Cats sleep an average of 15 hours a day, with some even sleeping 20 – 24 hours. Many factors affect their sleep duration, including breed, age, lifestyle, personality, environment, health, gender, and season. Why do cats seem to sleep almost all the time?
Nocturnal Nature: Cats are nocturnal, so they’re most active from dusk to dawn. This contrasts with human schedules, making it seem like cats sleep all day. Their “night owl” nature is deeply rooted.
Energy Conservation: Sleep helps cats conserve energy. In the wild, hunting requires a lot of energy, so cats sleep to preserve their strength. Domestic cats retain this instinct, which is why they’re often active at night, sometimes catching small prey or playing.
Sleep Patterns: Cats have a different sleep pattern from humans. They spend most of their time in light sleep (15 – 30 minutes at a time), ready to react to any situation. Deep sleep only lasts about 5 minutes before they return to light sleep. If you notice changes in your cat’s sleep habits, such as sleeping more or less than usual, it could indicate a health issue, so keep a careful eye on them.
