Normal Cat Sleep Patterns
Cats are known to be avid sleepers. On average, cats sleep for 12-16 hours per day. However, there are some differences between kittens and adult cats when it comes to sleep patterns.
Kittens tend to sleep more than adult cats, needing up to 20 hours of sleep per day as they grow and develop. As cats mature, they require less sleep, with most adult house cats sleeping an average of 15 hours per day [1].
Cats have polyphasic sleep patterns, meaning they usually sleep for short periods throughout the day and night. A cat may take 20-30 naps per day. Their sleep cycle usually follows a pattern of sleeping and resting for 30-50 minutes, then being awake and active for 1-2 hours before napping again [2].
Cats tend to be most active early morning, late evening, and through the night, corresponding with their natural hunting instincts. They sleep more during the day, especially in the afternoon.
Why Cats Sleep So Much
Cats sleep a lot for several reasons related to their natural physiology and instincts. Sleep is essential for basic bodily functions and development. During sleep, important restorative processes occur in the body and brain. Sleep allows cats’ bodies to repair cells, build bone and muscle, boost the immune system, and release hormones for growth and development. Kittens and young cats especially need a lot of sleep to support their rapid development.
In addition, the predator/prey lifestyle of cats makes sleeping and conserving energy advantageous. In the wild, cats often sleep during the day to avoid overheating and hunt for prey at dawn and dusk. They have to conserve energy between hunts when prey may be scarce. Domestic cats retain these natural instincts to sleep often and conserve energy even though food is readily available.
Cats also sleep lightly and are always alert to potential threats, unlike humans who sleep deeply. This light, intermittent style of sleeping allows cats to monitor their surroundings and react quickly to any sights, sounds or smells that could indicate prey, a mate, or a predator. So even as they sleep a lot, cats remain vigilant.
(Source: https://www.petmd.com/cat/behavior/why-do-cats-sleep-so-much)
Effects of Injury on Sleep
When a cat is injured, the body goes into repair mode and needs extra rest to heal. An increase in sleep is a normal response as the body diverts energy to the recovery process. More sleep allows tissue regeneration, immune function, and other restorative mechanisms to work efficiently. Injured cats tend to sleep more deeply and for longer periods compared to their pre-injury sleep patterns. This increased need for sleep can last for days or even weeks depending on the severity of the injury.
In addition to needing more restorative sleep, injuries often cause pain, inflammation and general discomfort which can disrupt a cat’s normal sleep cycles. Cats may have difficulty finding a comfortable position to sleep in. They may sleep more lightly and wake up frequently due to the pain. Lack of uninterrupted deep sleep prevents the body from fully healing. Medication and treatments that reduce pain and inflammation can improve sleep quality. Monitoring sleep patterns is important to ensure the cat is getting adequate rest during recovery.
Sources:
https://www.petmd.com/cat/behavior/why-do-cats-sleep-so-much
Signs of Excessive Sleep
Cats naturally sleep a lot, but excessive sleep could indicate an underlying issue. The main sign your cat is sleeping too much is if they are sleeping over 20 hours per day. Healthy adult cats tend to sleep around 16 hours per day on average.
Other signs include lethargy, lack of interest in toys or food, and not using the litterbox regularly. A drastic change in their normal routine, suddenly sleeping more and moving less, can signify a health problem.
According to one source, “If your cat begins to sleep a lot more or a lot less than is usual for him/her there may be a health issue, it’s time to visit your vet.” (Source)
If your cat is sleeping over 20 hours a day and exhibiting other concerning signs, contact your veterinarian. It’s important to rule out any underlying medical causes for the excessive sleep.
When to See the Vet
If your cat’s excessive sleeping persists for more than 2-3 days after an injury, it’s time to take them to the vet. According to PetMD, sudden increased sleeping can signal an underlying medical issue that requires veterinary attention (https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_lethargy). Prolonged sleep and lethargy after an injury may indicate complications or worsening condition.
Look for other signs that your cat’s health is deteriorating, like appetite loss, vomiting, or trouble using the litterbox. The Animal Hospital of Clemmons says to monitor limping or changes in gait as well – inability to move normally can be a red flag for issues like worsening pain or nerve damage (https://www.animalhospitalofclemmons.com/site/veterinary-pet-care-blog/2022/06/15/cat-sleep-constantly).
Your vet can run tests to check for underlying problems and provide treatment options. Getting prompt medical care can help prevent an injury from becoming serious. It’s always better to err on the side of caution if your cat’s sleep patterns seem off.
Caring for an Injured Cat
Caring for an injured cat requires providing a comfortable, quiet area for the cat to rest and recover. This may involve setting up a separate room or confined space where the cat can relax without being bothered by other pets or household activities. Be sure to provide easy access to the litter box, food, and water in this recovery area.
While resting is important, too much inactivity can be mentally difficult for cats. Be sure to provide some mental stimulation when the cat is awake through activities like gentle brushing, playing with string toys, or providing new cardboard boxes to explore. Just be careful not to overexert an injured cat before they have fully healed.
It’s also crucial to follow any medical instructions from your veterinarian, including administering medications and properly cleaning wounds. Your vet may suggest an Elizabethan collar to prevent licking or biting at injuries. With proper care and limited activity, many minor injuries in cats can heal within a few weeks. However, contact your vet immediately if you notice any signs of complications or deteriorating health. Providing a calm, caring environment can help injured cats preserve both their physical and mental wellbeing as they recover.
Common Injuries in Cats
Some of the most common injuries seen in cats include falls, motor vehicle accidents, and animal bites. Understanding these common injuries can help cat owners identify signs of trauma and provide proper care.
Falls from heights are a frequent cause of injury in cats. Cats can fall from windows, balconies, trees, and furniture. Falls can result in bruising, fractures, head trauma, and damage to internal organs. Signs of a fall injury include limping, crying out in pain, lethargy, and abnormal breathing. Falls must be taken seriously as they can be life threatening. Seek veterinary care immediately if your cat has fallen from a significant height.
Cats that spend time outdoors face the risk of being hit by a car. Blunt trauma from the impact can lead to pelvic fractures, collapsed lungs, ruptured organs, spinal injury, head trauma, and death. Signs include collapse, difficulty breathing, rigid limbs, and unresponsiveness. This is a medical emergency requiring urgent veterinary treatment. Try to keep cats indoors to avoid motor vehicle accidents.
Cat bites and dog bites are common in outdoor cats. Bites often become infected, causing abscesses or cellulitis. Bites should be flushed and disinfected immediately to reduce infection risk. Antibiotics, pain medication, and wound care may be necessary. Keep wounds covered until healed. Seek care if you notice swelling, redness, discharge, or fever which could indicate infection.
With prompt veterinary attention and proper care at home, many cats fully recover from injury. However, prevention is ideal through keeping cats indoors, providing a safe environment, and monitoring play to avoid bites and falls.
Preventing Injuries
There are several ways cat owners can help prevent injuries in their feline friends:
Getting your cat microchipped and outfitted with an ID tag can help ensure she is returned home quickly if she gets lost or injured while outside. Microchips are implanted under the skin and provide permanent identification, while collars with ID tags are visible identifiers if your cat escapes.
Keeping your cat indoors or only allowing supervised outdoor time in a secure, enclosed space eliminates many risks like cars, fights with other animals, falls, and more. Indoor cats live longer, healthier lives on average.
Cat-proofing your home is an important injury prevention step. Use window screens, block access to balconies with plexiglass barriers, keep toilet lids closed, secure fish tanks and houseplants out of reach, and put away choking hazards. Cover sharp table edges, tape down loose rugs, hide exposed cables, and soften hard surfaces like tile in case of falls.
When to Wake a Sleeping Cat
You typically shouldn’t wake a sleeping cat unless necessary. However, there are some situations where you may need to gently rouse a napping cat:
- To give prescribed medication at the proper time (source)
- To encourage eating or drinking, especially if the cat is recovering from an injury or illness and needs nutrition
- To check the cat’s condition or if you notice any concerning symptoms or behaviors
The key is to be very gentle when waking a sleeping cat – never startle them awake suddenly. Gently pet them or softly call their name. Offer treats or food to fully rouse them. Getting good sleep is important for healing, so allow injured or sick cats to rest as much as possible outside of required interventions.
If your cat is sleeping even more than normal after an injury, monitor their condition closely. Excessive sleeping can be normal, but consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns about lethargy, appetite changes, or other worrisome symptoms (source). With proper care and rest, an injured cat can often recover back to normal sleeping patterns.
Returning to Normal Routines
As your cat recovers from injury, it’s important to gradually return them to their normal routine and activity levels. However, initially limit their activity to prevent re-injury or complications. According to Hill’s Pet Nutrition, “During recovery from surgery or illness, it’s a good idea to confine your cat to one room, with food, water, litter box and a comfortable place to rest” [1]. Provide lots of soft bedding and ensure they can easily access food, water, and litter without having to excessively move around.
As your cat starts to regain strength and heal, gradually increase their activity over the course of days or weeks depending on the severity of injury. Allow short sessions of playtime but stop if they show signs of pain or exhaustion. Pet Wellbeing advises to “ask the vet when it’s safe for them to climb on furniture or play again” [2]. Interactive play with toys or laser pointers can help rebuild muscle and improve mood.
It’s also important to maintain socialization after injury. If possible, sit with your cat daily and gently pet or brush them. This provides comfort, stress relief and monitors their reaction to touch near the injured area. Hill’s recommends to “avoid overhandling the incision area but continue to gently stroke your cat’s head and back” [3]. As your cat continues to improve, slowly increase handling and activity.
Monitor your cat closely even as they return to normal routines. Watch for signs of persistent pain, changes in behavior, decreased appetite, litter box issues or wound complications. Follow up with the veterinarian if any concerns arise during the recovery process.