Why do cats sleep so much?
March 23, 2025

Did you know domestic cats sleep for 12-18 hours a day?

One of the main reasons cats sleep so much is to conserve their energy for when they are awake. A tired cat lacks the energy to hunt or defend itself, making it essential for them to get plenty of rest to be alert and prepared for anything.

While our domestic cats may not spend time hunting for food, they still have an instinct to sleep frequently. Additionally, cats enjoy playing and exploring throughout the day, which requires a significant amount of energy.

Let’s look at some cat nap facts!

Cats are crepuscular: This means they are more awake and active at dawn and dusk, favouring sleep during midday and in the dark of night.

You shouldn’t disturb your cat when it’s sleeping: While it might be tempting to stroke a snoozy cat on your lap, they might become disorientated.

Cats do dream: Cats in deep sleep are usually curled up with their eyes tightly closed. If you spot their whiskers or paws twitching while they are asleep, there’s a good chance your cat is dreaming.

Age makes a difference: Kittens are more active than adult cats, and sleep more. Senior cats (those in their mid to late teens) sleep more hours each day than they might have done as younger adult cats.

Cats can snore: When cats are in a relaxed sleep, the soft palate relaxes, causing them to make those cutelittle snore-like sounds.

The weather affects their sleeping habits: Don’t be surprised if your cat appears sleepier on rainy or dark days. Whether you have an indoor or outdoor cat, you may notice a change in their sleeping habits.

Is my cat sleeping too much?

Cats are true champions of napping! You’ll often find them dozing off for quick 10-minute power naps, only to spring back to life in a flash. But there are also those blissful, long stretches of slumber where they seem to be lost in dreamland for ages.

However, if you notice your furry friend snoozing more than usual or retreating to their favourite hiding spots, it’s a good idea to consult your vet. Sometimes, excessive sleeping can be a sign of an underlying health issue that needs attention.

Keep in mind that kittens and senior cats tend to nap even more than your typical adult cat. Kittens are in a growth spurt, burning energy like there’s no tomorrow, so they really need that extra sleep to recharge. On the flip side, older cats wear out more quickly, requiring plenty of rest to recover from their daily activities. So, whether it’s a quick catnap or a long slumber, those peaceful moments are just as important for them as they are for us!

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