How Long Do Cats Sleep?

The average rule of thumb is that a domesticated cat will usually sleep anywhere between 12 and 16 hours a day. Out of a 24-hour day cycle that means they’re potentially sleeping over 50% of the day so it’s no wonder you catch them snoozing a lot.

The amount they sleep will vary depending on a few different factors including lifestyle, and diet. The biggest factor, by far, when you consider how long your feline friend is sleeping is their age.

A kitten will need more sleep than an adult cat. When animals are growing, they will need extra energy to put into developing which is why they are awake for very short periods, usually. It’s even the same with human babies, they sleep a lot.

Kittens will usually sleep for around 22 hours a day from when they’re newly born to around six months of age. At six months they can reduce to 16 to 20 hours, but they still need a lot of sleep. When they finish growing and can be considered an adult this will lower but then when they become a senior, you may see it go right back up to 20 hours a day again.

Older cats need extra sleep as their waking hours take up more energy. Their joints become stiff, and everything is a little harder. They will tend to sleep as much as 20 hours as day to conserve energy to allow their body to repair and continue to function well. It’s totally normal to notice your older cats sleeping longer too.

Cats differ from humans in their sleep patterns. While we will sleep a solid eight hours in the night, cats don’t follow the same cycle as us which is why we see them sleeping a lot during the day. While we’re fast asleep in bed, they continue their pattern of flip flopping between sleeping and waking.

Your four-legged friend will generally sleep for 79 out of every 104 minutes so if they have a nap that two hours, they may be awake for the next three or four hours, but then may take another nap again after that. They most commonly take naps that last between 50 mins to over an hour and a half. They sometimes like to be quite active during the night when everyone is asleep so you will see them catching up on sleep during the day.

Many cats will come to bed with you at night and curl up with you as you tuck into bed. This is perfectly normal behaviour that happens for a few reasons. They quite like routine so if you go to bed at a particular time, they may choose to nap with you then and it becomes a pattern. Cats love to sleep with some extra heat, so your body heat provides the perfect environment to snooze.

The emotional ties we share with our beloved pets are unquestionable and your cat develops a level of trust with you. That trust means they feel safe when they’re around you and feeling safe is important to get restful sleep.

Cats are generally quite light sleepers; they’ve evolved to wake at the slightest stir to help them stay alert and avoid predators. By sleeping next to you, they’re adding an extra level of security in that there are now two of you to be alert for any danger. It means that they can get some very deep and peaceful sleep in your company.

Understanding if a cat is sleeping too much usually takes knowing a cat very well which most owners will do. It’s surprising how just living with an animal can make you aware of their schedule so you will often pick up when they’re sleeping more than normal. There is a big difference between snoozing and sleeping and key indicators are from their body language.

A relaxed cat may be lying down a lot with their eyes closed but might not actually be sleeping. To tell if a cat is sleeping too much, you need to be aware of what your moggy looks like when they’re deep in sleep with deeper and less frequent breaths usually than a cat that is just having a bit of shut eye. It’s easier to take note if your feline friend is having longer, deeper sleep than usual.

A cat that sleeps too much can either be sick or in pain. Animals will naturally rest more when they aren’t well so if you have any concerns, be sure to check with your vet and potentially get them checked over.

For everything you need to provide the best comfort for your sleepy moggy and all your other cat essentials, take a look at our wide range in-store and online.