Why do cats sleep a lot

On average, cats sleep between 12 to 16 hours a day, and kittens and older cats can sleep up to 20 hours. This is linked to their predator instincts – even domestic cats retain the behavior of their wild ancestors, who slept most of the day to conserve energy for hunting.

Daily Rhythms of Domestic Cats

Nighttime Activity

Cats are crepuscular animals, meaning they are most active in the early morning and late evening. This behavior is connected to the hunting habits of their wild ancestors, who hunted at these times. Even if your pet lives indoors, its biological clock still causes it to be awake when you’re preparing to sleep or just waking up.

Influence of Weather and Seasons

• Cold Weather: In winter, cats sleep longer because the drop in temperature slows down their metabolism, and they try to conserve energy.
• Summer Period: In the heat, cats may also sleep more as their bodies adjust to the high temperature and try to avoid overheating.
• Rainy Days: During inclement weather, cats sleep longer, possibly because the decrease in atmospheric pressure makes them more sluggish, similar to humans.

Interesting Facts About Cats’ Sleep

• Cats dream. During rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, you may notice twitching of their paws and tail, indicating dreams.
• The older a cat is, the more it sleeps. As pets age, they become less active and prefer more rest.
• Cats can adjust to their owner’s schedule. If you go to bed late, your pet will eventually start changing its sleep rhythm too.
• Not all cats sleep deeply. Most of their sleep is light, where they remain alert and can wake up at the slightest noise.

Cats sleep a lot because it is a natural characteristic linked to their hunting instincts and metabolism. Their daily rhythm depends on the time of day, season, and even the weather. Therefore, if your cat spends most of the day napping, it is completely normal and not a cause for concern.