It seems like every time I look at my cats, they are sleeping. They all seem to spend most of their time sleeping throughout the day. Why do cats sleep so much?
My cats are all between 8-12 years old. I know this has something to do with why they sleep more now than they did a few years ago.
The other day, I wondered why cats sleep so much. Humans are bigger and much more active than cats.
So why do they sleep so much more than us?
Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much?
On average, cats spend between 12-16 hours per day sleeping. Of course, this depends on your cat's stage of life.
Kittens' small bodies are growing and developing rapidly. They require more sleep than the average adult cat. Kittens may sleep up to 20 hours per day.
Likewise, it's common for senior cats (10 years old and older) to sleep up to 20 hours daily.
Their metabolism is slower, they have less energy, and they are dealing with the health issues associated with aging.
Cats take power naps
Cats are naturally curious and predatory creatures.
Prowling around, hunting, and exploring the world around them are all very energy-consuming.
In order to remain alert and focused, your cat needs a lot of rest.
Experts don't believe that cats sleep for long stretches. Instead, they take short catnaps (hence the name) for about 15-30 minutes at a time.
These short naps allow your cat to get the rest he needs without falling into a deep sleep.
This way, he can be alert and ready to react to environmental threats.
Cats are crepuscular
This means felines are more active at twilight. Your cat is likely to be more awake from dusk until dawn than he is during the day.
If it seems like your cat sleeps all the time, it could just be that he is up prowling around the house while you're asleep.
Boredom
Sleeping too much may not seem like such a big deal, but it could be a sign that your cat is bored.
If your cat is bored, he may try to entertain himself by partaking in destructive behavior, incessant meowing, or over-grooming.
Your cat needs stimulation to prevent boredom. Cat trees, cat shelves, and interactive toys can all provide entertainment for your cat during the day.
Regular playtime with you or other human family members would also be great for your cat.
If you don't have much free time, you may consider adopting another cat to keep your pet company.
ALSO: Can Multiple Cats Share A Litter Box?
Stress
As with humans, cats are affected by stress. One way cats express stress or anxiety is by changing their sleep patterns.
If they suddenly sleep more than usual, it could be a sign that they're feeling overwhelmed or anxious about something in their environment.
Cats are very sensitive and can become stressed or anxious for many reasons, such as when new family members move in or out of the house or when their daily routine changes.
Health
Your cat's health will be greatly affected by how much he sleeps. Health issues like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, or kidney problems can cause your cat to sleep more than usual.
If you notice a change in your cat's sleeping behavior, keep your eyes open for other symptoms.
If your cat is eating more or less than usual, seems lethargic when he's awake, or has any other noticeable behavior changes, you need to consult with your veterinarian.
Cats are always jumping and climbing. Torn ligaments, pulled muscles, and even fractured bones are not uncommon.
When things like this happen, your cat may not show visible signs, but his behavior will change to adapt to the injury.
Wounds and infections can also cause your pet pain and cause him to sleep more than normal.
Be sure to check your cat daily for signs of distress or pain. Consult your veterinarian if anything seems to be off.
While a health condition may be causing your cat to sleep more, it could also simply be that he needs a little more playtime during the day.
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