Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cats

Why do cats sleep so much? Are all those snooze sessions something to worry about?

Your cat really isn't that lazy

Gabrielle LaFrank
By
Two cats sleeping and cuddling together
MoiLolita / Pixabay

Odds are, you have at least a few things in common with your cat. Maybe you both enjoy some quiet time in front of the television or maybe your feline friend loves cheese as much as you do. One thing you almost certainly have in common, though, is an affinity for sleep. After all, who doesn’t love curling up in bed on a chilly winter morning? Even cats sleep more in winter!

As sweet as it may be to snuggle up for a snooze with your cat by your side, some cat owners find themselves wondering if their kitty is actually sleeping too much. It can be tricky to know what to expect when you’re not an expert in feline sleeping habits — but that’s where we come in. We’ll answer questions like: how much do cats sleep, why do cats sleep so much, and should you should be concerned about their frequent snooze sessions.

Two cats sleeping together
RichardMc / Pixabay

How much do cats sleep?

The reason it seems like your cat is sleeping so much is because they are. Felines require about twice as much sleep per day as their owners do, so don’t be surprised if you catch your buddy snoozing 13 to 16 hours per day. And that’s just for a healthy adult cat. Older cats, kittens, mama cats, and those with health problems might need even more time to rest and recoup. Purina notes that kittens can sleep for up to 20 hours per day!

Recommended Videos

Remember, cats don’t get all their sleep in one sitting, either. They really do take “cat naps,” which can last for about 15 to 30 minutes at a time. They may briefly wake up and go right back to sleep for cat nap number two, or they may be a bit more active between naps. This is an instinctual habit that allows felines to rest without falling into too deep of a sleep, which could leave them vulnerable to a number of different dangers.

Tiger cat sleeping on a grey bed
Ehsan / Adobe Stock

Why do cats sleep so much?

Cats naturally spend a lot of time napping, but it’s not always clear why they need so much sleep or when it’s normal for sleeping habits to change. Luckily, a little education goes a long way. These are the common factors that drive a feline’s snoozing schedule, including why your cat sleeps so much.

Cat naps save a lot of energy

When taking many short cat naps throughout the day, it may seem like your cat is sleeping the entire day away. The reality is that they’re spending much of that time resting and not truly sleeping. They may even stay in the same spot between cat naps due to factors like limited mobility, laziness, or energy conservation.

This is especially helpful because cats are natural predators. Hunting, eating, and even just playing use up a lot of energy, and they need to replenish it through — you guessed it — sleeping. Similarly, your cat may conserve more of their energy during the day (which means more napping) so they can be more active at nighttime. This is natural for crepuscular creatures like cats that are most active at dawn and dusk, and it’s no reason to be concerned.

Your cat may sleep more when feeling stressed, sad, or bored

Although frequent sleep is often a good thing, there are times when it can be a sign of something slightly amiss. Sometimes, a cat may sleep more after experiencing a lot of stress, because worrying is exhausting. Many people can relate to a change in sleeping habits when feeling stressed or depressed, though it can be trickier to identify when a cat is going through a difficult time.

If you notice an unexplained change in your cat’s sleeping habits, it may not be a bad idea to read up on feline boredom and stress. If they don’t return to normal within a few days, visiting the vet isn’t out of the question either.

An orange tabby cat sleeps with their eyes closed
Pixabay / Pexels

When to be concerned about a cat sleeping too much

Most of the time, you don’t need to be concerned about a cat that seems to sleep a lot. The exception, however, is if you notice an extreme or sudden change. The increased nap frequency that happens with age will happen more gradually, for example, but a cat that’s sleeping for 14 hours one day and 20 hours the next might warrant a closer watch. This is more likely a sign that your cat is sick, injured, or severely impacted by stress or sadness.

If you notice any other sudden changes in your fur baby’s behavior or appearance, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian. Please give them a call if:

  • Your cat has experienced unexplained weight loss
  • Your cat refuses to eat or drink
  • Your cat is overeating
  • Your cat has extreme or unexplained vomiting or diarrhea
  • Your cat is acting irritable or showing signs of pain

Even if your kitty is only fighting a common cold, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your best furry friend. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your cat if anything about their routines or behaviors changes, but there’s also no reason to jump into a panic. Most of the time, cats are not sleeping too much at all.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank
Contributor
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
Why you should feel honored if your cat sleeps at your feet
If you've ever wondered about this cat behavior, this article is for you
Calico cat lying on a white comforter

Have you noticed that when you go to sleep, your cat automatically heads to the foot of the bed and curls up by your feet? It's no mistake, and it's not your cat giving you the cold shoulder, either. This is a deliberate decision on your kitty's part, and there are many reasons why they might choose to sleep there instead of curling up on your stomach or by your shoulder. In fact, if your cat sleeps by your feet, you should take it as a compliment and feel flattered.

So, why do cats sleep at your feet? It's a mix of your cat's affection for you, a feeling of safety, and even the body heat you generate that play into your cat's decision to sleep at the foot of the bed.

Read more
4 reasons why cats wag their tails while lying down
This behavior is almost always never something to worry about
Cat yawns while sitting in a window

We know all about dog tail wagging, and most pet owners can spot the difference between a happy twitch and a cautious one. But did you realize that cats use their tails to express themselves, too? Like with dogs, the cat tail swish could mean a few different things, and it's important to have some sense of feline behavior — and your specific kitty — to decipher their movements. So why do cats wag their tails while lying down? We'll walk you through the most common causes and when you might need to step in.

Why do cats wag their tails while lying down?
If you stumble upon your kitty lying down and only moving their tail, it's probably because of one of these four reasons.
They feel happy or playful
You might see your cat lying lazily in the sun, but suddenly they give a little tail twitch as you approach. It's not your imagination. They're excited to see you and ready to play. Assuming you don't note any signs of aggression (we'll get to those later), you should head on over to pet your cat or grab their favorite toy and start a game.
It's hunting time
We can all picture the lion stalking their prey while slowly moving their tail back and forth — your cat does this, too. Oftentimes, this one will happen when they're lying on a perch or near a window and can spy on birds or small mammals in the yard. It could even be that they've spotted a fly and will pounce at any minute. All you need to do here is reach for your camera and enjoy your silly kitty at their best.
They're stressed
A cat that feels stressed will often floof their tail and start to wag it. Kitties generally puff up their fur to appear larger and more menacing. This action may also combine with an arched back or a hiss. Alternatively, sometimes tail thumping comes from overstimulation. You'll recognize pretty quickly which movements indicate fear and which mean fun.
They're dreaming
Sometimes, you'll observe your mouser twitch their tail while sleeping. It could come from a simple muscle spasm just like you get when you sleep (it also might mean they're hunting down prey in their dreams). Additionally, your sleepy kitty may be, well, faking it. They might look asleep but are actually just resting and waiting for you to come over.

Read more
Why do cats have tails? Science explains
Whether fluffy or thin, cats' tails serve these essential purposes
A white cat's tail hangs from the wooden bookshelf

If you've ever wondered, "Why do cats have tails?" you're certainly not alone. Tails are odd appendages for humans to comprehend, but they serve more than one purpose besides simply being cute to look at. Different breeds of cats have different kinds of tails, too, but they all help in the very same ways.
And what about cats that don't have tails? Many felines are born with genetic variants that give them a short or "bobbed" tail, but this hardly affects them at all. The same can be said for cats that lose their tails later in life; it may be an adjustment period, but a tail is not essential to a happy, healthy life.
Here's what else you'll want to know about why cats have tails!

Tails help cats balance when moving and jumping
One of the primary functions of feline tails is to help them balance when climbing and jumping like cats do. In fact, this is one of the main reasons why cats always land on their feet. As they leap or walk on something narrow, they position their tails strategically, like a counterweight.

Read more