Have you ever looked at your cat and thought, “Do you do anything besides sleep?” If so, you’re not alone! Cats are expert nappers, often dozing off for what seems like most of the day.
But why do cats sleep so much? Is it just laziness, or is there a scientific reason behind their endless snoozing? In this guide, we’ll uncover the real reasons behind your cat’s sleeping habits, their sleep cycles, and when to be concerned about changes in their routine.
How Much Do Cats Sleep?
1. Average Sleeping Hours for Cats
On average, cats sleep 12–16 hours per day, but some can snooze for up to 20 hours!
🐾 Kittens & Senior Cats: Sleep the most—up to 20 hours daily.
🐾 Adult Cats: Usually rest for 12–16 hours a day.
🐾 Highly Active Cats: May sleep slightly less but still love their naps!
That means your cat spends about 70% of their life asleep—talk about a dream job! 😴
2. Do Cats Sleep More Than Other Pets?
Yes! Compared to dogs (who sleep 10–14 hours daily), cats sleep more because of their unique biological instincts (which we’ll explain below).
Why Do Cats Sleep So Much?
1. Natural Instinct: Cats Are Predators
Even though your cat gets their food from a bowl, their wild ancestors were hunters. In the wild, felines must conserve energy for hunting, which means sleeping a lot between hunting sessions.
Even though your indoor cat isn’t chasing mice, they still have the same built-in instincts that tell them to rest often.
2. Cats Are Crepuscular (Not Nocturnal!)
Many people think cats are nocturnal, but they’re actually crepuscular—which means they’re most active at dawn and dusk.
Ever wondered why your cat gets zoomies at 5 AM? That’s their natural hunting time! 🏃♂️
3. Weather & Comfort Play a Role
Just like humans, cats sleep more when it’s:
☁️ Cold & Rainy: They love curling up in warm spots.
☀️ Hot & Sunny: Sunbathing + napping = perfect combo.
If your cat is sleeping more than usual on gloomy days, don’t worry—it’s completely normal.
4. Age Affects Sleep Patterns
🐾 Kittens (Under 6 Months): Sleep up to 20 hours a day because their bodies are growing.
🐾 Adult Cats (1–7 Years): Typically sleep 12–16 hours daily.
🐾 Senior Cats (7+ Years): Tend to sleep more often, just like elderly humans.
As cats age, they become less active and need more rest to recharge.
Understanding Cat Sleep Cycles
1. Do Cats Dream? Understanding REM & Light Sleep
Yes! Cats experience both REM sleep (where they dream) and light sleep (where they stay semi-alert).
🐾 Signs your cat is dreaming:
✔️ Twitching whiskers
✔️ Paw movements (like they’re chasing something)
✔️ Subtle tail flicks
2. Why Do Cats Sleep with Their Eyes Slightly Open?
Ever noticed your cat sleeping with their eyes half-open? This is a survival instinct!
🐾 In the wild, cats stay semi-alert even while sleeping to react to danger.
🐾 Indoor cats may do this out of habit, but it’s completely normal!
When to Be Concerned About Your Cat’s Sleeping Habits
1. Signs of Excessive Sleep That Could Indicate a Problem
While cats love their naps, too much sleep could be a sign of illness.
🚨 Warning Signs:
- Sleeping more than 20 hours daily
- Lethargy (not interested in play or food)
- Hiding more than usual
- Lack of appetite or weight loss
If your cat seems less energetic than usual, it might be time for a vet visit.
2. When to Take Your Cat to the Vet
⚠️ Sudden Sleep Changes: If your cat sleeps way more (or less) than usual, it could be a sign of arthritis, diabetes, depression, or other health issues.
If you notice any of the warning signs above, schedule a vet checkup ASAP.
Fun Facts About Cat Sleep
🐱 The record for the longest cat nap? Some cats sleep up to 22 hours a day!
🌞 Why do cats love sleeping in warm spots? Their ancestors were desert animals who absorbed heat from the sun to stay cozy.
🐾 Do cats dream about their owners? Most likely—science suggests they dream about daily experiences, including you!
FAQs
Q: Why do cats sleep more than dogs?
Cats evolved as solitary hunters, meaning they need more rest to conserve energy. Dogs, on the other hand, are social pack animals who tend to sleep less.
Q: Should I wake my cat if they’re sleeping too much?
Generally, no—unless they’re missing meals or showing signs of illness.
Q: Why does my cat sleep on me?
Cats love warmth, security, and their favorite human—you! If your cat sleeps on your lap or chest, it’s a big sign of trust and affection.
Also Read - How to Tell If Your Cat is Happy: Signs & Behaviors Explained
Final Thoughts
Your cat isn’t lazy—they’re just following their natural instincts!
🐾 Most cats sleep 12–16 hours a day—and that’s completely normal.
🐾 They sleep more when it’s cold, rainy, or after playtime.
🐾 Sudden changes in sleep patterns could signal a health issue.
So, next time you see your cat curled up and snoozing, let them enjoy their nap—they’ve earned it! 😺💤
💬 How many hours does your cat sleep? Share your experiences in the comments! 🐾👇
