It’s normal for cats to sleep much longer each day than people do. In fact, most healthy adult cats sleep between 12 to 16 hours per day. Still, pet owners may become worried when they notice their cat sleeping all day. Luckily, this isn’t usually a cause for concern, but sudden increases in sleep, low energy levels, or behavioral changes can sometimes indicate illness, so it’s good to know what’s normal and when there might be a health issue.
Here we’ll answer your common questions about cat sleeping behaviors and signs that you should contact a veterinarian.
Q1: How many hours do cats normally sleep?
Most healthy adult cats sleep 12 to 16 hours per day. Kittens and senior cats may sleep even longer, with some kittens sleeping upwards of 20 hours a day. Indoor cats may spend more time sleeping than outdoor cats because of less stimulation and fewer perceived safety threats.
You might also notice that your cat is most active in the early hours of the morning and late in the evening as night rolls in. This is because cats are crepuscular, which means they’re most active at dawn and dusk. Sleeping for much of the day with short periods of activity is a completely normal part of feline behavior.
Q2: Why does my cat sleep so much?
In most cases, the answer to the question ‘Why do cats sleep so much?’ is that their natural feline sleep patterns result in sleeping for large portions of the day and night.
Other contributors to why a cat might be sleeping a lot include:
- Age-related sleep needs (especially in growing kittens)
- Weather and seasonal changes
- Boredom or lack of stimulation
- Sleep disruptions that you haven’t noticed (e.g., nighttime noise, storms, crying baby, etc.)
- Stress or changes in routine
- Illness
As you can see, not all influences on a cat’s daily sleep schedule are causes for concern. For example, you might simply have a tired cat during the day because overnight storms kept them up.
Q3: When is a sleepy cat a reason for concern?
A sleepy cat is a reason for concern when you’re noticing a change from the cat’s normal behavior.
This might include:
- Cat sleeping more than usual for longer than a day or two
- Difficulty waking up or acting less responsive
- Decreased interest in food or water
- Reduced interest in play
- Sleeping in places that are unusual for the individual cat (e.g., in the litterbox, under the bed, etc.)
- Increased hiding
- Weight loss
- Poor grooming habits
- Vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, or other signs of illness
Pet parents should understand the difference between cat sleepiness and cat lethargy. A sleepy cat is simply tired and needs to rest. They’ll be bright and alert when awake. A lethargic cat lacks energy even when awake and shows decreased interest in normal activities, like playing or eating.
Q4: What medical conditions can cause a cat to sleep more than usual?
Just like a sick person may need to sleep more than usual, a cat with a medical issue may need more rest.
Medical conditions that could contribute to an increased need for sleep include:
- Infection or contagious illness
- Pain or injury, including arthritis
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Anemia
- Cancer
Many conditions that cause increased fatigue or sleepiness are treatable, especially if they’re detected early. If you are concerned, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian.
Q5: How can I tell if my cat is sleeping normally or is lethargic?
It’s always a good idea to get familiar with what’s normal for your cat. We’re mostly going to become concerned if there’s a significant change in your cat’s daily routine or behavior. You’ll want to observe their responses to food, treats, toys, and attention. If a cat who is usually excited by one of these things shows disinterest, that might be a cause for concern. Other things to note include changes in grooming habits (i.e., an unkempt appearance) and changes in appetite, thirst, or litterbox habits.
A healthy cat should appear alert and responsive when they’re awake, even if they’ve been sleeping most of the day. If your cat seems dull when awake, this may indicate true lethargy.
Q6: When should I call my veterinarian?
Call your veterinarian if you notice any of the following:
- Sudden increase in sleeping time that lasts more than a day or two
- Disinterest in food, water, and/or play
- Difficulty breathing
- Weakness or inability to jump normally
- Changes in drinking or urination
- Persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or other physical signs of illness
- Any signs of pain or distress
- Excessive hiding
- Dullness when awake
You know your cat better than anyone, so it’s best to trust your instincts! If you feel your cat’s behavior is noticeably different from normal, it’s never a bad idea to have a veterinarian rule out medical issues.
Know Your Cat’s Routine
Healthy cats commonly sleep for most of the day, and a cat sleeping all day may be completely normal. Your cat’s age, lifestyle, and environment will influence their sleeping patterns, so an occasional day of more or less sleep isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. You’ll mostly want to watch for changes to your cat’s daily routines or behavior. Excessive sleep combined with lethargy, appetite changes, or other symptoms should prompt a veterinary evaluation. By familiarizing yourself with your cat’s normal routine, you can catch abnormalities earlier, allowing for prompt intervention to get your cat feeling well again.
