Why does my cat sleep so much?
Every cat owner regularly comes home to a curled-up, sleeping cat. They're known for sleeping a lot, after all. And while many people envy their lazy, lazy lifestyle, there's a reason for that. The reasons can be traced back to physiology, behavior, and evolution. Sounds boring, but we'll explain it further below!
#1. Energy for the hunt
Cats are predators and they hunt small prey. For some cats these days, it's as simple as a mouse toy, but that still takes a lot of focus and energy . So they need to sleep to maintain their energy levels. Then they're recharged for that short, intense burst of hunting for mice (or mice toys)!
#2. Protection from predators
Despite being a predator, a cat can also become prey to a larger predator. A cat must therefore remain constantly alert and react quickly when necessary. This instinctive behavior is still seen in domestic cats, and it requires a lot of energy! A cat often chooses a slightly higher, but at least safe, spot to sleep. Safe from other predators, but also a place to recharge and stay alert.
#3. Sleep cycle
Cats have a different sleep cycle than we do. They're, to put it mildly, polyphasic sleepers. This means they take multiple short naps instead of one long sleep period. They nap throughout the day. Sleep, play, sleep, eat, sleep... and so on. On average, a cat sleeps a whopping 12 to 16 hours ! Kittens or senior cats can even sleep 20 hours a day. This makes the chance of finding your cat asleep even higher.
#4. Deep sleep
Just like humans, cats need sleep to recover physically and mentally. After a hunting spree, a cat needs some time to recover. While humans need all night to reach deep sleep (also known as REM sleep), a cat only needs a few minutes to reach that state . This allows them to recover quickly, which is crucial for their lifestyle. For a good, deep sleep, a high-quality bed, such as our Teddy bed , is also recommended.
#5. Getting warm
Despite their thick fur, cats can still get cold . That's why they like to sleep in warm places, like in the sun, near a heater, or simply snuggled up against their owner. This helps your cat maintain its body temperature without expending much energy!
#6. Boredom
Cats are naturally curious , but if they don't have stimulation or opportunities to play, they can get bored. And what do they do when they're bored? That's right: sleep. To prevent your cat from sleeping too much and therefore not getting enough exercise , it helps to offer interactive games. Your cat will still sleep a lot, but at least they won't miss out on their necessary exercise!
Interesting facts about sleeping cats:
- Sleep duration in kittens : While adult cats sleep a lot, kittens sleep even more. Kittens can sleep up to 22 hours a day! So you don't have to worry about this. This sleep is crucial for their growth and development.
- Age factor : Older cats generally sleep more than younger cats. As they get older, they need extra rest, just like humans.
- Sleeping positions : Cats can sleep in a variety of positions. Each position reflects their mood or comfort level. For example, if a cat lies comfortably on its back with its belly exposed, it indicates confidence in its surroundings. A good sign!
- Sleep duration : Cats can enter a deep sleep state in just a few minutes. This is their natural need to recover from hunting. This also demonstrates their adaptability and ability to quickly find rest.
Tips for the best possible sleep for your cat
- Create a comfortable environment : Provide a cozy , high-quality bed in a quiet, safe location. Cats love soft, warm places to curl up.
- Interactive play : Make sure your cat gets enough exercise and stimulation. Cats' frequent naps are meant for a high-activity lifestyle. Without exercise , they'll mostly be lazy.
- Routine : Establish a regular feeding schedule. Cats naturally enjoy routine and frequent feedings between naps. This can contribute to better sleep quality. Nap, eat, nap, drink, nap, play, nap, eat… Pets Pride's automatic feeders can help!
- Safe spaces : Make sure your cat has access to safe and quiet spaces. A cat will always be on high alert in unsafe places, which takes a lot of energy. Safe places are where they can truly relax.
Conclusion
Cats sleep so much because it's part of their natural behavior. They especially need a lot of energy for hunting prey, which is both mentally and physically intense. Afterward, they need to recover! They do this by taking a nap, where they're fast asleep and recover. As an owner, we should ensure your cat has quiet and safe places to sleep, like a nice, sturdy cat bed . It's also important that your cat gets plenty of exercise between naps. You don't want your cat to sleep out of boredom and become lazy. With 16 hours of sleep a day, your cat might seem lazy, but as long as they get enough exercise, this is completely normal and no cause for concern!
