Last Updated on May 3, 2024 by themubbi63
If you’ve noticed your cat sleeping a lot and you’re concerned about it, we’re here to tell you that it isn’t a cause for automatic concern. There are many reasons that a cat might be sleeping for what seems like a very long time to you. Animals such as dogs and cats aren’t like us humans and their bodies function differently. It isn’t an immediate sign that they’re sick. Let’s look at some other reasons.
Reasons Cats Sleep So Much
They’re Conserving Their Energy
First of all, you might have heard of the term catnap. Cats enjoy short naps of around fifteen minutes. It’s not that they necessarily sleep a lot. It’s just that they might nap more frequently than we as humans are used to doing. They do this to conserve their energy for later.
Just as short ‘catnaps’ energize us and get us ready for the rest of the day, it does the same for cats. They nap in preparation for running about, palying and hunting. Usually, a cat is well aware of its surroundings while napping. They know about every little movement, scent or sound around them. If you’ve noticed your cat’s tail twitching while it’s sleeping, then you should know this is what is happening.
These naps keep the cat more alert throughout the times that it is awake. It allows them to rest their minds and bodies without becoming fully vulnerable (which is the case with deep sleep).
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Evolution Plays a Part
Domestic cats come from wild ancestors who lived in hot, arid regions. These cats spent a lot of the day sleeping because it was too hot to move around too much. Thus, sleeping so much is part of the genetic make-up of your cat.
Look at lions and tigers for example. Observe just how much time they spend sleeping in between hunting for food. Cats are ultimately predators. Even if you provide their food in bowls for them, they’re genetically disposed to rest in the periods between hunts.
Their Sleep Timings Are Different Than Yours
Cats are crepuscular animals, which means they’re more active at dawn and dusk. Again, that’s part of their genes. If your cat seems to spend much of the day sleeping, it might be because it’s awake at night (when you’re asleep). Thus, your cat’s sleep timings are just different from yours and you don’t register it because you aren’t up at the same time that your cat is up.
They’re Bored, Anxious or Stressed
Just like human beings, cats sleep when they’re bored. And domestic cats might be bored a lot of the time. After all, the humans are busy with work and the cat might not have any motivation to play all on its own. Thus, they might doze off from sheer boredom. Providing them with cat toys might help with this situation. Games of fetch or chase stimulate them both mentally and physically.
Stress and anxiety are other reasons for sleeping more. Your cat may be coping with some worrying issues by sleeping. If there has been any sudden changes in its schedule or some other kind of trigger, the cat might hide from the situation by sleeping. If you notice signs of anxiety or depression in your cat, it’s best to consult a vet.
They Might Be Sick or Injured
Cats also sleep when they’re sick or injured. If your cat is sleeping unusually long, it might be a sign to take them to the vet. The cat might be experiencing some kind of pain or discomfort that makes it difficult for the cat to move. Thus, it sleeps.
Certain diseases also lead to cats sleeping more. These are diabetes, heart disease, cancer, liver disease, kidney disease and hyperthyroidism. Injuries like muscle strains or arthritis in older cats are other causes. Perhaps your cat is tired all the time because its immune system is working hard.
Age Plays a Factor
Finally, cats of different ages need different amounts of sleep. The schedule of a kitten is very different from that of an adult cat. Newly born kittens, for example, spend most of the day sleeping. They’re still growing and they need a lot of energy for that which they can conserve by sleeping.
Adolescent cats tend to be the most hyperactive. They’ve got erratic schedules and they might wish to play much more than a kitten or adult cat will. Adult cats, by comparison, have more set sleeping patterns. It depends on the breed – some of which are more lethargic or more active than others – but adult cats sleep anywhere between 12 to 20 hours in a day.
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Senior cats lack the energy of their younger counterparts. They are more tired and more lethargic. So they might sleep for longer periods.
Conclusion
Understanding why cats sleep so much can ease your worries. From conserving energy to their natural rhythms, feline sleep habits are deeply ingrained. While excessive sleep can indicate health issues, a napping cat is usually a content and healthy one.
FAQs
Why do cats sleep at your feet?
Cats may sleep at your feet for warmth, comfort, or to feel close to you while still maintaining some personal space.
Why do cats sleep in a ball?
Curling up in a ball is a natural instinct for cats that helps conserve body heat and protect vital organs while they sleep.
Why do indoor cats sleep so much?
Indoor cats sleep more than outdoor cats because they have less stimulation and activity throughout the day. They compensate for this by taking longer and more frequent naps.
How many hours a day do cats sleep by age?
Cats sleep an average of 12-16 hours a day, but this can vary based on age. Kittens and senior cats tend to sleep more, while adult cats may sleep slightly less.
