Why Do Cats Sleep So Much?

Whether you have an indoor house cat or an outdoor loving cat, you may wonder why they really need to sleep so much? Even if they don’t have a particularly ‘busy’ day with playing, surely they can’t be so exhausted they need to sleep for 12+ hours each day? We discuss your felines sleeping schedule and why it is so important your cat gets the sleep they need.   How Long Do Cats Sleep? Simply, cats sleep to conserve their energy to hunt for their food. Even if your cat has never had to hunt for their meal, their instinct to sleep and prepare for the hunt is still there. If you’ve ever wondered where the term ‘cat nap’ comes from, you’ll be unsurprised to hear our feline friends are the reason this phrase was coined. Although, your cat may not always be asleep - they may look like they are, but often your cat will curl up and get cosy for what looks like an ideal nap spot; however, they may just be cosying up to rest. Depending on your cats age will often depend on how much sleep they need in general. Very young cats & kittens will likely sleep most of the day, usually between 16-20 hours with short bursts of energy between meals, where as your ‘teenage’ cats will often have erratic sleep schedules to accommodate their intense playful nature. Your adult cat will tend to sleep in a routine that will average around 12-20 hours of sleep per day. Your senior cat will likely have a lower mobility than younger cats, and it’s likely they will sleep much longer periods throughout the day.   Do Cats Sleep More In The Winter? You may have noticed your cats sleeping pattern changes with the change in weather and temperature. When the temperature drops throughout winter, it’s likely your cat will be spending more time sleeping. Cats sleep more during the colder months as they use their instinct to store their energy and fat reserves for the winter. It’s also likely, as their owner, you will be spending more time indoors, perhaps heading to bed earlier due to darker evenings/mornings, so your cat will likely follow your routine change too. Why not treat them to some new cosy blankets or even a bed to help keep them cosy and warm whilst they snooze away this winter?    Why Does My Cat Sleep On Me? Cats are most vulnerable when sleeping, so you might find your cat sleeps by, or on you, in an attempt to feel safe and secure whilst they sleep. Instinctively they will choose their favourite companion to cuddle up to create a sense of security, so they can enjoy a peaceful sleep. They may also choose you to cuddle up to simply because you’re warm and they trust you. So enjoy the extra cuddles whilst they snooze away, knowing they chose you, because you make them feel safe and secure! If you’re concerned about how much your cat is sleeping, get in touch with your Vet, who will be able to advise on the symptoms your cat is displaying, and whether their sleep schedule is normal for them. 

By Laura Rudd