Typical sleep patterns for cats
Cats are notorious for being able to sleep anywhere and for long periods of time. On average, cats tend to sleep between 12-16 hours per day. However, the exact amount varies between ages.
Kittens need a lot of sleep as they grow, often sleeping around 16-20 hours per day. They take frequent naps and may only be awake for a few hours at a time before napping again. Kittens sleep more than adult cats as their growing bodies require large amounts of rest and energy [1].
Adult cats tend to sleep 12-16 hours on average. They have more established sleep cycles and will sleep deeply at night, take short naps during the day, and have periods of activity in between. An adult cat’s sleep needs vary based on factors like age, breed, and personality.
Senior cats tend to sleep even longer, up to 20 hours a day. As cats age, they are less active and require more frequent rest periods. Senior cats also nap more during the day and have lighter and more interrupted nighttime sleep [2].
Why cats sleep so much
Cats sleep a lot compared to humans due to their evolutionary need to conserve energy. As predators, cats are wired to hunt and expend energy in short bursts. To balance this, they require more sleep than humans to replenish their energy reserves. According to PetMD, cats sleep between 12-16 hours per day on average[1]. They tend to have polyphasic sleep patterns, meaning they sleep for short periods throughout the day and night. This allows them to alternate between hunting, eating, grooming, and napping as needed. Cats that live indoors may sleep even longer since they don’t need to hunt for food. Overall, the large amount of sleep cats require is simply part of their natural biology and sleep patterns.
Cat Sleep Cycles
Cats have two main types of sleep: REM (rapid eye movement) and non-REM sleep. Non-REM sleep is further divided into light and deep sleep. Cats spend about 30% of their sleeping time in REM sleep, during which they can experience vivid dreams with bodily twitches. The remaining 70% is non-REM sleep.
During light non-REM sleep, cats are relaxed but can be easily awakened. Their brains show low activity as their bodies restore. Deep non-REM sleep is when cats are in their most restorative stage, with very slow breathing and heart rates. Their muscles fully relax and it’s hardest to rouse them. Light non-REM accounts for most of a cat’s downtime, while deep non-REM happens in shorter bursts.
Understanding feline sleep cycles helps owners know what to expect overnight. Twitching or whimpering during REM sleep is normal, since cats are dreaming. Letting cats cycle between REM and non-REM creates the best quality of rest.
Ideal sleep environment
Cats prefer sleeping in locations that are quiet, temperature controlled, and free of disruptions. According to the Cats Protection organization, the ideal sleeping area for cats should be positioned away from noisy appliances and high-traffic areas [1]. Cats also like sleeping in enclosed spaces like cardboard boxes, cat carriers, and hiding spots as they provide feelings of safety and security.
In terms of temperature, cats prefer ambient temperatures between 75-86°F according to PetPlace.com [2]. Areas near heating vents or in direct sunlight throughout the day are ideal locations for a cat to sleep. Avoid drafty or excessively cold areas of the home.
Cats are sensitive to noise disturbances, so ideal sleeping areas should be located away from loud televisions, speakers, appliances, or high foot traffic. Cats rely on quality sleep for health, so minimizing disruptions allows for longer, more restful sleep cycles.
Common sleep issues
Cats can suffer from a variety of sleep disorders that disrupt their normal rest patterns. Some of the most common cat sleep problems include:
Insomnia
Insomnia refers to a chronic inability to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night. Cats with insomnia may pace, meow, or seem restless at night. Potential causes include pain, underlying medical issues, stress/anxiety, and disruptions to their environment or routine. If your cat struggles to sleep through the night, take them to the vet to identify any physical or mental causes that need treatment.[1]
Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep. A cat with sleep apnea may make choking/snorting sounds or stop breathing briefly while sleeping. The condition has been linked to obesity in cats. Treatment may include weight loss, surgery, or medical devices to keep airways open at night.[2]
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that causes sudden sleep attacks throughout the day, even during activity. A narcoleptic cat may randomly fall asleep while eating or playing. Symptoms typically start around 1 year old. Medications can help regulate wake/sleep cycles. But there is no cure for feline narcolepsy.[3]
Sleep tips by age
Kittens require a lot of sleep since they are growing and developing rapidly in their first few months of life. Kittens may sleep over 20 hours per day on average. It’s important to allow kittens as much uninterrupted sleep as they need. Provide them with a warm, quiet, and comfortable dedicated sleeping area away from noisy household activities.
Adult cats aged 1-10 years old need an average of 12-16 hours of sleep per day. Make sure to give adult cats access to cozy and peaceful sleeping spots in different parts of the home so they can nap and sleep as needed. Cats tend to be most active dawn and dusk, so allow them to sleep undisturbed during the day and night.
As cats reach senior age over 10 years old, they tend to sleep even more – up to 20 hours a day. Senior cats benefit from easy access to food, water, and litter boxes near their sleeping area so they don’t have to exert too much energy. Provide orthopedic beds and warmth for arthritic or elderly cats. Check with your vet if your senior cat is sleeping significantly more than usual as it could signal an underlying health issue.
Signs of Healthy Sleep
A cat that is getting good quality sleep will display certain postures and regular sleep cycles. Some signs that a cat is sleeping well include:
Sleeping Posture:
– Curled up in a ball or loaf shape [1]. These compact postures conserve heat and provide security.
– Resting on their side or back with legs extended. This shows the cat feels safe and comfortable.
– Paw covering eyes or face. This helps block out light.
– Head tucked into body. Helps cats feel more relaxed and secure.
Regular Cycles:
– Alternating between light and deep sleep throughout the day and night [2].
– Waking up independently every few hours to eat, groom, or use litter box.
– Longer uninterrupted sleep at night.
Signs of sleep problems
Cats who aren’t getting enough quality sleep or are suffering from a sleep disorder may exhibit some telltale signs. Two common indicators of feline sleep troubles are excessive meowing or activity at night and excessive lethargy during the day.
Cats naturally sleep more during the day and are active at night, but inappropriate nighttime vocalization like loud meowing or yowling could suggest your cat is distressed, anxious, in pain, or not able to settle into deep sleep. Increased restless activity like pacing, playing, or chewing at night is also abnormal behavior that points to an underlying issue disrupting their sleep-wake cycles.
Excessive lethargy or sleeping more than normal during the day is another red flag. Healthy adult cats sleep around 12-16 hours per day on average. If your cat is sleeping over 20 hours a day yet still seems exhausted when awake, it likely means they aren’t achieving high-quality REM and deep sleep at night necessary to be alert and energized.
Other symptoms like irritability, anxiety, loss of appetite, and physical or mental changes when awake can accompany both increased nighttime activity and daytime lethargy in a cat with disordered sleep. If you notice any of these signs, consult your vet to identify and treat the cause.
When to see a vet
If your cat is experiencing any drastic changes in behavior or chronic health issues that affect their sleep, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your veterinarian. Some signs that indicate it may be time for a vet visit include:
- Sudden increased vocalization at night
- Pacing, restlessness and inability to settle at bedtime
- Excessive lethargy or sleeping much more than usual
- Waking up crying or distressed
- Loss of litter box training
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
- Limping, stiffness or trouble moving around
- Significant weight loss or gain
- Excessive scratching, licking or hair loss
- Appetite changes
- Breathing issues like panting or respiratory distress
- Drinking more water than normal
- Frequent urination
Your vet can run tests to check for underlying illness and provide treatment options to help your cat sleep better. Don’t hesitate to call if you notice anything unusual that persists for more than a day or two. The sooner these issues are addressed, the better the outcome will likely be for your cat’s health and sleep habits.
Improving Cat Sleep
There are several ways cat owners can help their feline friends get better quality sleep and stick to a healthy sleep routine.
Encourage Daytime Play
Cats tend to sleep more during the day if they don’t get enough activity and stimulation. Make sure your cat has plenty of playtime during daylight hours with interactive toys like feather wands, laser pointers, puzzle feeders and more. This helps them burn off energy so they are more likely to sleep at night.
Follow a Calming Bedtime Routine
Establish a relaxing pre-bed routine like brushing your cat’s coat or giving them a gentle massage. You can also try playing soft music and limiting noise/activity before bedtime. Feeding them a snack can help signal it’s time to wind down. Keep lights low and make sure their sleeping area is comfortable and free of disruptions.
Restrict Nighttime Activity
Try to limit your cat’s access to toys and high-energy play at night. Drawing the curtains or blinds can help signal to them that it’s time to sleep. Make sure your cat’s sleeping space is dark, quiet and distraction-free. Ignore nighttime attention-seeking behaviors to discourage them.
Use Pheromones and Supplements
Products like Feliway diffusers can help induce calming effects. Catnip, chamomile and lavender can also encourage relaxation. Some supplements like melatonin and L-theanine may help improve sleep quality. Discuss options with your veterinarian.