Why Does My Cat Sleep So Much? When your cat is more often than not found curled up on the sofa, bed, or favorite window sill, you may be concerned that something is amiss.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Thankfully, cats spend a lot of time sleeping. In the normal cat healthy cats sleep or nap 12-16 hours per day, and older cats and kittens may sleep more. Cats also don’t sleep for long stretches like humans do.Cats don’t sleep for long periods of time, either, but take several naps.
But it’s important to note that while sleeping is a cat’s favorite activity, it’s also important to recognize that sleeping is a cat’s regular activity, and if he has become unusually sleepy or lethargic, there’s a reason for it. If your cat is sleeping more than usual, lethargy, loss of interest in food, avoidance, and other indications occur, it may be time to pay attention.
So, how much sleep is normal for cats and when do you need to be concerned?
Table of Contents
Why Does My Cat Sleep So Much?
How Many Hours Do Cats Sleep?
Although a healthy cat sleeps a lot, a large portion of the day. On average, 12-16 hours of sleep or napping daily is typical, but may differ from cat to cat.
Cats are also naturally more active around dawn/dusk times. This can result in your cat sleeping most of the day, waking up active in the evenings and then waking up early in the morning.
Hrs aren’t the best indicator of your cats health status.
Instead, ask:
Is this normal for my cat?
If your cat is always very sleepy and gets up to feed, play, lick, investigate and is normal when awake, it is probably nothing to be concerned about.
6 Normal Reasons Your Cat Sleeps So Much
1. Cats Naturally Sleep a Lot
The easiest answer is always the right one: Your cat is a cat.
Cats do not move around much and rest for long periods of time between periods of activity. This natural pattern continues even within the confines of the home, with cats that are kept inside.
Cats can sleep after eating, nap in the afternoon, get up to sniff for a short time and then back to sleep.
2. Your Cat Is Still Growing
Kittens should get a lot of sleep as their body and brain is growing at a rapid pace.
Younger cats may be able to sleep for a long period of time and switch between periods of high energy for play and extended periods of sleep.
If your kitten is woken up normally, eats well, plays nicely and grows well, the reason for this is that frequent sleep is not unusual.
3. Your Cat Is Getting Older
Senior cats will tend to be less active and rest more.
It may be just part of the aging process; but don’t assume that any changes in an older cat is just “old age. Sometimes, a big alteration in sleep, eating, moving or behavior patterns signals a health issue.
Older cats can experience changes in their sleep and activity patterns, but significant changes should not automatically be dismissed as normal aging. Cornell University’s Feline Health Center notes that cognitive dysfunction in older cats can include excessive sleeping, altered sleep-wake cycles, reduced interest in play, disorientation, and changes in interaction. Cornell Feline Health Center’s guide to cognitive dysfunction in cats provides more information about these age-related behavioral changes.
4. Your Cat Isn’t Getting Enough Stimulation
Outdoor cats are able to hunt, explore, climb and investigate more than indoor cats.
A cat’s surroundings may be predictable and unenriching and it may simply lie around more, because there’s not much else to do.
An interactive toy, scratching posts, cat trees, window perches and puzzle feeders can provide additional opportunities for activity for an indoor cat.
5. Your Cat Is Resting After Being Active
Cats might be very active for brief periods, but then not at all for the rest of the time.
Your cat could go play with a toy for 10 minutes before going back to bed for a long nap.
That’s generally normal. The important thing is that your cat’s behavior following wake up.
6. Temperature and Environment Can Affect Activity
As a result, cats tend to find a safe, quiet spot to lie down when there are changes in the environment.
Your cat may rub his back and head against the walls to mark his territory, or adopt a warmer sleeping spot during specific times of the year, such as in the summer or winter. You may also see your cat sleeping longer during hot or cold weather, or moving between warm blankets, cool surfaces, and sunny spots.
If the cat eats, drinks, plays, and otherwise acts normal then this is not necessarily a concern.
Sleeping is only one of many behaviors that can look unusual to humans but are perfectly normal for cats. Grooming, licking, kneading, purring, and seeking out familiar people are all part of the complex ways cats communicate and feel comfortable in their environment. If you’ve ever wondered about another common feline habit, our guide Why Does My Cat Lick Me? explores what licking can mean and when a change in the behavior deserves closer attention.
When Sleeping Too Much May Mean Something Is Wrong
It’s not just about the quantity of sleep. It’s an abnormal change in your cat’s normal behavior.
Some of the first signs of illness are increased sleeping in cats, but they can be hiding these symptoms.
If your cat has increased sleepiness and any of these other symptoms, pay attention:
- Reduced appetite
- Weight loss
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Increased thirst
- Changes in urination
- Having trouble moving around, walking or jumping
- Less grooming
- Excessive hiding
- Changes in interest in play
- Unusual vocalization
- Slow to wake up
Cats may also not be as active when they are in pain. A cat that is not feeling well may refuse to jump up on furniture, won’t go up and down stairs, will groom less, will hide more, or act extra quiet.
Stress can cause behaviour change, as well. Cats can be impacted by changes to their behavior and/or activity for various reasons: moving, adding another pet, construction noise, and other people coming into the home or changes to the household routine.
In older cats, new alterations in sleep/wake cycles may correlate with aged related changes or cognitive dysfunction.
The secret lies in thinking about sleep in conjunction with the rest of your cat’s behaviour.
Sleeping vs. Lethargy: What’s the Difference?
This is one of the most crucial differences for the owners of cats.
If a cat is sleeping, she will wake up and react to an interesting event.
Your cat may seem totally sleeping until you open a cat food can, for instance. Then, it stands up, stretches, moves towards the kitchen and acts normally.
A lazy cat is quite another matter. May be very uninterested in its environment, even when stimulated or awake.
Your cat may:
- Remain unusually inactive
- Are not very interested in food or play activities
- Addressing more than usual
- Respond slowly
- Have difficulty moving
- Seem weak or depressed
Don’t assume that the amount of sleep your cat gets is a sign of her health status.
If your cat naps 16 hours a day but is very active when they’re awake, they can still be a perfectly healthy cat. If a cat naps for 12 hours, and then is lethargic and disheartened, it could be a sign of trouble.
The distinction between normal sleep and lethargy is based partly on how a cat responds to stimulation. A healthy, alert cat should respond appropriately to its environment, while a lethargic animal may show little spontaneous activity and a depressed response even when stimulated. The Merck Veterinary Manual’s explanation of consciousness and lethargy in animals provides a useful veterinary reference for understanding this difference.
When Should You Take Your Cat to the Vet?
If your cat’s sleep schedule seems to be changing or if your cat sleeps a lot and you see other worrisome behaviors, consult your veterinarian.
Be especially mindful of:
Disturbed sleep, sudden or dramatic increases.
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Repeated vomiting
- Persistent diarrhea
- Increased urination and/or drinking
- Difficulty walking
- Signs of pain
- Changes that are significant.Significant changes in grooming.
- Constant hiding
- Sunny or cloudy but not bright
Bring your cat to the vet right away if they are very lethargic, hard to rouse, unable to stand up properly or if they are struggling with breathing.
Your vet will be able to tell if it is behavioral, environmental, age-related or due to another medical issue.
What Should You Watch at Home?
If your cat has no signs of an emergency, but appears to be sleeping more than usual, monitor your cat’s behavior.
Ask yourself:
Does my cat eat as usual?
Has it returned to normal drinking?
Does it normally use the litter box?
Does it continue to do self-grooming?
Becomes interested in toys or treats?
Is it able to move normally when awake/diurnal?
Does it seem to have changed its behavior lately?
These changes can be of assistance to know if your cat is just getting more sleep or if there is a true change in his behavior.
Your cat’s eating habits are another useful part of this daily health picture. Changes in appetite, feeding routines, or weight can sometimes provide early clues that something has changed. If you’re also reviewing your cat’s diet and feeding habits, our guide to Cat Nutrition Mistakes Every Owner Makes explains common feeding mistakes and how better nutrition can support your cat’s overall health.
The Bottom Line
So, why does my cat sleep all of the time?
Cats are natural big sleepers and in many cases, they will fall asleep during the day when they are not required to. It is perfectly normal for cats, especially kittens, to sleep for 12-16 hours per day, especially cats are older, or cats that are less active.
The most important thing is not so much the actual amount of time your cat sleeps as whether or not their behavior is different.
If your cat is sleeping more but waking up easily, eating well, playing and grooming normally and is just being as herself then it is not as much of a concern as if he or she suddenly became withdrawn, weak, uninterested in food or hard to wake.
Cats sleep a lot more if their sleeping patterns suddenly change, or if they are sleepy along with other symptoms; do not assume that your cat is just sleepy. A veterinarian will be able to help figure it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for a cat to sleep 16 hours a day?
Yes. Many cats sleep or nap for around 12–16 hours a day. Individual cats vary, and kittens and older cats may sleep even more.
Why does my cat sleep all day and stay awake at night?
Cats are naturally most active around dawn and dusk. Indoor cats can also develop routines that don’t match human sleeping schedules.
How do I know if my cat is sleeping too much?
Look for a change from your cat’s normal routine. If your cat still wakes for food, play, grooming, and attention, frequent sleep may be normal. A sudden increase accompanied by other symptoms is more concerning.
How can I tell if my cat is lethargic?
A sleeping cat generally wakes and responds to stimulation. A lethargic cat may remain unusually inactive, weak, withdrawn, or uninterested even when awake.
Should I worry if my older cat sleeps more?
Older cats often become less active and may sleep more. However, a sudden or significant change in an older cat’s sleeping, eating, grooming, or behavior should be discussed with a veterinarian.
