Ever get jealous that your cat appears to spend all day snoozing? Is it because you bought her a super comfy cat bed? Perhaps. However, cats’ tendencies to be expert nappers may be related to their true nature.
Studies estimate that cats can spend 40 to 65 percent of their day sleeping, which is roughly between 9 and 16 hours a day. This number varies depending upon the age of the cat (kittens and senior cats sleep more than juvenile and adult cats) and whether they live outdoors and fend for themselves or they are housecats who live in the lap of luxury.
Why Do Cats Sleep So Much?
Cats are natural predators and can expend a lot of energy when they are hunting for their next meal. Stalking, crouching, staring, running, pouncing and eating all are tiring activities. Patrolling their territory and marking objects also require energy. When cats are not engaged in vital species-specific activity, they need to conserve energy by sleeping. Kittens tend to sleep more because they have different energy expenditure and need to recuperate after vigorous bouts of play or exploration. They also need extra energy for growth. Indoor cats may spend more time sleeping because they are less active. Their meals are delivered to them and there is no need to work for a living.
Your Cat’s Sleep Schedule
Cats are traditionally crepuscular animals, which means they are typically most active during dawn and dusk when other prey animals are more active. However, they can be quite flexible and can adjust their waking hours to suit their owner’s lifestyle. While you are hard at work, your cat may be catching a lot of zzz’s, which means that they have a lot of energy and are ready for action when you get home. When it is time to go to bed, they may still be revved up with energy since they spent the majority of the day sleeping.
If you want to get a good night’s sleep, be sure to spent at least 15 to 20 minutes playing with your cat in the evening to tire her out. During the day, your cat should be working for her meals using interactive food bowls or puzzle toys.
What to Do If Your Cat Is Sleeping Too Much
As our cats get older, their metabolism slows down, which means they may be less active and spend more time sleeping. If your cat starts to sleep more during the day, it is important to look for any additional changes in behavior. If you are seeing more than one behavioral change, then your cat should be examined by your veterinarian. For instance, if your cat is sleeping more, is less interested in interacting with you and also has a decreased appetite, this may be an indication of an underlying illness or pain related to arthritis. It is best to obtain an expert opinion. If your cat is interactive, energetic and has a good appetite but sleeps a lot, that just may be part of her personality and isn’t a cause for concern.