James Herriot, a British veterinary surgeon and author once said “cats are connoisseurs of comfort”. In the sun, on your bed, on the sofa or in a shoe box, cat’s love to curl up and sleep almost anywhere. Cat lovers know there is nothing more serene than a sleeping cat but how long do cats sleep a day and why do they need so much rest? In this article we will discuss how many hours a day cats sleep, how long kittens sleep, what is considered normal and when it is a cause for concern.
How many hours do cats sleep a day?
Cat owners often feel like their cat spends most of the day snoozing, but how many hours a day do cats actually sleep? On average cats generally sleep between 12-16 hours a day! This can even run up to 20, so your cat really does snooze the day away. How long do kittens sleep? Kittens need even more rest than adult cats and can spend almost 90% of their day asleep! The term “catnap” refers to a short sleep during the day, because cats really do spend the vast majority of their time resting in short intervals. In comparison, humans only spend one third of the day asleep, assuming they get 8 hours a night. Did you know catnip can affect your cat’s sleeping pattern, making them more mellow or more energetic?
The secret behind your cat sleeping
Cats are crepuscular animals, this means they are mostly active during dawn or dusk, these evolutionary factors contribute to their sleeping habits. Cats are biologically wired to conserve their energy for the hunt and this usually happens during dusk and dawn. Outdoor cats will venture out into your neighbourhood or indoor cats stalk around your house while everyone else sleeps, mimicking this behaviour. Ultimately, their sleeping patterns support energy conservation for stalking, chasing and capturing prey. Have you ever noticed that your cat generally gets the zoomies in the morning or evening? This is one reason why enriching playtime is so important, cats need to burn off all that energy they have built up from catching all those z’s. Other environmental factors such as warmth, boredom, and comfort also motivate cats to snuggle up and snooze during long stretches of their day.
Understanding the cat sleep cycle
Let's break down a cat’s sleep cycle. As all cat owners know, cats spend much more time sleeping than humans, but in shorter bursts throughout the day. The quality of their sleep differs to humans as cats are alert even when resting, during light sleep.
Light sleep
How long do cats sleep during light sleep? Light sleep usually lasts for 15-30 minutes, after this period cats will enter a deep sleep. During light sleep cats' senses are still working hard and even a small noise can jolt them out of this slumber as they remain highly aware of their surroundings.
Deep sleep
How long do cats sleep during deep sleep? Deep sleep or REM sleep typically lasts around 5-7 minutes for cats and this is when cats might be experiencing dreams! During deep sleep they will switch off and relax their muscles and bodies completely, they are also less easily startled and you may even find it very hard to wake them during this sleep state. You may also notice twitching and even some drooling during deep sleep. Some cats also cover their faces with their paws or make little noises or ‘snores’. Deep sleep is when cell regeneration occurs, it also recharges their bodies, so don’t wake that kitty!
Is my cat sleeping too much?
How much sleep is too much sleep? Cats obviously spend a lot of their time snoozing, so sleeping longer isn’t usually a sign for concern. Make sure you note any other changes to their usual routines, such as increased lethargy when they are awake, loss of interest in food or playtime, increased vocalisation or poor grooming routines. Sleeping in a haunched position or bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea are also signs to be wary of. Cats also tend to hide away when they are feeling unwell, if you notice these signs your pet may be in pain or suffering from an illness. Context is vital and there’s generally no need to worry unless you notice overall changes to your cat's routine or health.
Do age, breed or environment matter?
How much do cats sleep based on their age, breed or surroundings? All of these factors can affect how many hours a day cats sleep. Indoor cats may sleep more than outdoor cats, this is because outdoor cats spend more time alert and awake on their adventures. Kittens and senior cats also generally spend more time snoozing than adults, kittens need more rest to grow and senior cats may become tired more easily.
How long do kittens sleep compared to adult cats and seniors? Kittens can spend almost 90% of their day sleeping, that's between 16-20 hours, sometimes even 22! Senior cats can also get around 16-20 hours sleep, compared to 12-16 for adult cats. Your cat's breed can also be a contributing factor with more easy-going breeds like Ragdolls and British Shorthairs preferring to spend more hours relaxing. Weather changes or routine changes such as moving house can also affect how sleepy your cat may feel, very hot or very cold weather can encourage them to sleep more to conserve energy.
How to support healthy sleep habits
There are many ways to support healthy sleeping habits! If you feel your cat is not getting enough adequate sleep or they are overactive during the evening, scheduling play sessions before bed is a great idea, make sure you incorporate their favourite toys. Did you know you can even teach your cat to do tricks? This could also be a fun playtime routine before bed. Creating their own quiet, comfortable and private sleeping area is also key. Sleep is absolutely essential for their mental and physical health and overall well being.
When to speak to a vet?
How much do cats sleep when there is a medical issue? As mentioned previously, overall changes to your cat's routine or day to day habits, combined with sudden changes to their usual sleeping routine may be a sign there is something wrong. Keep an eye on their appetite, grooming habits and overall energy levels. If they are hiding or acting withdrawn these are warning signs that let you know they are not feeling their best. Contact your vet if you notice a combination of these changes.
Conclusion – should I let my cat sleep?
Cats tend to sleep more than other animals due to their evolutionary biology which hardwired them to conserve energy for the hunt and that's fine by us. Always observe your pets habits before panicking and overreacting, research is also key. You should always let sleeping cats lie and enjoy their dreams, we are sure you wouldn’t want to be disturbed during your shut eye either. Shaking a packet of Dreamies is a sure fire way to wake a cat up, and one they won’t be too mad about either.
FAQ - How Long Do Cats Sleep?
How long do cats sleep in 24 hours?
How much cats sleep during a 24 hour period depends on various factors, however the average is between 12-16 hours a day. Kittens and senior cats can sleep more, getting around 16-20 hours of sleep a day. Certain breeds, such as Ragdolls, may also be prone to sleeping longer.
Do cats sleep for 70% of their lives?
Yes! Cats do typically sleep around 70% of their lives, compared to 33.3% for humans. Cats are crepuscular animals, this means they are mostly active during dawn or dusk, these evolutionary factors contribute to their sleeping habits. Cats are biologically wired to conserve their energy for the hunt.
Do cats ever sleep all night?
Cats are crepuscular animals, this means they are mostly active during dawn or dusk, during their natural hunting times. This means they don’t typically sleep through the night and prefer to snooze though the day. This is why your cat will usually wake you up during the night! However, indoor cats can be more likely to sleep through the night.
