitate to see your veterinarian.
Cats, on the other hand, go through sleep cycles.
As kittens, they are likely to spend most of their time sleeping. Atypical sleeping patterns, such as pacing the house at all hours of the day and night throughout their “adolescent” years, can occur (and night).
As an adult, you may count on a consistent sleep pattern of 12 to 20 hours per day, depending on the day and the cat.
It’s reasonable to assume that the amount of sleep a senior needs will rise as their mobility diminishes and their metabolism slows.
Is a Cat Always in Deep Sleep?
It’s not as if your cat is always fast asleep. After all, it’s called a “catnap” for a reason.
The majority of a cat’s sleep is light napping, with barely a quarter of the time spent in deep slumber, according to studies.
Even if they’re getting plenty of sleep, they’re still awake and ready to go when the time comes. Primal instincts are at work here again.
Observe your cat’s eyes and ears to check whether they’re open just a tad while they’re sleeping. If your kitty’s ears are twitching and turning in response to noises, it could suddenly come to life.
Do Cats Dream and Snore?
If you’re awakened by snoring while sharing a bed with your significant other and your cat, don’t necessarily place the responsibility on the other human. There is a good chance your cat is to blame.
As for cats, snoring occurs when the soft palate is impeded by skin that is too close to the airway. However, there’s no need to be alarmed, as most of the time it’s nothing dangerous.
Persian and Himalayan cats, as well as other short-nosed types, are more prone to snoring than other breeds.
While they sleep, cats snore, which suggests that they are also dreaming at the same time. Cats, like humans, can dream happily or dreadfully. Your cat may be dreaming if you see their whiskers twitching or their paws moving like they’re walking.
What Makes a Cat Sleep Less?
Cats are masters at rearranging their sleeping patterns in order to get by on less sleep than humans are.
For example, a cat will sleep less than other cats if it is exposed to higher levels of natural or artificial light.
As a result, cats that are kept busy and stimulated by their owners may sleep less.
In addition, if you decide to cut back on the amount of food you give your cat, be prepared for them to be more active. However, cutting back on their calorie intake can lead to a less restful night’s sleep, so consider twice before doing so.
What if My Cat’s Sleeping Habits Change?
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Any unexpected changes in your cat’s sleeping habits should be taken to your veterinarian’s attention.
People who sleep more or less frequently than they used to may be exhibiting signs of physical pain, digestive difficulties, or even depression.
Don’t be alarmed if your cat starts lying down in fresh litter after you’ve just replaced the litter box. Kitties seem to enjoy the feel of fresh litter under their paws for reasons that elude researchers.
Some people think cats are sluggish because of their sleeping habits, but those who know them best realize they’re really professionals at slowing down and relaxing. Take a cue from your cat and take a catnap the next time you’re feeling frazzled, pressured, or otherwise unable to concentrate.
How Long Do Cats Sleep?
As opposed to sleeping in a single lengthy stretch like most humans, cats have a polyphasic sleep cycle. These feline snoozes last, on average, for around an hour and a half. Cats, on the other hand, typically sleep for anything from 50 to 113 minutes at a time.
The Sleep Cycle for Cats
Cats, like people, have a 24-hour internal clock. The 24-hour sleep-wake cycle is guided by the circadian rhythm, which is the body’s internal biological clock.
As a species, humans have a diurnal sleep cycle in which we are more likely to be awake during the day and fall asleep at night. Cats, on the other hand, are nocturnal creatures. Before sunrise and just before sunset, they have their busiest times of day; they’re most active then.
Crepuscular sleep is thought to be motivated by a cat’s predatory natures, according to researchers. Cats prey on a variety of animals, many of which have distinct sleeping schedules. Crepuscular cats can hunt diurnal birds in the morning and nocturnal rodents at dusk and dawn.
What Happens While Cats Sleep?
Cats, like humans, go through a variety of sleep stages. Non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep are two types of sleep for cats.
Cats are known to endure a period of alertness and activity before sliding into NREM sleep, according to scientific research. During this non-rapid eye movement (NREM) period, your cat may be drowsy but ready to rouse at any moment. The cat may wake up from NREM sleep and repeat the cycle of wakefulness, drowsiness, and NREM sleep several times.
When the cycle is complete, the cat moves from non-rapid eye movement (NREM) to rapid eye movement (REM). The eyeballs move under closed eyelids during REM sleep. There is a horizontal and a vertical range of motion for the eyes in cats. REM sleep is something you’ve probably witnessed in your cat. They can twitch or become limp when they are in REM sleep due to a lack of muscular tone.
Cats may also have dreams during REM sleep. REM sleep is the most common time for humans to have dreams. As the eyes move during REM sleep, they may be linked to dreams. During rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, researchers have noticed cats acting out their fantasies.
Why Do Cats Sleep So Much?
Cats, like us, are nocturnal creatures in need of rest. Consistent sleep recharges the body for the next day in humans. Memory development and the immune system are also aided by a good night’s sleep.
Other mammals, such as cats, may also benefit from these findings, according to the researchers. NREM sleep may assist the body recharge and retain energy, but REM sleep may help regulate emotions and other recovery processes. NREM sleep may help recharge the body. Rats, for example, lose weight, can’t regulate their body temperature, and have weakened immune systems, all of which lead to death if they don’t get enough sleep.
Should You Be Concerned About Your Cat’s Sleep?
Your cat’s sleep patterns may fluctuate for a variety of natural reasons. Sleeping more frequently may be necessary if your cat has been active for a long amount of time. Your cat’s sleep patterns may be altered by a move or the arrival of a new family member. As your cat gets older, they need more rest.
If you’re having trouble sleeping or staying awake, you may have an underlying health problem. If your pet is sick, you may notice additional changes in their behavior, such as altered potty habits, confusion, or an unexpected increase or decrease in weight.
Excessive Sleep and Lethargy
- When a cat has renal disease, it tends to be less active in the daytime, eat less and drink more.
- Cats who are deaf tend to sleep more since noise disturbs them less. Increased vocalizations at all times of the day and night, a decrease in hunger, and weight loss are among other symptoms.
- Adult and young cats can develop hypothyroidism, which is a lack of thyroid hormone. Lethargy and hair loss are among the most common symptoms.
Restlessness and Decreased Sleep
- If your cat is a night owl, they may not get enough stimulation during the day because they are so busy at night. Playing with them on a regular basis may be beneficial. Some folks prefer to let their pets go for their daily walks in the open air.
- Having excessive levels of thyroid hormone in cats is known as hyperthyroidism. Excessive excitability may occur in your cat. Despite the fact that they are trying to shed pounds, they may find that they have an increased hunger.
- Domestic and wild cats can contract Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), which weakens their immune systems. They have difficulties falling asleep and are less restful as a result of this condition.
When to Talk to Your Veterinarian
Your cat’s behavior is best understood by you. Consult your veterinarian if you notice anything out of the ordinary, especially if it occurs along with other troubling signs and symptoms.. They can assist you figure out what’s causing your cat’s behavioral shifts and if they’re normal or need to be investigated further.
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Category: Sleep Advisors
