Typical cat sleep patterns
Research shows that cats usually sleep an average of 12-16 hours per day. On average, cats sleep around 13-14 hours per day, though some cats can sleep up to 20 hours per day. Source Cats alternate between light and deep sleep throughout the day. Light sleep allows them to rest while still staying alert to any potential dangers in their environment. Deep sleep is similar to the REM sleep that humans experience. Source As cats get older, they tend to sleep more than when they were kittens. Older cats may sleep up to 20 hours per day.
Why cats sleep so much
Cats are natural predators that evolved to conserve energy when not actively hunting prey. Research shows that the amount of sleep cats need is high – averaging 12-16 hours per day – due to their evolutionary history as predators (Source). When cats are not engaged in hunting activities, they tend to sleep more in order to store energy. Their sleep patterns also enable cats to be alert and ready to spring into action when prey becomes available.
Sleep is especially critical for kittens, helping their growth and development. Kittens will sleep even more than adult cats, averaging 15-20 hours per day. All of that sleep provides the rest they need as young cats to thrive (Source).
Overall, the tendency to sleep often is an evolutionary adaptation that fits cats’ predatory nature and lifestyle. Their bodies are built to support short bursts of energy when on the hunt, while conserving through long periods of rest.
Signs your cat is sleeping too much
One of the most noticeable signs that your cat may be sleeping more than normal is if they are sleeping over 18 hours per day. According to PetMD, the average adult cat sleeps 15 hours or less in a 24-hour period. Kittens may need up to 20 hours of sleep as they grow and develop. If your adult cat is consistently sleeping over 18 hours a day, that could indicate a potential problem.
Excessive sleeping can also lead to lethargy and low energy most of the time when your cat is awake. Healthy cats are typically quite active when not napping. A noticeable loss of interest in playtime, food, treats, and other things your cat normally enjoys could suggest they are sleeping too much.
Pay attention to any major changes in your cat’s normal sleep patterns or energy levels. If you notice them sleeping significantly more and acting lethargic or disinterested in daily activities, discuss your concerns with your veterinarian. There may be an underlying medical issue that needs attention.
Medical causes of excessive sleep
One potential reason your cat is sleeping more than usual is an underlying medical issue. Some health conditions that can lead to excessive sleeping include:
Kidney disease – Kidney dysfunction impairs the body’s ability to eliminate metabolic waste products and toxins, leading to fatigue and lethargy. Cats with kidney disease often sleep more as the condition progresses.
Pain from arthritis or injury – Cats dealing with chronic pain will sleep more to avoid aggravating injuries. Joint pain from arthritis is a common cause of increased sleeping in older cats. Rest helps cats cope with musculoskeletal discomfort.
Thyroid issues – Abnormal thyroid levels, especially hypothyroidism, can make cats lethargic and sleepy. Thyroid problems often cause decreased activity.
Anemia – With anemia, the blood doesn’t carry enough oxygen to tissues and organs. Anemic cats tend to sleep more to compensate for their lower energy levels.
When to see the vet
If your cat’s excessive sleeping persists for more than 2-3 days or represents a major change in normal behavior, it’s a good idea to schedule a vet visit. As mentioned in 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. Cats sleep between 16 and 20 hours per day on average, so be aware of any major increases or decreases in sleep amount.” (Source)
Other concerning signs include if your cat seems difficult to wake up or less responsive than usual. You should also watch for appetite changes or abnormal litter box habits in conjunction with excessive sleeping. Major shifts in normal behavior can indicate an underlying medical issue requiring veterinary attention. Don’t hesitate to call your vet if the excess sleeping doesn’t resolve on its own within a few days.
Non-medical causes
Sometimes an increase in sleep is not due to any medical issue but rather factors like boredom, stress, changes in environment, or age. Cats that sleep excessively during the day without an underlying health problem may simply be bored or stressed.
A lack of physical and mental stimulation can lead cats to sleep more out of boredom. Make sure your cat has enriching toys to play with, like puzzle feeders or interactive wands and teasers. Try rotating toys to keep things interesting. Increased playtime and exercise can help wake up a bored cat.
Stress from changes in environment or routine can also cause a cat to withdraw and sleep more. Things like moving homes, construction noise, adding a new pet, or your work schedule changing can be stressful for a cat. Try to minimize changes when possible and use calming aids like pheromone diffusers when needed.
As cats age and become less active, sleeping more often during the day is normal. Senior cats tend to sleep about 16-20 hours a day. Adjusting their environment and routine to accommodate more frequent napping is usually all that is needed.
Encouraging wakeful playtime
Cats tend to be most active when they are hunting or foraging for food. You can encourage your cat to be more wakeful and active during the day by engaging their natural instincts. Have consistent mealtimes to promote a schedule rather than free-feeding. Engage in interactive play with fishing rod toys or laser pointers before each mealtime. This mimics the hunt before a meal in the wild. Rotate new toys into the mix or add new cat trees, scratching posts, and window perches to create novel environments for exploration. Consider getting a companion cat so they can play together and keep each other stimulated. Structured playtime followed by mealtime can promote an active routine versus constant sleep.
Adjusting home environment
As cats age, their home environment becomes increasingly important for their comfort and quality of life. Here are some tips for adjusting your home to meet the needs of an elderly cat who sleeps a lot:
Provide comfortable, warm sleeping areas. Make sure your cat has access to soft, cozy beds in quiet, draft-free areas of the home. Placing beds on heating pads or near sunny windows creates warm napping spots. According to Cornell Feline Health Center, “Cats like to seek out warm places to rest. Make sure your older cat’s favorite soft bed or resting place is not in a drafty area of your home.” (source)
Keep the litter box clean and accessible. Senior cats may have mobility issues getting in and out of litter boxes. Use low-sided boxes and place them in easy to access areas. Scoop waste frequently to keep boxes clean.
Limit noise and household changes. Too much loud noise or disruption can stress elderly cats. Try to keep their sleeping areas calm and make changes like furniture rearrangements gradually.
When not to worry
It’s natural for older cats to sleep more as they age. As cats reach senior status, starting around age 11, it’s normal for them to sleep up to 20 hours a day. This is similar to the long napping routines kittens follow. So increased sleep on its own is not a cause for alarm in aging cats.
Mother cats also spend much of their time sleeping and nursing their litters. As long as the kittens seem healthy and the mother is taking good care of them, her extensive sleeping is perfectly normal.
Even if your cat is sleeping a lot, if they still seem energetic and playful during their wakeful hours, it’s likely not a cause for concern. Pay attention to their behavior when they’re awake – as long as they are active, eating and drinking normally, and seem happy, increased sleep is probably just due to aging.
Summary
Cats tend to sleep between 12-16 hours per day on average. Kittens and elderly cats may sleep even longer. This allows them to conserve energy for hunting. While excessive sleep could indicate an underlying issue, increased napping may also be normal in senior cats or due to changes in environment or routine.
Consult your vet if your cat is sleeping over 20 hours a day steadily, or if sleep patterns change suddenly. Key signs of concern are lethargy, appetite changes, weight loss or gain, and inability to wake up.
To keep your cat engaged while awake, provide interactive toys, cat trees or perches, and playtime. Cats tend to be most active dawn and dusk when they would naturally hunt, so schedule play sessions during these times. Make sure your home has both cozy, quiet sleeping spots as well as areas for active play.