Have you ever noticed how cats can spend the better part of the day curled up, napping away? Cats are often found snoozing in sunny spots or cozy corners, sometimes for hours at a time. This behavior might make us wonder: why do cats sleep so much? The answer lies in their natural instincts, energy needs, and overall health.

Cats are built to be efficient predators, with bodies designed for short bursts of activity. In the wild, their ancestors needed to conserve energy for hunting and remain alert for threats. Even house cats retain these instincts. So, when your fluffy family member is catching up on sleep, they’re not just being lazy—they’re following a deep-rooted survival strategy.

In this article, we're going to answer the question of why and how often cats sleep, along with how to tell if your feline friend is spending too much time in slumberland.

How Much Time Do Cats Spend Sleeping?

Cats are masters of snoozing, spending around 12 to 16 hours a day asleep. That’s nearly two-thirds of their lives! But why do cats sleep so much? It all goes back to their wild ancestors. In the wild, cats needed to conserve energy for hunting. Even though most domestic cats don’t need to chase down prey anymore, that same instinct remains.

House cats go through different sleep patterns, ranging from light naps to deep sleep. During light naps, their ears twitch, and their body remains alert to sudden sounds. If you notice your cat's whiskers or ears flicker while they nap, it’s because they’re staying on guard, ready to wake up at a moment's notice.

When cats enter deep sleep, their bodies relax completely, helping to regulate body temperature and support their immune system. Adult cats typically cycle through these sleep stages throughout the day, taking a mix of quick cat naps and longer rests.

Kittens and younger cats, on the other hand, spend even more time snoozing—up to 20 hours a day. This extended rest is essential for their growth and development. Senior cats, too, may sleep more, as it helps them conserve energy and manage any physical aches.

Even if your fluffy family member seems like they hit the snooze button often, they can become quite active at dawn and dusk. That’s when their natural hunting instincts kick in, and they may feel the most energetic. So, the next time you see your cat sleeping for what feels like an endless stretch, just remember—your pet is following its natural sleep patterns.

In essence, cats spend so much time sleeping to conserve energy, support their body’s health, and stay alert when they’re awake. It’s all about being ready for action, even if “action” now just means chasing a toy or watching birds from a sunny window spot.

Why Does My Cat Need So Much Sleep?

There are a few reasons why you may catch your cat snoozing more often than not! The first has to do with primal instincts and energy conservation. Cats are hunters by nature, and hunting requires a lot of energy. Your small house cat may not necessarily be hunting live animals for food, but these instincts can be traced back to their ancestors despite generations of breeding and domestication. Whether your cat helps keep the rodents away or enjoys chasing their toys, they want to store up enough energy for their next hunt or play session!

Something else to note is that cats are crepuscular, which means that they are the most active during dawn and dusk. While some cats may be considered nocturnal (awake and active during the night), many of them actually have the most energy during the in-between twilight hours. Have you noticed this to be true of your cat? You may want to start keeping track of the times when they are most active so that you can know the best times to play and interact with your cat.

Some cats may also match their schedules to that of their owners, especially at bedtime and mealtimes. For example, if you are feeding your cat at a specific time each day, your cat is smart enough to pick up on this and will begin to look forward to it. They may run excitedly to the kitchen at the same time every day, even before you get there to feed them! Cats love routine, so having something for them to look forward to or rely on each day can be good for their well-being and sense of security.

Getting your cat on a schedule can also be beneficial when it comes to your sleep. If your cat is active at night and often keeps you awake by meowing or pouncing on the bed, you may want to try training them to follow your sleep schedule. One way to do this is by playing with them in the evenings around twilight (when they are already the most active) so that they can exhaust a bit of their energy and hopefully be able to wind down a bit when you're ready to get some sleep!

Another aspect that may affect your cat's sleep is the weather. This is something we can relate to as humans. Do you find yourself feeling a bit more sleepy and sluggish on rainy days? Cats are the same! You may notice them napping more throughout the day and refusing to leave their comfy beds when the weather is dreary. When the sun is shining, your cat may be more likely to have some extra energy for playtime and may have more entertaining things to watch from the window, such as birds flying in the sky, people out walking their dogs, etc.

When Should I Be Worried?

Normal vs. Excessive Sleeping

It’s normal for a cat to have varying sleep patterns depending on its age, health, and lifestyle. House cats mimic the sleeping habits of wild cats, who conserve energy for hunting and staying alert. But what happens when your fluffy family member starts sleeping for extended periods beyond the usual?

If your cat’s sleep patterns change suddenly—especially if they sleep much more than usual or if they seem hard to wake up—it could be a sign of something more serious. Pay attention if they sleep almost nonstop during the day and night and lose interest in playing, eating, or interacting.

Red Flags to Watch For

Excessive sleeping can sometimes indicate an underlying health issue. A few signs to look out for include:

• Losing Weight: If your cat sleeps more and is also losing weight, it might be time for a vet check-up.
• Lethargy: Sleeping too much and being sluggish when awake can be a warning sign.
• Change in Behavior: Notice if your cat isn’t showing their usual excitement or curiosity.
• Appetite Changes: If they’re eating less or more than normal, it might hint at a problem.
• Hiding: Cats hide more when they’re not feeling well. If your cat seems to nap in odd, out-of-the-way places, something might be up. 

Balancing Rest, Play, and Health!

Whether it’s wild cats or domestic house cats, these animals spend extended periods snoozing to conserve energy for hunting or playing. Adult cats and kittens alike follow this behavior, driven by a need to rest and remain alert for short bursts of activity. For many cats, sleep patterns are a combination of light naps and deep sleep, allowing them to stay aware of their surroundings even when they appear to be at rest.

Moreover, sleep helps cats regulate their body temperature, maintain a strong immune system, and replenish energy. Younger cats and senior cats may have different sleep patterns, but all cats prioritize rest as a key part of their daily routine. In addition, you may notice your fluffy family member curling up for cat naps during the day and staying active at dawn and dusk — a behavior inherited from their wild ancestors who hunted at night.

Petmate, a trusted provider of premium pet supplies, understands these sleeping habits and offers products designed to support your cat’s comfort, ensuring your pet has a cozy place to snooze. By providing a restful environment, Petmate helps your cat thrive, making their nap time just as important as their playtime. So, the next time your cat presses the snooze button, know it’s simply a part of what makes them, well, a cat!