How Many Hours Do Cats Actually Sleep?
Cats are notorious for their love of sleep. Whether they're lounging in a sunbeam, curled up on a cozy blanket, or simply taking a quick nap, our feline friends seem to spend an extraordinary amount of time sleeping. But just how many hours do cats actually sleep? Why do they sleep so much? Let’s explore the science and behaviour behind a cat’s sleep patterns.
The Feline Sleep Cycle
Cats are crepuscular animals, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk. This behaviour is rooted in their instincts as over millions of years of development, they discovered it was possible to hunt during these times and avoid predators, maximizing their chances of catching prey. As a result, cats have developed a unique sleep cycle that supports this lifestyle.
Average Sleep Time
On average, cats sleep between 12 to 16 hours a day, although some can sleep up to 20 hours. This extensive sleep duration is essential for their overall health and well-being. In the wild, it allowed them to conserve energy for the bursts of activity and hunting that would take place at sun-up or sun-down.
Kittens tend to sleep a lot more than adult cats, with an average of roughly 20 hours a day. If you’ve raised a kitten, you might remember them sleeping for long stretches, then waking up, eating, playing hard for about an hour or two, and then passing out again.
Sleep Stages in Cats
Cats, like humans, experience different stages of sleep, including rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and non-REM sleep. During REM sleep, cats may twitch their whiskers, paws, and tails, indicating they are dreaming. This trend can be seen in most cats!
Non-REM sleep is a deeper, more restorative sleep, crucial for physical health and recovery. Since cats aren’t at the top, nor the bottom of the food chain, when not in REM sleep, they will frequently sleep light enough to be able to wake up at the slightest sound and move quickly if need be.
Influences on Sleep
Several factors can influence a cat’s sleep patterns, including age, health, and environment. Kittens and older cats tend to sleep more than healthy adult cats. Additionally, changes in their environment or health conditions can impact their sleep duration and quality.
While general patterns can be observed, each cat is unique. Factors such as personality, breed, and lifestyle can result in variations in sleep behaviour. Understanding and respecting your cat’s individual sleep needs is crucial for their health and happiness.
Also, be sure to lean into their sleep patterns and try to make their favourite spots a little more comfortable and attractive to them! Things like comfy cat beds, sunny spots, and cat-safe plants can help make a very happy cat.