Why Do Cats Sleep So Much?

How can you know if your cat is napping for the wrong reasons? Here’s all you need to know about why cats sleep so much and how many hours they should sleep on average per day.

Your computer, printer, and head… on the couch, the kitchen counter, the bed, behind the curtain… What do these locations have in common? If you have a cat, you already know the answer: Your cat has slept there. These and other locations are popular resting spots for cats.

Have you ever questioned whether all of this sleeping is normal? Cats sleep or relax for 15-20 hours every day. So the way your cat is catching his ZZZs is probably not a cause for alarm. Here are seven reasons why your cat may be napping, as well as how to detect if your cat has a typical sleeping habit.

1. Your Cat May Be Nocturnal

One of the reasons your cat sleeps so much during the day could be that he is awake at night hunting imagined mice. The ancient cats were either nocturnal or crepuscular (active in the morning and the evening). Most domesticated cats follow our routine, sleeping most of the night and hanging out with us throughout the day. However, your cat may be returning to his prehistoric roots by acting as a predator at night and sleeping it off during the day.

2. Your Cat Could Be Saving Energy

Cats are hunters (and also prey). They preserve energy by resting or sleeping, as do many predators, to save up for the bursts of time when they will perform the most hunting. This sleep/hunt cycle is not cause for alarm.

3. He Might Not Be Sleeping When You Think He Is

All sleep is not deep sleep. Cats will occasionally click the pause button and take a short slumber—a “cat nap,” if you will. Your cat’s eyes may be partially or totally closed, but his ears or tail may still move occasionally. He’s most likely listening to his surroundings and getting ready to act, rather than sleeping deeply.

4. Your Cat Could Be Tired

When there is nothing to do, animals tend to sleep more. There are numerous ways to make your cat’s life more interesting and reduce boredom. You could, for example, construct a catio (a safe outdoor environment for your cat) or some climbing shelves. If your DIY abilities are lacking, providing enrichment items is an easier approach to keep your cat entertained. Every day, give your new kitten or adult cat three different sorts of toys. Observe what he plays with and then buy similar toys in other styles or colours. You can prevent boredom by determining his preferences and then acquiring the appropriate type of toy.

5. Your Cat Could Be Exhausted

Cats employ hiding and being less active as coping mechanisms when they are terrified or agitated. Your cat may be worried if he hides from the family, only interacts with one family member, hides during storms, or becomes anxious when you are gone. Sleeping more may be his coping mechanism. Inquire with your primary care veterinarian about your cat’s reaction to stress. She might recommend a board-certified veterinary behaviourist. In the book Decoding Your Cat, you can learn more about cat stress and what you can do to decrease it.

6. Your cat could be ill or uncomfortable.

When cats are sick or not feeling well, they hide and become less active. If your cat spends the majority of his time beneath the bed or high up in the cat tree, he could be in pain or discomfort.

If your cat is overweight, he may be unable to move around much and may prefer to rest because moving is difficult. Obesity in cats is a major issue that can result in joint pain or endocrine problems that require lifelong therapy. Make an appointment with your primary care veterinarian to have your cat’s overall health examined if you can’t easily feel his ribs.

7. Perhaps you need to sleep more and your cat’s sleep patterns are disrupted. Normal

Sleeping allows cats (and you!) to refuel. Sleep is essential for the immune system and overall wellness. Cats, unlike humans, appear to recognise the value of sleep and make time for it. Your cat may not be sleeping enough, but you may be sleeping too little!

It is typical for your cat to sleep and rest for up to 20 hours every day. Just go with it if he’s feeling good, his life is expanded, and he’s healthy. Perhaps you could benefit from a snooze as well!