Cats Sleeping All Day? Here’s Why

Cats are fascinating creatures and have unique behaviors that often leave their owners puzzled. One of the most common behaviors is their love for sleeping. Cats can sleep anywhere from 12 to 16 hours a day, and sometimes even up to 20 hours a day. The sleeping pattern of the cat changes with their aging.

Kittens: They likely sleep more as compared to adult cats because their bodies and brain flourish and grip all the new experiences day by day.

Junior (adolescent): Periods of extreme waggishness and irregular sleeping patterns are possible.

Mature: Adult cats sleep for an average of 12 to 20 hours per day in a more rigid schedule.

But why do cats sleep so much? Let’s examine and discuss some of the causes in more detail.

1.    Natural Behavior

Cats are crepuscular animals, which means they are most active during the dawn and dusk hours. These are the periods when they hunt for prey, so they must be alert and active. Cats typically sleep during the day to save energy for their busy hunting hours when their prey is less active. Cats naturally sleep a lot, and one of the main causes of this is a habit that has evolved over thousands of years of evolution.

2.    High Metabolic Rate

Despite their love for sleep, cats actually have a high metabolic rate, which means they burn energy quickly. Cats are carnivores, and they need a lot of energy to maintain their muscle mass and overall health. Sleeping for long periods allows cats to conserve their energy and ensure that they have enough energy to be active when they need to be.

3.    Health Reasons

Cats sleep for a variety of health reasons, including muscle repair and growth, digestion, and stress reduction. During sleep, the body repairs and regenerates cells, which is essential for maintaining overall health. As a result, sleep help the cats to stay mentally stimulated. Sleeping also helps cats to reduce stress and anxiety, which is important for their mental well-being.

4.    Environmental Changes

Cats are highly sensitive to changes in their environment, and they can become stressed or anxious easily. Sleeping allows cats to cope with environmental stressors by providing a safe and secure space where they can relax and recharge. For indoor cats, sleeping also helps to reduce the effects of sensory overload from stimuli such as television, music, and other distractions.

5.     Cat nap

Not every sleep is a deep one. Cats just occasionally press the stop button and take a quick break, called a cat nap. Your cat’s ears or tail may occasionally move while his eyes are closed fully or even just partially. He is probably not sleeping at all, but rather listening to his surroundings and getting ready to take action.

6.    Social Creatures

Despite their reputation for being independent animals, cats are actually quite social creatures. They enjoy the company of other cats and humans and often sleep near their companions for comfort and security. Sleeping also helps cats to establish a routine and maintain a sense of security and familiarity in their environment.

7.    Age and Health

As cats age, their sleeping patterns may change. Senior cats tend to sleep more than younger cats, and they may have trouble sleeping through the night. Cats may also sleep more if they are ill or experiencing pain. If you notice a sudden change in your cat’s sleeping habits, such as sleeping more than usual or sleeping in unusual places, it may be a sign of an underlying health issue. In such cases, it is important to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any potential health problems.

8.    Breed

Some cat breeds are more prone to sleeping than others. For example, Persians and Ragdolls are known for their love of sleep and can sleep for up to 20 hours a day. Siamese cats, on the other hand, tend to be more active and may sleep for only 12-14 hours a day.

How to ensure that a cat gets enough sleep?

An important factor in ensuring that your cat gets enough sleep is providing a quiet and peaceful environment. Cats are sensitive to noise and disturbances, so it is important to provide a calm and quiet space for them to sleep. This may mean closing doors or windows to block out noise from the outside or providing a separate sleeping area away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

In addition to providing a comfortable sleeping environment, there are other things that cat owners can do to help their cats get the rest they need. Cats enjoy routine, and providing a consistent sleeping schedule can help them establish a regular sleep cycle. This means feeding your cat at the same time each day and providing playtime and exercise at regular intervals.

Finally, it is important to remember that every cat is unique, and their sleeping needs may vary. Some cats may prefer to sleep during the day, while others may prefer to sleep at night. Understanding your cat’s individual needs and preferences can help you provide the best possible sleeping environment for them.

Conclusion

Cats sleeping all day is a natural behavior that is essential for their health and well-being. By understanding why cats sleep so much, owners can provide a safe and comfortable environment for their feline companions. It is important to provide your cat with a cozy bed or sleeping area, away from any potential stressors. If you notice any sudden changes in your cat’s sleeping patterns, be sure to consult with a veterinarian to ensure that there are no underlying health issues.

By taking care of your cat’s sleeping needs, you can ensure that they live a happy and healthy life. It is also important to provide your cat with plenty of playtime and exercise to keep them active and stimulated when they are awake. You should also make sure your cat gets the rest they require to live a happy and healthy life.

If your cat is sleeping more often than usual near Hinsdale, IL, contact Lane Veterinary. Our veterinarians can examine what may be causing your cat’s sleepiness and find out ways to help them get back to their energetic selves. Contact us today!