Why Do Cats Sleep So Much? Everything You Need to Know

Cats are known for their love of sleep. It’s not uncommon to see a cat snoozing away for hours. But why do cats sleep so much? In this post, we’ll explore the science behind why cats sleep so much and how much is considered normal for a cat. We’ll also discuss the different stages of sleep and how cats spend their time asleep. Understanding your cat’s sleeping habits can help you ensure that they are getting the rest they need to stay healthy and happy. So let’s dive in and learn more about why cats are such big fans of nap time.

Sleeping Patterns Of Cats

While many cats (particularly kittens) are active at night, their species is crepuscular, which means they are more active at dawn and dusk. This is explained by the fact that other natural predators often hunt at night or during the day.

Newborn kittens normally sleep 22-24 hours a day and develop while nursing and sleeping. As a kitten grows older, the quantity of sleep needed decreases to an average of 16 hours per day. In the senior years, the cycle begins again.A cat’s behavior is very adaptive, and many animals will change their resting habits to spend more time with their favorite individuals. They will also change naptimes to accommodate feeding patterns.

Find out why cats love to sleep on their owners and other strnge places.

How Much Do Cats Sleep?

Cats sleep 15 hours a day on average. They can, however, sleep for up to 20 hours in a 24-hour period.

Cats, in general, take a nap the majority of the day since they are most active at night. If you’ve ever wondered why, the answer is in their physiology. Because cats are natural predators, their brains and bodies are designed to allow them to hunt mostly at night, when their superb eyesight allows them to grab prey while remaining unnoticed.

Despite being domesticated, our cats exhibit many of the same habits as wild cats such as lions and tigers. Because hunting prey requires a lot of energy, cats sleep as much as they can to ensure they have the stamina to pounce on their prey, even if it is just a catnip toy or rubber ball.

Why Do Cats Sleep So Much?

To Recharge Batteries

You can guarantee your cat loves every minute of his nap, whether it’s to dream about that desired tin of tuna, the bird house on the other side of the glass, or the purrfect paper box to take another nap.

To Cool Down

Cats have also evolved to live in hot conditions, and their ability to flourish in particular regions indicates that they’ve worked out how to stay cool. Cats sleep in order to preserve energy. Other fur-covered animals may get by with 8 hours (or less) of sleep every cycle, while cats may sleep to assist regulate body temperature as well as for pleasure.

Cats Are Hunters

Even if you have a totally indoor cat, you will occasionally observe primordial impulses. Cats in the wild use a lot of energy hunting and need to relax afterward. So, one of the primary explanations for why cats sleep so much is innate feline behavior.

What Could Make A Cat Sleep Less

Cats are skilled at altering their schedules to get by on less sleep since they are very adaptable creatures. A cat, for example, will sleep less if ithe’s exposed to more natural or artificial light than other cats.

Cats who are kept busy by their owners through play and other forms of stimulation may sleep a little less in general. If you decide to offer your cat less food than usual, expect them to be awake more frequently. However, doing so fragments their sleep, so think carefully before reducing their food intake.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cats sleep so much because of their natural instincts as predators. Their bodies are designed to conserve energy for hunting, and they have evolved to sleep for the majority of the day. It’s important to remember that all cats are different, and some may sleep more or less than others. Providing a comfortable, cozy sleeping environment can help ensure your cat gets the rest they need. Don’t be alarmed if your cat sleeps a lot, it’s simply a natural part of their behavior.

Keep an eye on their overall health and behavior, and consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

How much does your cat sleep? Let us know in the comments section below!

Source: Modkat