Ever wondered why do cats sleep so much? If you are curious to know the answer to this question, this is the right article for you.
Now, tell us, where is your cat at the moment? If you’re reading this on a tablet or laptop, there’s a strong chance he or she is attempting to schedule an unscheduled hug — directly above the screen. If Fluffy is not present, he or she is most likely dreaming or waking up from the day’s ninth cat sleep. Although cats are unquestionably loungers, there is more to this habit than meets the eye. Cats sleep between 16 and 20 hours per day on average, but why?
Sleeping Patterns of Cats
While many cats (particularly kittens) are active at night, their species is crepuscular, meaning they “come alive” around dawn and dusk. This is explained by the fact that most other natural predators hunt during the late night or early morning hours.
Typically, newborn kittens sleep 24 hours a day and grow while nursing and sleeping. As a kitten matures, its sleep requirements decrease to an average of 16 hours per day. Senior years re-ignite the cycle.
The behavior of a cat is incredibly adaptive, and many animals will alter their resting routines to spend time with their favorite people. Additionally, they will change naptimes to accommodate feeding patterns. So, if you are wondering why do cats sleep so much, here are a few possible reasons:
1. Your Cat Might Be a Nocturnal Animal
One reason your cat may sleep excessively during the day is that he is up at night hunting imagined mice. Cats in prehistoric times were crepuscular (active in the dawn and dusk) or nocturnal. The majority of domesticated cats follow a similar schedule to us, resting for the majority of the night and hanging out with us throughout the day. However, your cat may be adhering to his ancient ancestors’ behavior by acting as a predator at night and sleeping it off during day.
2. It Is Possible That Your Cat Is Conserving Energy
Cats are hunters (and also prey). They preserve energy, like many predators, by resting or sleeping, reserving it for spurts of time when they will perform the most hunting. This sleep/hunt cycle is normal.
3. He May Not Be Sleeping When You Believe He Is
Not all sleep is restorative. Occasionally, cats may just press the stop button and take a brief breather—a cat nap. While your cat’s eyes may be partially or totally closed, his ears or tail may still move occasionally. He is most likely attentive to the environment, poised to act—not really asleep at all.
4. Sleep Allows Cats to Recharge Their “Batteries”
Whether cats sleep to fantasize about that desired can of tuna, or the box recently arrived by Amazon, you can know your cat is slumbering soundly.
4. Your Cat May Be Upset
When there is nothing to do, animals frequently sleep more. There are numerous ways to enrich your cat’s life and alleviate boredom. For instance, you may construct a catio (a secure outdoor environment specifically for your cat) or some climbing shelves for your cat. If your DIY abilities are lacking, providing enrichment items is a more straightforward way to keep your cat occupied. Three different types of toys per day for your new kitten or adult cat. Observe what he plays with and then get similar toys in a variety of styles or colors. By determining his preferred toy and then getting it, you can help him avoid boredom.
5. Cooling Down
Felines have also adapted to live in hot conditions, and their capacity to thrive in certain regions indicates that they have discovered a way to stay cool. Cats sleep in order to conserve their energy. While other furred animals can survive on eight hours (or less) of sleep per cycle, cats may sleep to assist regulate their body temperature as well as for pleasure.
6. Your Cat Could Be Exhausted
Cats employ hiding and reduced activity as coping mechanisms when they are fearful or agitated. If your cat avoids family members, engages with with one family member, retreats during storms, or seems concerned when you are away, he may be extremely stressed. Sleeping more may be a coping mechanism for him. Inquire with your veterinarian about the effects of stress on your cat. She may refer you to a board-certified veterinarian who specializes in animal behavior. Additionally, you may learn more about cat stress and how to alleviate it in the book Decoding your Cat.
7. Stay in Bed
As with the phenomena of cats in boxes, cat owners can easily conclude that cats sleep for the sheer pleasure of it. They definitely appear to enjoy a good nap, don’t they?
Fluffy may sleep even longer and deeper on a cold, rainy day. Rapid brain movement happens in 5-minute increments and is sandwiched by periods of lighter napping.
Otherwise, cats sleep in short bursts of 15-30 minutes, readjusting their bodies to be ready to jump into action if/when necessary.
8. Your Cat Could Be Sick or Inconvenient
When cats are ill or in pain, they hide and become less active. If your cat spends the most of this time under the couch or high up in the cat tree, he may be experiencing pain or discomfort.
If your cat is obese, he may be unable to move about much and may rest due to the pain associated with movement. Obesity is a severe issue in cats, as it can result in joint pain and endocrine problems that require lifetime therapy. If you are unable to readily feel your cat’s ribs, schedule an examination with your veterinarian to determine his overall health.
9. Perhaps you require additional sleep and your cat’s sleep patterns are normal.
Sleeping enables cats (and you!) to refuel. Sleeping properly is critical for the immune system and overall health. Unlike humans, cats appear to understand the intrinsic value of sleep and make time for it. Your cat may not be napping excessively; you may be sleeping insufficiently!
Your cat is quite normal to sleep and rest up to 20 hours every day. Simply go with it if he is feeling well, and he is healthy. Perhaps you could benefit from a snooze as well!