How much do cats sleep?

Our feline friends are mysterious creatures, and finding out “how much do cats sleep?” is one of many confusing conundrums. We uncover the secrets of cat sleeping habits by answering questions like “how long do cats sleep a day?” and “why is my cat sleeping so much?” before taking a look at when endless cat naps could be something to worry about. 

Understanding the science of cat sleep

First, let’s put on our thinking caps to find out “how much do cats sleep?” and why.

The evolutionary reasoning behind cat sleep

Sleep is generally understood to be a foolproof way of conserving energy and recharging, and it’s no different in cats. As natural predators, wild cats burn lots of energy hunting and catching their prey, and they’re lulled into a post-dinner food coma as they recharge their batteries ready for their next meal. Although house cats may not need so much energy for hunting, they’re still preconditioned to spending lots of time snoozing *just in case*. 

The different stages of cat sleep

Our furry felines repeat the same two stages of their sleep cycle over and over again. This starts with non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep which they can snap out of in an instant, before transitioning to a deep sleep state known as rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. You might notice your cat twitching in sleep during the REM stage, sometimes indicating they're dreaming.

How much sleep do cats really need?

Depending on your fur baby’s age, health, and various environmental factors, cats get 12 to 20 hours of sleep per day. 

Environmental and behavioral factors that affect cat sleep 

Aside from age and health, there are several environmental and behavioral factors that can affect how much beauty sleep your fur baby gets. Enriching your feline friend’s environment with stimulating activities is an essential part of being a cat owner and it will also ensure your fur baby doesn’t resort to snoozing the day away due to pure boredom. Stress and anxiety can also cause disruptions to your fur baby’s sleep pattern, and you may get a furry visitor in the middle of the night if you’ve got a particularly sociable feline.

The importance of comfortable sleeping arrangements for cats

Cat sitters and pet parents will have noticed their kitty’s “dream” spot can be just about anywhere, be it curled up in a ball in your lap, all high and mighty on the top of the wardrobe, or rocking themselves to sleep in the drawers you accidentally left open. It’s important to give your fur baby lots of warm, snuggly spots for a cozy cat nap, preferably away from the hustle and bustle of the household (especially if there are multiple mogs). For obvious reasons, leave some space between your furry friend’s bed and their toilet, and avoid washing their bedding too often as your furry feline will find comfort in their own sleepy smell.

The impact of light and darkness on feline sleep cycles

Kitties are crepuscular mammals, meaning that they’re particularly active at dusk and dawn. As they’re typically awake during twilight hours, it can be difficult for us humans to judge “how much do cats sleep?” and “do cats sleep at night?”. Well, the answer is, while they might clock a few nighttime ZZZs, they’ll likely spend most of your sleeping hours awake. 

How your cat’s age, health, and personality affect sleep

One of the biggest variables when answering the question “how long do cats sleep” is age - young kittens spend most of the day in and out of the land of nod while adult cats generally sleep for around 16 hours a day. Puss pals over the age of 11 usually need to sleep more than younger cats, especially if they’re experiencing health problems. 

The benefits of cat napping

Sleep is super important - amongst other things, it can help strengthen a cat’s immune system, reduce stress, and lower the risk of serious health problems. 

Increased energy and alertness

Your furry little homebody has the same natural instincts as their wild cat ancestors, who had to factor in some time out in preparation for the next hunt. Catnapping allows your feline friend to rest and recharge before the next burst of activity (even if it’s not as serious as life or death anymore). 

Enhanced cognitive function

Sleep strengthens your kitty’s cognitive function and performance, ensuring your furry friend remembers important things like their favorite humans and their best tricks, as well as having a general awareness of the world around them. 

Improved mood and reduced stress

No one likes waking up on the wrong side of the bed, and just like us, kitties can get grumpy and stressed out when they haven’t had enough sleep.

Cat sleeping positions meaning

You can tell a lot about your puss pal’s personality just by looking at how they sleep. 

Curling up in a ball

Curling up like a donut to sleep is a protective position, indicating your feline friend may be a little cautious.

Stretching out

If your fur baby sleeps stretched out, it usually means they’re feeling comfortable and relaxed. 

Sleeping with eyes half-open

A lot of the time, your feline friend might look like they’re sleeping when they’re merely resting their eyes. If your kitty’s sleeping with their eyes half open, they’ll be listening to what’s going on around them and ready to leap into action if they need to. 

When to be concerned about your cat’s sleeping habits

Losing sleep over your kitty cat’s strange sleeping habits? You know your furry friend’s routine the best, and big changes to their typical sleeping pattern may be an indication that something’s afoot. Speak to your vet if you notice any unexplainable changes in your fur baby’s sleeping habits, especially if combined with symptoms such as weight loss, vomiting, hiding, or a general lack of activity. 

Excessive sleepiness and lethargy

Ok, so now you know the answer to “how many hours a day do cats sleep?”, what happens if your fur baby is sleeping more than this? If your cat sleeps a lot, this could be a sign they’re in pain or even sick; diabetes, heartworm, and endocrine diseases can cause your fur baby to be sleepy and lethargic, and excessive sleepiness may also be a sign of arthritis, stress, and boredom. 

Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep

Painful conditions and health issues such as heart disease, cognitive dysfunction, brain tumors, and hyperthyroidism can cause your fur baby to have difficulty sleeping. 

Changes in sleeping patterns

By adulthood, most furry felines should have a relatively predictable sleeping pattern. If you notice changes in your puss pal’s routine, it’s a good idea to speak to a vet to rule out any underlying health issues. 

Meet our veterinary expert, Emma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.

Final thoughts

Cats are known to sleep a lot, so how do you learn to support their lifestyle? 

Embracing and supporting your cat’s natural sleeping habits

We know it can be tricky living with a night owl, but the best thing you can do for your furry friend is embrace their natural sleep rhythm. If your kitty’s particularly active at night, set yourself up for success by allocating a specific area for them to run wild while you hit the hay, and establish your own bedtime routine so your furry friend knows when playtime is over. Keep playtime away from your bedroom while enriching your fur baby’s world with lots of exciting toys to keep them busy while you get some kip. 

Understanding when to seek veterinary help

When looking into “how many hours do cats sleep?”, it can be difficult to determine whether your furry friend gets a “normal” amount of shut-eye as this varies from cat to cat. Seek veterinary help if you notice any changes to your kitty’s typical sleep patterns, especially if combined with other symptoms. 

Creating a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for your feline companion

Whether your cats like to sleep on you or they prefer being snuggled away in a cozy little nook, variety is the spice of life when it comes to snoozing spots for cats. Make sure your fur baby’s got a private place to call their own, and then just let sleeping cats lie…