Why do cats sleep so much?

From how long cats typically sleep to if they’re actually nocturnal, we tackle some of the top questions about feline sleeping patterns.

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It’s no secret that cats love to spend plenty of time snoozing. But what’s normal when it comes to cat sleeping patterns and how can you ensure they’re getting all the rest they need? Read on to learn more about cats and sleep.

How long do cats sleep?

Adult cats tend to sleep for between 12 to 18 hours a day, averaging around 15 to 16 hours. Kittens and elderly cats may sleep for even longer. So, why do cats sleep so much?

Sleeping frequently is a perfectly natural behaviour for feline predators, who have evolved to conserve their energy between periods of activity, such as hunting. Lions, for example, may snooze for 20 hours a day. Getting plenty of rest ensures that cats are wide awake and ready for action when necessary. While our pet cats don’t need to go on lengthy hunts for food, they still burn off energy through exploring, playing and practising their natural hunting skills – and they haven’t lost their natural instinct for napping.

Kittens need more sleep than adult cats because they expend lots of energy on growing and need to recharge regularly. It’s also normal for elderly cats to tire faster than younger individuals and require a bit more shut-eye.

How much sleep do cats need – and when should I worry about their sleep habits?

While there’s no set amount your cat should be sleeping each day, if they’re snoozing more or less than they normally do, it’s a good idea to monitor their sleeping habits to see if this goes back to normal.

If their sleeping habits become a cause for concern – such as if they start hiding away more – it might be worth booking a vet check-up to rule out any underlying issues such as pain or illness. With Petplan cat insurance, you can also utilise the vet video chat with My Petplan to help put your mind at rest.

Are cats nocturnal?

Cats are often presumed to be nocturnal but in reality, this isn’t the case. If anything, our cats are crepuscular, which means that their peaks of activity take place in the twilight hours around dawn and dusk. This may maximise their chances of catching both birds (which are more active during the day) and rodents (which are more active at night).

However, there’s a fair amount of variation in cat sleeping patterns – some cats are primarily active during the day and others are primarily active at night. Our cats may also adapt their sleeping habits around our presence, mealtimes and their outdoor access.

How deeply do cats sleep?

For most of their downtime, cats sleep lightly rather than heavily, often napping for just 10 minutes at a time. During light sleep, they remain alert to what’s going on and ready to spring into action – just look out for their ears twitching and rotating. But, like humans, cats do also go into periods of deeper and REM (rapid eye movement) sleep – and it’s likely that cats dream in a similar way to us, too.

Where do cats like to sleep?

Our cats are famed for being able to sleep anywhere but many cats will have preferred sleeping positions in warm, comfortable places where they feel safe. Some cats prefer to sleep in an elevated position, where they can keep an eye on what’s going on. Others may favour sleeping in boxes, drawers or other sheltered spaces that give them a sense of security.

In the warmer months, however, it’s not unusual for cats to nap outdoors. Cats often like to vary their sleeping spots – another behaviour seen in their wild cousins, which helps them evade both threats of attack from other predators and a build-up of parasites.

You should provide at least one cat bed in a peaceful location (ideally more), even if your cat doesn’t always sleep in it. As they get older, they’ll increasingly appreciate a cushioned place to snooze undisturbed. During cold winters, you may like to treat them to a heated cat bed for extra comfort.

What do cat sleeping positions mean?

Cats sleep in a bewildering variety of positions – some of which look highly uncomfortable to us. Curled-up positions with noses covered or tails tucked around them to conserve warmth are common.

If cats sleep on their back with their belly exposed, this relatively vulnerable position suggests they’re feeling relaxed. Anything goes, really, when it comes to cat sleeping positions, as they’re sure to move if they get uncomfortable! And if your cat is happy to go to sleep in your lap, it’s a sign that they trust you completely.