Cats are true nap lovers. Sleeping for up to 20 hours a day is no big deal for them – they doze off here and there whenever they get the chance. It makes perfect sense: cats need to rest and regain energy after an active day. They spend a lot of energy running, climbing trees, balancing on narrow fences, and roaming the garden in search of mice and other small prey. So, why do cats sleep so much?
Main Reasons Why Cats Sleep So Much
Cats Always Need to Stay Alert
Cats sleep in short bursts, usually for 15 to 30 minutes at a time. This helps reduce stress, improve memory, and maintain vigilance—just like in humans!
Cats Are Naturally Nocturnal
Cats inherited their habits from their wild ancestors, who hunted under the cover of darkness. Many cat owners know that the closer it gets to midnight, the more energetic their feline becomes. Your cat may sprint through the house, knocking over anything in its path, leap onto the highest furniture, and then jump down at full speed. Cats also love the early morning hours—by 5 AM, they are often running around, waking up their sleepy owners. In the wild, felines hunted at night, and some cats still follow this instinct today.
Some Cats Remain Nocturnal
If a cat lives with humans, it often adapts to its owner’s daily schedule. Lucky are the owners whose cats sleep through the night rather than disturbing the downstairs neighbors. However, some cats remain faithful to their ancient habits and prefer to sleep during the day. That’s why some cats nap all day long, especially if they are prevented from doing so.
Cats Sleep More When Stressed
Sometimes, a cat may sleep excessively due to stress. A cat may feel anxious if there are too many visitors in the house or if its routine changes. Cats are highly sensitive to disruptions in their environment. Special calming aids can help cats feel more relaxed and better cope with stressful situations.
Simply Bored
Cats may also sleep a lot simply because they are bored. Fortunately, this is easy to fix:
- Play with your cat daily.
- Provide plenty of toys. You don’t have to buy expensive ones—simple items like string or foil balls work just as well.
- Set up a scratching post. Scratching is not only essential for claw care but also a great way for cats to stretch. If you place the scratching post where your cat already likes to scratch, you’ll save your furniture. Some cats scratch out of boredom.
- If your home is busy with people or other pets, make sure your cat has a quiet space to hide, nap, or climb.
- Let your cat explore the outdoors or at least create a cozy spot by a window so it can observe the outside world.
Excessive Sleep Could Indicate an Illness
If your cat is sleeping more than usual, it might be a sign of illness. If you notice an unusual increase in sleep time, consider taking your pet to the vet for a check-up.
Aging and Sleep Patterns
A cat’s sleep patterns can change with age. Just like elderly humans tend to nap more, older cats do the same. Kittens, on the other hand, have endless energy but need frequent naps to recharge. Adolescent cats spend more time playing but still require plenty of sleep. As cats grow older, they need more rest to recover.
Do Cats Dream?
Yes, cats do dream! You might notice your cat twitching its paws, making little noises, or flicking its tail while sleeping. It’s likely reliving events from the day. This behavior is completely normal.
The Three Stages of Cat Sleep
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Light Sleep
The cat is relaxed, with its eyes closed, but remains alert. At the slightest noise, it wakes up immediately. -
REM Sleep (Rapid Eye Movement)
Just like humans, cats experience REM sleep, during which they dream. Their bodies may move slightly as their brains remain highly active. REM sleep accounts for 60% of a cat’s total sleep time—three times more than in humans. This phase lasts about three minutes and occurs 20 minutes after the cat falls asleep. -
Deep Sleep
This is the most important sleep phase for both young and elderly cats. Kittens need deep sleep for proper growth, while older cats require it to restore energy. During deep sleep, the immune system strengthens.
It’s best not to wake a cat during deep sleep. Even if it looks like your cat is having a bad dream, it’s just reliving its daily adventures. Waking it up could disrupt its sleep cycle. So let your furry friend enjoy a peaceful nap – after all, a well-rested cat will be full of energy and ready to play!