Why Do Cats Sleep So Much?

Cats are known for appreciating a good snooze—often multiple times a day! This can be rather jarring if you’re a new pet parent to one of these adorable creatures, and you may find yourself asking, “Why do cats sleep so much?” or “Is it normal for my cat to snooze his life away?”

Don’t worry—we have the answers. To learn more on the topic of how much cats sleep and why, we spoke with Trupanion veterinarian Dr. Sarah Nold and got the full scoop. Read on for some common FAQs about feline snoozing habits.

Why do cats sleep so much?

Just like big cats in the wild, your cat or kitten uses a lot of energy running around and jumping during the day. Though domesticated cats may not need to spend this energy capturing prey, the instincts are still there. Sleeping is believed to be their natural way to help them replenish after hours of romping around.

“Most people with cats would agree that cats seem to spend most of their time sleeping or grooming,” Nold says. “My guess is that this is so they can conserve energy for hunting.”

Other reasons why cats sleep a lot

In addition to their natural biology, cats may sleep for a variety of other reasons:

• Illness or injury
• Weight gain or overeating
• Anxiety or depression
• Age (Both young kittens and elderly cats tend to sleep more)
• Seasonal shifts
• Boredom (to help prevent this, spend plenty of time interacting with your cat, and provide them with engaging toys).

If you’re concerned your cat may be suffering from a mental or physical illness, seek veterinary attention.

How much do cats sleep a day?

While all cats and kittens enjoy long hours of sleeping, some may choose to rest more than others. But how long do cats sleep on average?

Though all of them do quite a bit of snoozing throughout their days, the exact amount can vary anywhere between 12 and 18 hours daily for most adult cats. Both kittens and elderly cats may sleep an average of 18 to 20 hours.

In addition to age, other factors that may determine your cat’s sleeping schedule include her breed, size, and whether she has any medical conditions. If you have multiple feline family members, it’s important to remember that every cat is different and may choose to recharge in different ways.

How long do cats sleep at a time?

If you observe your kitty closely during their snooze sessions, you’ll notice that they often seem to wake up and adjust rather than sticking to one long, undisturbed nap. This is because cats have what’s known as a polyphasic sleep pattern, which causes them to sleep in shorter sessions multiple times a day.

According to one animal sleep study, the average cat sleeps in sessions ranges from 50 to 113-minutes long.

When are cats most active?

Cats are crepuscular, which means they are most active during the hours around dawn and dusk and may spend much of the night awake. According to Nold, this can cause some misunderstanding between humans and their feline pets.

“Cats are evolutionarily nocturnal,” Nold explains. “When you have them in your home, you ask them to live according to your daytime schedules and so they become more active during the day.”

How much sleep is too much sleep for a cat?

Just because cats are known for sleeping long hours doesn’t mean they can’t snooze too much. While cats do tend to sleep more as they become elderly or even when they’re bored, any excessive sleeping may be an indicator of illness. If your kitty is dozing off more than 20 hours a day, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with their veterinarian to rule out health troubles.

Another potential cause for concern is a change in your cat’s routine sleep patterns.

"If your cat insists on being more active at night, especially if it’s a change from normal behavior, talk to your veterinarian,” says Nold.

Do cats snore?

Ever hear strange noises while your kitty is sleeping? It may indeed be that your cat is snoring.