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Do cats sleep more in winter because they’re depressed? Here’s what to know about seasonal changes in felines

Find out if cats can experience seasonal depression like people do

Paige Cerulli
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When the winter weather hits and the days become shorter, gray, and overcast, it can be all too tempting to climb into your PJs early and call it a night. Chances are — your cat is right there with you! If you think you’re noticing your feline friend sleeping more frequently or for longer periods of time during the winter, you might not be imagining things.

Cats’ sleeping habits can change for many reasons! It’s important to keep track of your cat’s sleep, though, because big changes can sometimes indicate health issues in pets. So, do cats sleep more in winter? And why do they spend so much time snoozing?

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Do cats sleep more in winter? If it seems like it, you’re not just imagining things

You’re not crazy if you feel like cats sleep more in the winter — it’s totally true! The ASPCA reports that cats typically sleep between 12 and 20 hours per day, but in the winter, they may sleep even more.

That increase in sleep may be because the daylight hours are shorter, but your cat might also be picking up on your own changes in routine. If you’re headed to bed a little earlier than usual, they might too.

Two cats sleeping together

Why do cats sleep more in winter? Should you be worried?

Veterinarian Dr. Justin Shmalberg explained to Yahoo that multiple factors can affect cats’ wintertime sleeping habits. Your buddy’s endocrine and nervous systems strongly influence how much they sleep, as well as their hunting and mating habits. It’s all controlled by two bodily ‘rhythms’ called the circadian and circannual rhythms.

The circadian rhythm refers to the changes your cat undergoes every 24 hours that tells them to sleep and when to wake. It’s strongly influenced by light and dark, which is why the reduced daylight hours may affect your cat’s desire to head to bed.

Your cat’s circannual rhythm includes processes that might fluctuate at certain times per year. These are natural biological and psychological processes, and they can also contribute to your cat’s sleeping habits. This is the same system that drives some creatures to hibernate in winter!

While your cat may take cues from the changing light that comes with winter, cats who live entirely indoors likely don’t notice the changes in light as much as cats who spend time outdoors do. Indoor cats tend to be more sedentary than outdoor cats as well, so you might not see a change in your indoor cat’s seasonal behavior at all.

A white and gray tabby sleeping

Do cats get depressed in winter? What to know about Seasonal Affective Disorder in pets

Seasonal Affective Disorder — more commonly known as seasonal depression — affects countless people worldwide. But did you know your cat could experience this, too? According to veterinarian Dr. Albert Ahn, who spoke with  Chewy, approximately one-third of pet owners have reported a change in their pet’s behavior in the colder months.

The precise cause of seasonal depression isn’t fully known, but changes in sunlight and sleep patterns may be to blame. If your cat is suffering from seasonal depression, you might notice symptoms like low energy or heavy sleeping habits. You might also notice changes in how your cat eats, and they might start vocalizing more than normal.

Cat sleeping on a beige fleece blanket

Keeping your cat healthy in the winter — it’s more than keeping them warm

While some changes in your cat’s sleeping habits are normal in the winter, major changes can also be a sign that your cat is sick or needs veterinary attention. You’ll want to be on the lookout for unusual behavior changes in your cat, including appetite and socialization changes. If you notice any of these issues, it’s important to get your cat to the vet — in case there’s a physical issue that needs treatment.

You may also need to monitor your cat’s weight to help keep them healthy. If your cat starts sleeping more and moving less, you might need to adjust how much you’re feeding them to help prevent weight gain.

Every cat is different, and you may or may not notice that your cat starts sleeping more in the winter. If it turns out that your cat does like to catch some extra z’s when the cooler temperatures hit (which is totally fine), you can help them nap more comfortably by setting up some cozy spots. A cat bed or warm blanket is always nice, but your cat will probably also appreciate a heated cat bed to keep him extra warm. Keeping the heat turned up in your home and opening your blinds so the sun makes warm spots on the floor will also help your cat to sleep more comfortably.

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