Why Do Cats Sleep So Much?

Your Cat is Nocturnal

One of the reasons your cat sleeps a lot during the day might be because he’s up at night hunting imaginary mice. Ancient cats were nocturnal or crepuscular (active in the morning and the evening). Most domesticated cats have schedules like ours, sleeping for most of the night and hanging with us during the day. But your cat might be keeping to his ancient roots, acting as a predator at night and sleeping it off during the day.

Your Cat is Conserving Energy

Cats are predators (and also prey). And like many predators, they conserve energy by resting or sleeping, saving up for the bursts of time when they will do the most hunting. This sleep/hunt cycle isn’t a cause for concern.

Your Cat Isn’t Actually Sleeping

Not all sleep is deep sleep. Sometimes cats just hit the pause button and take a short breather—a “cat nap,” if you will. Your cat may have his eyes partially closed or even completely closed, but his ears or tail may still be moving occasionally. Most likely he is listening to the environment, ready to spring into action—not really sleeping at all.

Your Cat is Bored

When there’s nothing to do, animals sleep more to fill up their days. There are lots of ways you can enrich your cat’s life to cut down on boredom. For instance, you could build your cat a catio (a safe outdoor space for your cat) or some climbing shelves. If your construction skills aren’t up to that task, providing enrichment toys is a simpler way to keep your cat busy. Offer your new kitten or adult cat three different types of toys. Watch what he plays with and then purchase those types of toys in different styles or colors. By finding out his toy preference and then purchasing that type of toy, you’ll help head off boredom.

Your Cat is Stressed

Hiding and being less active are coping tools cats use when they’re scared or stressed. If your cat hides from the family, only engages with one family member, hides during storms, or gets anxious when you are gone, he may be very stressed. Sleeping more may be his coping tool. Ask your primary care veterinarian about how stress affects your cat. They may refer you to a board-certified veterinary behaviorist.

Your Cat is Sick or Uncomfortable

Cats hide and are less active when they are sick or not feeling well. If your cat is spending most of his time under the bed or high up in the cat tree, he may be in pain or uncomfortable.

Likewise, if your cat is overweight, he may not be able to move around very much and may rest because it requires too much energy to move. Obesity in cats is a serious problem that can lead to pain when moving or endocrine diseases that require lifelong treatment. If you can’t easily feel your cat’s ribs, make an appointment with your primary care veterinarian to have his overall health assessed.

Your Cat is Adjusting to the Time of Year

Daylight savings may be to blame for your cat’s extra naps. When the amount of daylight dwindles in the winter, cats sleep more. If only we could press the snooze button more often during the colder months of the year!

Your Cat is Getting a Normal Amount of Sleep

Sleeping helps cats (and you!) recharge. Proper sleep is important for the immune system and overall health. Cats, unlike us, seem to know that sleep is inherently valuable and invest the time to recharge. Your cat might not be sleeping too much; you might be sleeping too little!

Sleeping and resting up to 20 hours a day is normal for cats. If he is feeling enriched and is healthy, let him nap. Maybe you could use a nap too!