Skip to main content

How to tell if cats are sick just by watching their sleeping habits

Cats spend large amounts of time asleep, so seeing your kitty catch a catnap might not appear at all abnormal. Still, it’s important to keep a close eye on your cat’s sleep habits. Changes in your cat’s sleep can indicate potential injuries and illnesses, and they might be the first signs that something’s wrong with him.

The more you can familiarize yourself with what’s normal for your cat’s sleep, the faster you’ll be able to recognize even small changes when they occur. From snoozing more to seeking out new sleeping spots, there are a number of red flags indicating that your cat might not be feeling well and might benefit from a visit to the vet. Even paying attention to your cat’s sleeping positions when they’re sick will help you recognize similar patterns down the road.

Orange cat sleeping with his face pressed down into his paws
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Sudden increase in sleep

One key sign that your cat might not be feeling well is if he suddenly increases the amount of time he spends sleeping each day. A sudden increase in sleep can signal that your cat is unwell and trying to rest to support his body’s healing. Your cat might also start sleeping through key times of the day, like through mealtimes or playtime sessions. If your cat is an indoor-outdoor cat, you might notice him sleeping during the times when he normally would be outside exploring.

Difficulty getting up or lying down

If your cat isn’t feeling well, he might have a hard time getting up or lying down. If he’s dealing with pain, he might move around more slowly or even limp or walk awkwardly once he does get up. You might also notice that he spends a longer time than usual circling before he settles down.

Unusual sleeping positions

Sometimes cats’ sleeping positions when they’re sick can differ from their normal sleeping positions. Many cats will stretch out all the way or flop on their sides or even roll onto their backs when they’re relaxed and comfortable. Study your cat’s normal sleeping positions so that you can identify changes in them.

If your cat is uncomfortable, he might sleep differently. Your cat might sleep in more of a crouched position and might not ever stretch out. He might sleep in a way that keeps weight off a sore body part, and he might appear stiff or braced while he sleeps.

Difficulty waking

It should be easy to wake your cat by gently talking to him or making noise while you’re in the same room. If your cat doesn’t wake up easily or doesn’t seem aware of your presence, it could indicate a problem.

You can also try to wake your cat by opening a can of cat food. If normally your cat gets up for food readily but starts to ignore its presence, he’s probably ill and needs veterinary attention.

Black cat sleeping comfortably in a basket
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Choosing new sleeping spots

It’s natural for your cat to seek out different sleeping spots throughout the year. He might head to the bedroom when winter comes to stay warm, then move to the kitchen during the summer to take advantage of the sun shining in through the window. But if your cat starts abandoning his usual sleeping spots for unexpected new locations, it might indicate a problem.

Look for disruptions in your cat’s habits, for example, suddenly spending lots of time under the bed or in a closet. Cats who aren’t feeling well often seek out quiet spots where they can be alone. If all of a sudden your cat chooses secluded spots he doesn’t typically frequent, it might indicate that he’s ailing.

In conclusion

When you notice any of the above red flags, schedule an appointment with your vet right away. Your vet can thoroughly examine your cat and look for illnesses or injuries that might be causing his sleep abnormalities. Illnesses can progress quickly with cats, and many of them are stoic about being sick, so it’s important to act quickly and have your pet examined. In addition to changes in your cat’s sleep patterns, you might notice modifications in his behavior, like a decreased appetite, increased vocalizations, or an altered attitude that could indicate he’s not feeling well. By carefully observing your cat’s sleep habits, you can keep an eye on his health and quickly determine when he might need veterinary help.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Paige Cerulli
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Paige's work has appeared in American Veterinarian, Business Insider, Healthline, and more. When she's not writing, Paige…
What you need to know about your cat’s swollen lip – what caused it and how to help it heal
These are the most likely causes and best treatment options for your cat's swollen lip
Woman petting cat

Your sweet furry friend is a wealth of enjoyment and entertainment — from funny sleeping positions to those precious purrs. Cat behavior can be somewhat of a mystery for even the most dedicated kitty lovers, though, and those feline feelings can lead to physical manifestations that puzzle us.

If you've ever looked at your cat and noticed a swelling on the upper or lower lip, here's what you need to know: This common occurrence isn't something to worry about, but it isn't something to ignore, either. While your vet checks your cat's health, you can read up on this confusing condition. Here's what causes a cat's swollen lip.

Read more
Is your cat biting when you pet them? This is what they’re trying to tell you
Cats can't tell us when they want us to leave them alone, so you need to watch out for other signs
Gray cat biting a person's hand

If you're lucky enough to live with a beloved feline, you know how quick cats can be. They leap from counter to counter, zoom around the apartment, and occasionally grab you and bite your hand. This behavior can be surprising and startling, and if you don't understand what it's about, you might be upset and frustrated.
Your cat biting your hand or arm seemingly randomly doesn't mean that they don't love you, and it also doesn't mean they're doing this just because. Instead, there are important messages behind your cat's behavior. If you're wondering, "Why does my cat bite me when I pet them," -- there are a few potential causes that you need to understand.

Why does my cat grab my hand and bite me?
If your cat bites you when you're patting her, you're witnessing something called petting-induced aggression. These bites are generally gentle and don't draw blood, but they can still be painful and upsetting. Your cat might lick at your hand first before using their teeth. (If you see signs of aggression, your cat is telling you in no uncertain terms to back off and give them some space.)

Read more
Why is my cat peeing on my bed? The real truth (and how to stop this gross habit)
Causes and solutions for when your cat pees where you sleep
Striped cat sitting on a bed in the bedroom

No one likes to ask, "Why is my cat peeing on my bed?" Noticing that your cat peed on your fresh-out-of-the-washing-machine sheets is of the most irritating things she can do. There are a lot of different reasons besides your cat just being a jerk that explain why she would do such a thing. Understanding the "why" will help you figure out what is really going on inside of your furry feline’s head, so you can then determine how to stop this unwanted behavior.

While many believe the primary reason cats pee on the bed is because they're just being sassy, this is usually not the case. Read on to learn why your cat has picked up this undesirable habit and what you can do to put an end to it.

Read more