Why Do Cats Sleep So Much? My Cat Sleeps Constantly, Is This Normal?

Cats are the animals that sleep the most and are most fond of sleep and rest. It is said that laziness is a way of life for them. Although there are different reasons behind their fondness for rest, the fact remains that cats sleep a lot. It's not uncommon to find them sleeping when they're not eating, scratching their scratching post or furniture, or playing. Cats can sleep between 16-20 hours a day, and this can be longer in kittenhood and old age. Sleeping habits can also differ between cats living indoors and those living outdoors. Indoor cats, being less exposed to stimuli, having less to do, and feeling safer, tend to dedicate more time to rest. In this article, you can find the answers to the question of why cats sleep constantly. Cats Sleep During the Day, Are Active at Night

Cats can sleep between 16-20 hours a day, and this period can be longer during kittenhood and old age. Sleeping habits can also differ between cats living indoors and those living outdoors. Indoor cats, being less exposed to stimuli, having less to do, and feeling safer, dedicate more time to rest. In this article, you can find the answers to the question of why cats sleep constantly.

Cats Sleep During the Day, Are Active at Night

There are several reasons why cats sleep a lot, especially during the day. They are nocturnal hunters who avoid being prey during the day, storing energy for their next food hunt. They are at the top of the food chain and, because they are active at night hunting, they need to store energy for their next prey after feeding. The ideal choice for energy storage is to sleep a little longer. Since cats' life cycles mostly consist of eating and sleeping, their sleep periods are quite long.

It might be thought that the situation of cats living in homes is different from those in the wild, and one might question why they sleep so much. Although their living environment has changed and they don't have to search for food, it shouldn't be assumed that the instincts of cats living in homes have changed. Domestic cats, like their wild counterparts, have a certain daily schedule, and they dedicate a large part of this schedule to sleep. While their instincts inherited from their ancestors lead them to be active for hunting food at night and very early in the morning, their bodies are programmed for rest during the day.

We have mentioned in our previous articles that the sleep patterns of cats and humans follow a similar cycle. Although there is a cyclical similarity, the phase durations of cats are quite different. Cats first doze, then enter a deep sleep phase that lasts about 5 minutes, and then continue to doze again. In deep sleep, paw movements, twitching whiskers, and eyelid movements can be listed as signs that our feline friends are dreaming. To ensure they get the best sleep and fully recharge their energy, it's important to provide them with a comfortable space, make them feel safe, and especially during their rapidly developing kittenhood, not disturb them.

How Much Sleep Does a Cat Need to Be Too Much?

Another question as frequently asked as "Why do cats sleep so much?" is how much sleep is considered too much, even for them. The answer to this question can vary from cat to cat. Each cat listens to its own body, determines its needs, and decides when it's time to rest. When it feels like it and its energy level is high, it gets up and starts exploring the house. In other words, if you hear noises coming from the house around 4:00 AM and your cat is a little mischievous, there's no need to worry; the source of the sound is obvious. One of the most important things to know about cats is that they have their own routines. While these routines vary somewhat throughout the day, their general outlines remain stable. However, it's important to be cautious if your cat is sleeping too much or too little, deviating from their usual routine. If there's a significant change in their sleep pattern that lasts for 2-3 days, they should visit a veterinarian. Changes in sleep habits could be due to pain or another illness. Especially if changes in sleep patterns are accompanied by additional symptoms such as loss of appetite, weight loss, and lethargy, consulting a veterinarian immediately is the best course of action.

If cats are sleeping much more or much less than their usual routine, it is important to be cautious. If there is a significant change in sleep patterns and this change continues for 2-3 days, a visit to the veterinarian is necessary. Changes in sleep habits may be due to pain or another illness. Especially if changes in sleep patterns are accompanied by additional symptoms such as loss of appetite, weight loss, and lethargy, consulting a veterinarian without delay is the most appropriate step.