Why Do Cats Sleep So Much?

If it seems like your cat spends most of the day asleep, you’re probably not imagining it. Cats are champion nappers, often sleeping 12 to 16 hours a day, while kittens and senior cats may sleep even longer.

Cats Are Built to Rest

Cats evolved as hunters. Stalking and catching prey requires short bursts of intense energy, so cats naturally spend much of the time between those bursts resting.

Your house cat may not need to hunt for dinner, but those instincts are still there. A few minutes spent chasing a toy, climbing, pouncing or racing through the house can be followed by a very long nap.

Cats also aren't truly nocturnal. They're crepuscular, which means they're naturally more active around dawn and dusk. That helps explain why your cat can snooze through the afternoon and suddenly become very energetic just as you're settling in for the evening.

How Much Sleep Is Normal for a Cat?

Most adult cats sleep around 12 to 16 hours in a 24-hour period, although every cat is different. Age, activity level, environment and personality can all influence how much a cat sleeps.

Kittens often need more sleep because their bodies are growing rapidly and their waking hours are packed with play and exploration. Senior cats may also spend more time resting as their energy levels and mobility change with age.

Cats don't spend all of those hours in deep sleep, either. Many of their naps are relatively light, which may be why a cat who appears completely asleep can somehow hear a treat bag open from another room.

Could Your Cat Be Sleeping Because They're Bored?

Sometimes extra napping can simply mean there isn't much else happening.

Indoor cats benefit from opportunities to climb, scratch, chase, explore and watch the world around them. Interactive toys, scratching posts, cat trees, window perches, puzzle feeders and regular play sessions can help keep your cat physically and mentally engaged.

You don't need to entertain your cat all day. A stimulating environment simply gives them more choices about what to do when they're awake.

When Is Too Much Sleep a Concern?

Instead of focusing on an exact number of hours, pay attention to what's normal for your cat.

If your longtime nap enthusiast has always slept most of the afternoon, that's probably just part of their routine. A sudden change is more important. If an active cat begins sleeping significantly more, stops playing, hides more often or seems unusually difficult to wake or engage, there may be something else going on.

Changes in sleep accompanied by loss of appetite, weight changes, difficulty walking or jumping, changes in litter box habits, vomiting, diarrhea, poor grooming or unusual lethargy should be discussed with your veterinarian.

Let Your Cat Enjoy the Catnap

For most healthy cats, plenty of sleep is simply part of being a cat. Rest helps them conserve energy for the periods when they're naturally more active - even if their biggest challenge of the day is chasing a toy mouse across the living room.

So when you find your cat curled up in their favorite sunny spot for yet another nap, chances are there's no need to wake them!