Reasons Why Cats Sleep So Much
Why do cats sleep so much? A shocking 16 hours a day or even more! Yet, cats are always energized when they are awake. You’ll be surprised to find out that long sleep sessions have advantages for cats both mentally and physically. Here, we will discuss the reasons behind cats’ sleepiness.
How Many Hours a Day Does a Cat Sleep?
Cats are renowned for their sleeping habits – up to 16 hours a day, or even 20 hours! This is due to their natural predator instincts. Plus, they need plenty of rest to regulate hormones, maintain immune function and stay alert. And cats are crepuscular, so they need to sleep during the day to recharge.
Felines enjoy snoozing in cozy spots like windowsills, or even cardboard boxes and warm laundry piles. This gives them a feeling of security and comfort. For example, one cat owner found his pet, Toby, slept under the bed every day to feel safe from other animals in the house.
To ensure cats get plenty of rest, pet owners must provide a secure environment. This helps promote healthy sleeping patterns throughout their lifetime. So, don’t be jealous of a cat’s nap game – they have important things to do in their dreams!
7 Reasons Why Cats Sleep
Cats love to snooze. They spend a lot of time sleeping. There are many reasons why cats nap throughout the day and night. Knowing these reasons can help pet owners keep their feline happy.
Why do cats sleep?
- Comfort: Cats sleep in familiar spots. It soothes them.
- Energy: Cats are carnivores. They need lots of energy. Sleeping helps them save energy.
- Healing: Cats sleep to heal from injuries or illnesses.
Cats also sleep due to boredom, stress, temperature changes, illness, and old age. An owner noticed her cat slept more when anxious. The vet said it was normal and gave tips to relax. It’s important to watch for any changes in your cat’s habits as it could be a sign of an illness.
So, cats have been doing social distancing way before it was cool!
1. They’re Taking Catnaps
Cats take short and quick naps throughout the day. That’s because their unique biology has adapted them to be alert and ready for any sudden changes in their environment. Here’s why cats love a good catnap:
- They enter deep sleep faster than any other animal.
- Napping helps conserve energy for hunting at night, like their wild ancestors.
- It helps regulate their body temperature which fluctuates throughout the day.
- Cats are most active during dawn and dusk, so dozing off is a great way to take a break from activity.
- Domestic cats’ sleeping habits are also influenced by their environment and social cues.
Pro Tip: Don’t worry if it seems like your cat isn’t getting enough rest. Cats have naturally adapted to this pattern over time and need to take catnaps to stay energized. We would too, if we could sleep 16 hours a day!
2. They’re Conserving Energy
Cats are well known to sleep up to 16 hours a day. This is due to their natural instincts helping them save energy. It also keeps them from overheating and assists them with quickly responding when hunting or escaping. Plus, they tend to nap when their prey is most active.
However, there’s more to their extended sleeping than just conserving energy. It lets them repair any damaged tissue, as well as physically and mentally rejuvenate. Showing how unique cats are, compared to other animals.
I once had a cat who napped in the window all day. Until I tested her hunting skills by throwing a toy mouse. She immediately jumped up, grabbed the mouse and then resumed her nap! It was amazing to see her hunting skills, even after waking from a deep sleep.
So, just because you’re awake doesn’t mean your cat has to be. They run on their own time, and it’s usually nap time!
3. They’re on Their Own Time
Cats have an immense amount of autonomy. They don’t obey clocks or timetables. Experts call this “cat time.” This means cats sleep often throughout the day and night but come alive when they want to. They may be more active during evenings as they’re naturally nocturnal.
Cats sleep a lot – up to 16 hours – which gives them time to restore their energy. But, this doesn’t mean they’re sleeping all that time. Cats take mini naps, staying alert to sounds and movements around them. Thanks to their primitive predatory instincts, they can quickly jump into action if need be.
Cats sleep a lot because in the wild they have to hunt for food alone. Unlike wolves and lions, cats don’t join forces to look for food. So, when fending for themselves, it’s natural for cats to conserve energy by sleeping a lot.
Reports from Egypt, over 4,000 years ago, show that cats were worshipped and respected by the people. They would even mummify cat remains so they could be kept for centuries. It could be said that cats were seen as special because of their sleeping habits, which people wanted to emulate.
Why be awake when you can just nap your boredom away? Cats have mastered the art of laziness.
4. They’re Bored
Cats love to nap, likely due to boredom. Without stimulation, they may sleep out of boredom. Toys and games can reduce sleeping, as cats need mental and physical stimulation. As crepuscular animals, cats may sleep during the day when there isn’t much going on.
According to FNF, cats can sleep up to 16 hours per day if not entertained. Even after thousands of years, cats still have primal behavior in their sleeping habits – making it essential for owners to pay close attention to their pet’s needs. Interestingly, my cat’s anxiety is a cover-up for her main job – being a professional sleeper.
5. They’re Stressed or Anxious
Cats love to sleep, often for extended periods, without any reason! But, one of the main reasons for their snoozing is stress or anxiety. This could be due to environmental changes, loud noises, or unfamiliar situations. Excessive grooming, hiding, and decreased appetite are all signs of stress in cats.
When cats are feeling anxious, their body releases cortisol, a hormone that causes tiredness and sleepiness. Cats sleep more as a way to cope and escape from stressful situations. It’s important to watch your cat’s behavior and seek out veterinary care if needed.
Creating a stress-free environment is critical; make sure your cat has enough food and water and stick to its routine. Pheromone diffusers and calming music can help soothe cats. Additionally, providing your cat with playtime and exercise helps keep it mentally stimulated and prevents boredom-induced stress levels.
In conclusion, cats may showcase various behaviors when stressed or anxious, including excessive sleeping. Owners should pay close attention to their cats and take measures to avoid triggers that may cause anxiety.
6. They’re Sick
Cats often sleep a lot, even if they’re healthy. But, sometimes more snoozing than usual occurs when they’re not feeling great. This is because when cats are uncomfortable or ill, they become tired and weak. So, sleeping can help them get back to normal quicker by restoring their energy for healing. Plus, just like when we’re ill, cats feel better after resting.
It’s important to remember that if your cat begins sleeping too much, or not waking up for meals and play, take them to the vet right away. This could be a sign of a health issue that needs medical attention.
Though cats love to snooze during the day, if they’re constantly tired, it’s probably not normal. So, to make sure they’re jumping on your lap for nap time, give them good care!
I had a kitty named Mozart who had heart disease; he spent a lot of time sleeping due to low energy. But with some medication and a special diet, recommended by his vet, he was back to playing with his friends.
7. They’re Injured
Cats tend to sleep more when injured; their bodies need rest to heal. Cats have an instinct to save energy to use for healing, making sleep an important part of recovery.
- 1. Slumbering helps cats relax muscles and reduce tension in the damaged area.
- 2. It also helps stimulate the release of growth hormones for tissue repair.
- 3. Asleep cats are repairing themselves and promoting speedy healing.
- 4. Sleep strengthens their immune system and prevents infections.
Cats may also sleep deeply while recovering from an illness or surgery. Even minor health issues can make cats tired, so they rest more often.
The University of California found that cats may sleep even more after a vet visit due to stress.
Pet owners should let their injured cats have peaceful sleep time to help them heal and get stronger. So, your cat isn’t sleeping too much, it’s just mastering its napping career.
Is My Cat Sleeping Too Much?
Cats have distinct sleeping habits. To ensure healthy feline behavior, it is important to understand these habits. Each cat may sleep differently, depending on age, breed, and lifestyle. While some cats can sleep up to 20 hours per day, it doesn’t mean they are sleeping too much. This is just their natural behavior.
The cats’ sleep patterns are affected by their evolutionary history and biological needs. In the wild, they hunt and so need longer periods of rest to conserve energy. In captivity, they have no need to use physical energy and so their sleep period becomes longer. They tend to take short naps, rather than one long sleep.
Changes in the environment or health problems such as pain and anxiety can disturb cats’ sleep patterns. Having a comfortable sleeping area can help avoid this. If you notice any changes in their sleeping pattern, like snoring or breathing rapidly while asleep, contact your vet.
A study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science shows that cats use both sides of their brains during sleep. They spend more time on the side with less external stimuli. This helps them stay alert even during naptime.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do cats sleep so much?
Cats are naturally built to sleep a lot, often around 15-18 hours a day. This is because they are predators and conserve their energy for hunting, as well as to help them stay alert and aware during their waking hours.
2. Do all cats sleep the same amount?
No, the amount of time cats sleep can vary. Factors like age, health, and diet can affect how much they sleep. Young kittens and senior cats may sleep more than adult cats, and cats with health issues may sleep more as well.
3. Is it normal for my cat to sleep with me at night?
Yes, it’s perfectly normal for cats to sleep with their owners. It’s a sign of trust and affection, and many cats enjoy the warmth and comfort of sleeping with their human companions.
4. What can I do to help my cat sleep better?
You can provide a comfortable sleeping environment for your cat, such as a cozy bed or a warm spot in the sun. Creating a routine for your cat’s sleeping habits can also help them sleep better, such as feeding them before bedtime or playing with them to tire them out.
5. Do cats dream when they sleep?
Yes, cats do dream when they sleep. You can often see them twitching or moving their paws while they sleep, which is believed to be a sign that they are dreaming.
6. Should I be concerned if my cat is sleeping more than usual?
If your cat is sleeping significantly more than usual or is lethargic and unresponsive when awake, it may be a sign of an underlying health issue. You should contact your veterinarian to rule out any potential medical problems.
