It’s no wonder that many people refer to naps as “cat naps!” Your furry friend probably spends much of her time sleeping throughout the day. But have you ever truly wondered, “How long do cats sleep?” Unlike you, your feline friend doesn’t stay awake all day and sleep through the night.
Concerned that your cat might actually be sleeping too much? Here’s everything you need to know to understand your cat’s sleep cycle and how to tell the difference between a natural schedule and one that should be a cause for concern.
How Long Do Cats Sleep?
It is ‘normal’ for cats to sleep around 15 hours a day, throughout the day, based on the fact that they are born natural hunters. And they are most active at dawn and dusk.
Mikel Delgado, a certified cat behavior consultant and co-founder of Feline Minds explains that in the wild, these animals need to conserve energy as they wait to pounce on their prey. This type of hunting creates the need for cats to sleep in short bursts whenever they can get the time. That being said, your furry friend does not need to engage in hunting behavior to eat that perfect plate of pate you’ve laid out for her. But even though they don’t partake in the same rituals as their wild ancestors, contemporary cats still have that natural need to conserve energy whenever possible.
Want to learn more about what to expect with a kitten? Check out Kitten Care Stages: Newborn to 72 Weeks.
Are Cats Really Nocturnal?
Does this scenario sound familiar? It’s 2:00 a.m. and your kitten is not-so-patiently sitting on your head, whipping her paw across your hair and trying to wake you up. While this may be particularly annoying for you, it’s completely normal for cats to stay awake at night.
However, according to Delgado, though cats sleep a lot during the day, they are not truly nocturnal. Instead, “cats are considered crepuscular, which means they are active at dawn and dusk (when their prey are naturally active),” she says.
It’s important to remember that young cats need to play, and they don’t care if it’s 3:00 in the afternoon or midnight. But, if you find that your kitten — or full-grown cat — is causing problems with her nighttime playfulness, you can take steps to keep her antics under control.
“Keeping cats more active during the day and evening (such as with interactive play, food puzzles and environmental enrichment) and giving cats a snack at the human’s bedtime can help get them more on a similar sleep cycle as their owners!” notes Delgado.
Erica Loop is the mom to one teenage son, two Olde Boston Bulldogs and a very shy cat. She’s also a freelance writer, educator and the creator of the blog, Mini Monets and Mommies.
* This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be providing medical advice and is not a substitute for such advice. The reader should always consult a health care provider concerning any medical condition or treatment plan. Neither Care.com nor the author assumes any responsibility or liability with respect to use of any information contained herein.
