No doubt about it, cats love to sleep. Our Rock Springs explain how much is too much sleep for cats and when owners should be worried about it.
Why do cats sleep so much?
Cats have a natural instinct to sleep for extended periods of time, which has been ingrained in their evolutionary history. While domesticated cats may not need to hunt for survival, the innate urge to sleep and recharge remains.
How much do cats sleep?
Wondering how many hours a cat sleep per day? The number of hours that your cat needs to sleep and the typical sleeping pattern for your cat will change as they get older :
- Kittens will likely sleep most of the day, with a few brief bursts of energy between meals.
- Adolescent cats may have erratic sleep patterns combined with periods of intense playfulness.
- Adult cats tend to have more set sleeping schedules that average out at about 12 - 20 hours of sleep each day.
- Senior cats will tend to have less energy and reduced mobility which means they will sleep more than younger cats.
When your cat reaches adulthood, it will most likely develop a recognizable pattern of sleeping and waking. For example, you may notice that your cat wakes up just before you, spends an hour or two eating and socializing with you, then goes back to sleep while you go about your business.
Is my cat really asleep?
Cats do sleep deeply but not always. Much like people, cats are often just snoozing. Light sleeping makes up about 3/4 of your cat's sleep time, with just 1/4 of their sleep time being devoted to deep sleep.
When cats snooze lightly, they get the rest they need while remaining alert. When your cat is sleeping or snoozing, you may notice that its eyes are slightly open or that its ears twitch and rotate in response to noises.
When should I be concerned?
The amount of sleep your cat needs can vary, so it's important to know their normal sleep patterns. If you notice a significant change in your cat's sleeping habits, it could be a sign of a health issue, and a visit to the vet is recommended.
If your cat is sleeping excessively, it could be a sign of illness or discomfort. Conversely, if your cat is sleeping less than usual, it may be experiencing conditions like hyperthyroidism.