Cats & sleep

There’s no denying that our feline friends love to have a nap, or ten! They can often be found curled up, purring and fast asleep.

While we might be jealous of how much they get to relax, we want to take a look at just how much sleep they need every day, the reasons why they snooze so much and when it might be a cause for concern.

Why do cats sleep so much?

Cats rest or sleep intermittently throughout the day to help conserve their energy for when they really need it.

A tired cat can’t effectively hunt or protect themselves from predators or other feisty felines, so it’s important for them to sleep when they can to make sure they’re ready for anything they might encounter while they’re awake.

How much do cats sleep?

Cats can average anything between 12 to 20 hours of shut-eye each day depending on a number of different factors that determine the amount of sleep they get.

This amount is likely to change as they get older, with kittens needing more sleep than cats of any other age but as they get older the need to sleep increases again.

How long do kittens sleep?

It’s normal for kittens to sleep for most of the day, with newborns managing to kip for almost 22 hours each day!

Sleep is essential for your kitten’s development so it’s incredibly important to let them take the breaks they need to make sure they’re given everything they need to grow up healthy and happy.

How much sleep is normal for my cat?

Here’s what your feline friend’s sleep schedule might look like depending on their age:

• Kittens are likely to sleep most of the day, with a few short bursts of energy after meals.
• Adolescent cats may have erratic sleep patterns as they find their routine but enjoy some playtime in between.
• Adult cats tend to have more set sleeping schedules that average about half of their day and are likely to be up at dawn and dusk.
• Senior cats tend to have less energy than their younger counterparts which means they might start to sleep more as they age.

Do cats sleep at night?

You may (or may not) have noticed that your cat is typically asleep during the day and tend to be awake at dawn and dusk. This is all to do with their hunting instincts!

Your cat’s favourite (raw, and on the move) meals are far less likely to notice any approaching dangers during the twilight hours, which makes this the perfect time for our feline friends to head out and start hunting for a tasty treat.

When is sleeping a problem?

Sleeping will vary between cats but you’ll soon come to learn their individual snoozing schedules. This is crucial to recognising any changes in their patterns that might indicate an underlying medical condition that will need veterinary attention.

Here are just some sleep-related problems to look out for:

• If your cat seems reluctant to move or can’t get comfortable.
• If your cat seems to sleep a lot less than they did before.
• If it seems particularly difficult to rouse your cat from sleep.
• If they seem to be sleeping too much or much more than they usually do.

If you have any concerns regarding your cat’s sleep, always speak to your vet who will be able to provide advice and necessary care.