Typical sleep patterns for domestic cats
On average, domestic cats sleep for 12-16 hours per day. However, there are some differences between kittens, adult cats, and senior cats when it comes to sleep patterns:
Kittens tend to sleep the most, needing up to 20 hours of sleep per day as their bodies go through rapid growth and development. Kittens will take frequent naps throughout the day and night as they build up energy stores for growth1.
Adult cats sleep on average 15 hours a day, though some individual cats may sleep up to 20 hours2. Their sleep is spread out over both nighttime and daytime. Adults tend to be most active early morning and evening.
Senior cats tend to sleep even more than adult cats, averaging 16-20 hours of sleep per day. As cats age, they are less active and require more rest. Senior cats also tend to nap more frequently during the day3.
Why cats sleep so much
Cats sleep a lot compared to humans because they are natural predators that need to conserve energy in order to be ready to hunt when needed. In the wild, cats would have to patiently stalk their prey and wait for the right moment to pounce and capture a meal. This kind of hunting requires cats to have quick bursts of intense energy and action, followed by long periods of rest. Domestic cats retain this natural instinct to lounge around resting and napping so they can preserve their energy.
Sleep also allows a cat’s body to repair and recharge itself. During sleep, hormones are released that facilitate muscle growth and repair. Cats also have high metabolisms that require plenty of rest. The extra sleep helps them digest food efficiently and renew their constant energy output. Cats alternate between REM and non-REM sleep cycles several times throughout the day, which allows them to get both deep restorative sleep as well as lighter sleep. All this sleep contributes to a cat’s overall health and wellbeing. https://www.petmd.com/cat/behavior/why-do-cats-sleep-so-much
REM vs Non-REM Sleep
Cats experience two main types of sleep: rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and non-rapid eye movement (non-REM) sleep. These sleep cycles are similar to human sleep cycles.
During REM sleep, a cat’s eyes move quickly back and forth beneath their eyelids as they dream. Their breathing becomes irregular and their limbs may twitch as their brains process information from the day. REM sleep is critical for memory consolidation and learning. Cats typically enter REM sleep about 20-30 minutes after falling asleep, and REM cycles last around 2-3 minutes each before switching back to non-REM sleep. Cats alternate between non-REM and REM sleep throughout a sleep period.
Non-REM sleep is divided into three stages ranging from light to deep sleep. In the lightest stages, cats can be easily awakened. As non-REM sleep deepens, the cat becomes harder to disturb. Non-REM sleep allows the body to relax and recharge. Cats may spend over 50% of their sleeping time in the deepest stage of non-REM sleep.
Kittens experience more REM sleep than adult cats, needing this deep sleep for critical brain development early in life. Adult cats generally have around 30 minutes to 2 hours of REM sleep per day total, usually in short bursts.[1]
[1] https://sleepdoctor.com/animal-sleep-habits/how-much-do-cats-sleep/
Do outdoor cats sleep more than indoor cats?
There is some debate about whether outdoor cats sleep more than indoor cats. According to Quora, feral and domesticated cats both typically sleep 12-16 hours per day on average. So outdoor access alone does not necessarily equate to less sleep. However, there are some factors that can impact the sleep patterns of indoor versus outdoor cats:
– Environment: Outdoor cats are exposed to natural light, darkness, and temperature fluctuations which can help regulate their sleep-wake cycles. Indoor cats don’t experience these natural cues.
– Exercise: Outdoor cats tend to get more exercise from roaming, climbing, hunting etc. They may burn more energy during their awake hours and need less sleep as a result. Indoor cats are more sedentary without outdoor access.
– Stress: Outdoor cats face more dangers like cars, predators, territorial disputes etc. This can cause stress that disrupts sleep. Indoor cats enjoy a safer environment.
– Comfort: Outdoor cats often lack a safe, warm, comfy place to sleep. This can reduce sleep quality. Indoor cats have beds, blankets, sunny spots to sleep in.
So while total sleep time may be similar, outdoor cats’ sleep is influenced more by environmental factors and may be lighter and more intermittent than indoor cats’ sleep. But indoor cats can still get adequate high-quality sleep with a cat-friendly home environment.
How to create a sleep-friendly environment
Cats can sleep up to 16 hours a day, so creating the ideal sleeping environment is key for your feline friend. When deciding on sleeping locations, opt for quiet, peaceful areas away from high foot traffic. Cats tend to prefer sleeping in elevated spots like cat trees, towers, shelves, or window perches. Make sure to place these in calm parts of your home. Beds should have soft, washable bedding and edges for burrowing. Heated beds or microwavable heat pads can provide warmth. Keep food, water, and litter boxes away from sleeping areas.
Cats sleep best in stable temperatures between 64-78°F. Prevent disruptions by closing doors, drawing curtains, and using white noise machines or music. Discourage playtime and petting near bed areas. Cats also appreciate sleeping undisturbed, so avoid moving or waking sleeping cats unless necessary. With a soothing, comfortable sleeping habitat, your cat can get the quality rest they need. For more tips, see this guide.
Signs of abnormal cat sleeping patterns
While cats are known to sleep a lot, changes in their normal sleeping patterns can indicate an underlying health issue. Some signs of abnormal sleeping in cats include:
- Sleeping significantly more or less than usual
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Restlessness or inability to get comfortable
- Excessive vocalization or crying out while asleep
- Waking up frequently at night
Sleeping too much or too little for your individual cat’s normal routine could signify illness or pain. Dramatic changes in sleep behaviors like location, body position, or interaction with owners should also raise a red flag. For example, if your normally affectionate cat starts sleeping alone all the time, it could mean something is wrong medically or psychologically.
According to the Sleep Foundation, issues like thyroid disease, kidney disease, cognitive dysfunction syndrome, arthritis, dental problems, and cancer can all affect a cat’s sleep. If your cat displays abnormal sleep habits, consult your veterinarian to rule out health problems.
Health issues affecting cat sleep
There are several common illnesses that can impact a cat’s normal sleep patterns. These include:
Hyperthyroidism – This condition involves an overactive thyroid gland, which can cause cats to sleep less and be more restless. Signs include increased vocalization and hyperactivity. Treatment usually involves medication, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery (source).
Kidney disease – Kidney issues can lead to fatigue, lethargy, and excessive sleeping. As toxins build up in the blood, cats tend to sleep more. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include IV fluids, medication, and dietary changes (source).
Feline cognitive dysfunction – Similar to dementia in humans, this condition causes personality changes, disorientation, and altered sleep-wake cycles in senior cats. Treatment can include medication and environmental enrichment.
When cats start sleeping significantly more or less than usual, it’s a good idea to schedule a vet visit. Dramatic changes in sleep patterns often signal underlying illness. With prompt medical care, many conditions impacting sleep can be managed to help cats rest more comfortably.
Tips for better cat sleep
One of the best ways to encourage good sleep habits in cats is to establish consistent daytime play and feeding schedules. Cats have a natural instinct to hunt, play, eat, groom, and sleep in cycles throughout the day. By providing interactive playtime and meals at regular intervals during the day, you can help satisfy your cat’s needs during their natural waking hours. This will leave them tired and ready for long naps at night.
Try playing with your cat for at least two 15-minute play sessions during the day using interactive toys like feathers on a string or laser pointers. Place food bowls down for scheduled mealtimes rather than leaving food out at all times. This can help regulate your cat’s metabolism and sleep patterns. Provide plenty of solo play options as well like balls, scratching posts, and treat puzzles for your cat to self-entertain when you are busy.
Having a consistent nighttime routine can also encourage better sleep habits. Keep playtime and large meals earlier in the day. At night, keep lights and noise low for a restful environment. Give your cat affection and a small snack before bed to help them relax. Place comfortable sleeping areas like beds, perches, and scratching posts in quiet corners of your home. With the right daytime stimulation and nighttime setup, your feline friend will be resting peacefully in no time.
Sources:
https://www.petmd.com/cat/general-health/how-get-your-cat-sleep-night
https://sleepopolis.com/education/how-to-train-your-cat-to-sleep-at-night-so-you-can-too/
Fun facts about cat sleep
Cats have some unusual and fascinating sleep habits that often surprise their human companions. Here are some interesting bits of trivia about feline slumber:
The average cat spends around 16 hours a day sleeping or lazing around. Older cats tend to sleep even longer, up to 20 hours in a 24 hour period!
Cats have two types of sleep: REM and non-REM. Non-REM sleep makes up about 80% of their slumber time. During this stage their brains are still active which is why they often seem alert and ready to spring into action.
Some cats like to sleep in funny positions, such as on their backs with their legs in the air. While these poses may look uncomfortable to us, they allow cats to relax their muscles completely and get quality rest.
It’s common for cats to suddenly jerk or get the “zoomies” when waking up. These reactions happen because their brains are still transitioning from sleep to being awake so their bodies make strange involuntary movements.
Mother cats purr to their newborn kittens as a way to soothe them to sleep. The gentle rhythmic sound helps regulate the kittens’ heart rates and breathing.
Outdoor and indoor cats have different sleep patterns. Outdoor cats sleep around 70% of the day while indoor cats sleep 50-70% of the day since they are more active around humans.
The bottom line
Cats are known for being excellent sleepers, often clocking in 12-16 hours of sleep per day. While this may seem excessive, it’s completely normal and healthy for our feline friends. Cats sleep more than humans for several reasons, including:
- Cats are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk.
- Cats alternate between REM and non-REM sleep throughout the day for energy conservation.
- Outdoor cats tend to be more active and sleep less than indoor cats.
As long as your cat is getting adequate playtime and is sleeping in normal patterns, there’s no need for concern. Creating a soothing sleep environment and sticking to a routine can help ensure your cat gets the quality rest they need. At the end of the day, sleeping is simply what cats do best!