Why Do Cats Sleep So Much

If you’ve ever owned a cat, you’ve likely noticed how much they sleep. It’s not uncommon for cats to spend a significant portion of their day napping. But why do cats sleep so much? In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind your feline friend's extended snooze sessions and what it means for their health and behavior. 

Chronic oversleeping in cats can be a sign of a health problem. While cats typically need longer periods of sleep, if they suddenly start sleeping more than usual or show lethargy when they shouldn't (such as during the day), it may indicate a health problem. Chronic excessive sleepiness can be linked to a variety of health conditions, including pain, infections, metabolic disorders, endocrine problems (such as hypothyroidism), or neurological disorders.

If your cat's sleeping habits have changed, it is recommended that you watch for other symptoms such as loss of appetite, decreased energy, behavioral changes or weight changes. If any of these symptoms are present, you should contact your veterinarian for an examination to rule out an underlying health problem. Your veterinarian may recommend a physical exam, blood tests or other diagnostic tests to determine if there is a health problem affecting your cat's sleep. Early detection and treatment can help improve your cat's health and quality of life.

How Does the Sleep Pattern of Wild Cats Differ from Indoor Cats?

There are some differences between the sleep patterns of cats in nature and in the domesticated state, mainly in the sleep environment, the distribution of sleep time and sleep alertness.

• Sleeping Environment

Wild felines usually choose secluded places to sleep to protect themselves from natural enemies. They may curl up in a ball and utilize the cat's face hidden in cat fur to avoid mosquitoes and insects. Domesticated cats no longer have to worry about these natural threats, but they may still choose to sleep curled up, which may be related to their instincts and adaptations to their environment. 

• Distribution of sleep time

Indoor cats typically sleep for longer periods of time, up to 12 to 16 hours per day, while wild cats may have a more spread out and shorter sleep schedule due to their need to hunt frequently to maintain energy. In a domesticated environment, cats do not need to hunt as often, so their sleep patterns more closely resemble long periods of continuous sleep, but still maintain a certain level of alertness. 

• Sleep Alertness

Cats sleep in alternating cycles of light and deep sleep, and even during sleep they remain highly alert and ready to respond to potential threats or hunting opportunities. In the domesticated state, cats may be more relaxed, but they retain this alternating sleep pattern, which means they can wake up quickly in their sleep. 

Overall, the sleep patterns of domesticated cats are somewhat influenced by their environment, becoming more focused and prolonged, but their instinct to stay alert remains.

Why Do Cats Sleep So Much?

There are several main reasons why cats sleep so much every day.

• Natural Sleeping Habits

Cats are natural “sleepers”, with the average adult cat needing 12 to 16 hours of sleep per day, while kittens may need up to 20 hours of sleep. This long sleep habit is related to their evolutionary history.

• Vigilance

Cats' ancestors lived in the wild and needed to be alert at all times to prevent danger. This inherited trait makes cats stay alert even during sleep, not daring to go into deep sleep, so they sleep for relatively long periods of time. 

• Energy Reserve

Cats are crepuscular animals, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk. To prepare for these bursts of activity, cats need to conserve their energy. Sleeping allows them to build up the energy they need to chase, pounce, and play during their waking hours. This is why you might notice your cat being particularly playful early in the morning or late in the evening.

• Different Work and Rest Schedule from Humans

Cats are nocturnal animals, their active time is mainly concentrated in the night, while the daytime is used to rest and sleep. This is the opposite of a human's routine, so humans may think that cats sleep all day. 

• Age factor

A cat’s age and health can also affect its sleep patterns. Older cats may sleep more as their bodies require more rest. Similarly, if a cat is not feeling well, it may sleep more to conserve energy and recover. If you notice a significant change in your cat’s sleep habits, it could indicate an underlying health issue, and it’s advisable to consult your veterinarian.

Also Read: How to Know How Old A Cat Is

• Environmental factors

Cats are very sensitive to changes in their environment, for example, changes in weather may affect their sleep patterns. Under unsuitable environmental conditions, cats may exhibit more drowsy behavior.  Domestication has changed some of the behaviors of cats, but their sleep patterns have largely remained the same. In a comfortable and safe home environment, cats have fewer threats and more opportunities to rest, leading to longer sleep durations. Indoor cats, in particular, may sleep more than outdoor cats because they don’t need to stay as alert for potential dangers.

• Health conditions

If a cat suddenly develops prolonged lethargy accompanied by other symptoms such as loss of appetite and decreased vigor, this may be a sign of a health problem that requires prompt attention and consultation with a veterinarian. 

• Stress and Boredom

Cats may also sleep more if they are bored or stressed. A lack of stimulation or changes in their environment can lead to increased sleep as a way to cope. Ensuring your cat has plenty of toys, interaction, and a stable environment can help regulate their sleep patterns and keep them mentally and physically active.

In summary, cats sleeping so much every day is due to a combination of factors such as their biological characteristics, evolutionary history, physiological needs and different work and rest schedules from humans.

What Factors May Cause Lethargy in Cats?

Sleepiness in cats can be caused by a variety of factors.

• Health problems

Such as infection with viruses, parasitic infections, internal diseases (e.g. diabetes, gastrointestinal diseases, kidney and liver diseases), cardiovascular diseases, etc. 

• Side effects after vaccination

After vaccination, cats may show symptoms of lethargy and poor spirit, which usually recovers on its own within 12 to 24 hours. 

• Environmental changes

Changing to a new environment or encountering other stressors may cause stress reactions in cats, leading to lethargy and poor appetite. 

• Injury or pain

If a cat develops a wound or other pain, it may show lethargy due to discomfort. 

• Poisoning

Accidental ingestion of plants or other toxic substances may cause lethargy and other symptoms of poisoning in cats.

Related: Are Daffodils Poisonous to Cats

If the cat's lethargy is accompanied by other symptoms, such as loss of appetite, breathing difficulties, behavioral changes, etc., the cat should be brought to the doctor in time for professional veterinary examination and treatment.

How to Know if Your Cat's Sleeping Habits are Pathological?

To determine whether your cat's sleeping habits are pathological, you can observe the following aspects.

• Change in sleep pattern

If a cat suddenly begins to sleep for long periods of time in a row instead of its normal polyphasic sleep pattern, this may be a sign of pathology. A normal cat will have multiple short periods of alternating sleep and wakefulness. 

• Mental Status

Even though cats like to sleep, they should normally be alert to outside sounds and stimuli. If the cat appears listless and unresponsive to the outside world, it may indicate a health problem. 

• Appetite and Activity Level

If the cat is lethargic in addition to having a loss of appetite, weight loss or a significant decrease in activity level, these may be signs of a health problem. 

• Breathing and body temperature

Abnormal breathing patterns or elevated body temperature (normal body temperature for adult cats is about 38.7 degrees and should not exceed 39.2 degrees) may indicate a change in the cat's sleeping habits related to a health problem. 

• Eye and ear conditions

If your cat's eyes show discharge or the eyelids are abnormally protruding, this may be a sign of an eye infection or other disease. 

If you observe any one or more of these symptoms in your cat, it is advisable to consult your veterinarian for a prompt examination to ensure your cat's health.

How to Adjust Your Cat's Diet if She Sleeps Too Much

To adjust your cat's diet for excessive sleeping, you can take the following measures.

• Feed regularly at regular intervals

Ensure that your cat has a regular daily eating schedule to avoid overfeeding due to free-feeding. Adult cats are recommended to be fed in two to three meals per day to maintain a stable energy level. 

• Choose high-quality protein

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Cats are carnivores, and high-quality protein helps maintain healthy muscles and immune systems. Choose a cat food that contains the right amount of healthy fats to provide the necessary energy.

• Control calorie intake

If your cat is overweight, choose low-calorie foods and strictly control how much they are fed to help them lose weight. 

• Provide adequate water

Ensure your cat has fresh drinking water, especially in older cats with reduced activity levels, maintaining proper water intake is vital to maintaining health. 

• Avoid evening feedings

Reduce nighttime feedings to avoid keeping your cat awake during the night while they digest their food, which helps to adjust their biological clock and reduce sleep disruption at night. 

• Increase interaction and play

Increase interaction and playtime with your cat during the day to help them burn off excess energy, which leads to tiredness and better sleep at night. 

By doing the above, you can help to adjust your cat's diet in a way that may have a positive impact on their sleep patterns. If your cat's sleep problems do not improve after adjusting their diet, it is recommended that you consult your veterinarian to rule out an underlying health issue.

How to Provide a Good Sleep Environment for Cats to Improve Sleep Quality?

The following measures can be taken to create a good sleeping environment for your cat.

Choose a quiet sleeping area

Avoid placing your cat's bed in a high-traffic, noisy area, such as the living room or kitchen, and instead choose a quiet corner where your cat can rest in peace. 

Provide plenty of sunlight

Cats love to bask in the sun, which helps promote vitamin D synthesis, bone growth and physical health. Therefore, you can place your cat's bed in a sunny area. 

Set up a secluded sleeping space

Cats are naturally inclined to rest in secluded areas, which allows them to feel safe and relaxed. You can prepare a cat house or box bed with a cover for your cat. 

Pay attention to the temperature of the sleeping environment

Cats are very sensitive to temperature, and being too cold or too hot can affect the quality of their sleep.

Regular cleaning and maintenance of the sleeping area

Regularly clean your cat's bed and replace bedding to keep it clean and hygienic, reducing the risk of bacteria and viruses. 

Use comfortable materials

Choose soft cushions and comfortable pillows to enhance your cat's sleeping experience. 

Provide companionship and affection

Gently pet your cat or stay with them while they sleep to let them feel the love and warmth of their owner. 

Through the above measures, you can provide a comfortable, quiet and warm sleeping environment for cats, which will help improve their sleep quality.

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Conclusion

Cats are naturally inclined to sleep a lot, with some spending up to 16-20 hours a day napping. This behavior is deeply rooted in their biology and is essential for their overall health and well-being. Whether it’s conserving energy, adapting to domestic life, or coping with stress, sleep plays a vital role in your cat’s life. Understanding why cats sleep so much can help you ensure they have a comfortable, stimulating environment that supports their natural habits.

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