My cat does nothing but sleep. Explaining why your beloved cat sleeps so much and how much sleep is appropriate.

Just looking at a sleeping cat in positions like "heso-ten" (belly up), "gomen-ne" (face down), or "amonaito" (ammonite-like curl) makes you feel happy.

It's easy to understand why the Japanese word for cat, "neko," is said to originate from "neko" (sleeping child). You can't help but feel a little envious of these carefree felines.

However, sometimes you might worry, "Are they really okay sleeping so much?" or "It feels like they're sleeping longer than before." So, this time, we will explain why cats sleep so much and what constitutes an appropriate amount of sleep.

Why Cats Sleep So Much

The reason why cats sleep so much is rooted in their diet.

Conserving Energy for Hunting

Cats' ancestors survived by hunting prey.

Unlike prides of lions, they hunted alone, so if a hunt failed, they would go hungry. If they weren't good at hunting, they couldn't survive.

To successfully hunt and get food, they had to conserve energy. Therefore, they needed plenty of sleep and rest.

Digestion Takes Time 

Cats are carnivores. Meat is high in protein and calories, so they can get enough energy from one meal.

However, digestion consumes energy, so it is believed that they prevent energy depletion by sleeping. Their lifestyle is to eat and then rest to prepare for the next hunt.

What is the average sleep time for cats?

The average sleep time for an adult cat is about 12 to 16 hours. They spend most of their day sleeping.

You might think, "Are they okay sleeping so much?" or "Are they sleeping too much?", but for cats, this is normal, so there's no need to worry.

Also, the amount of sleep varies depending on the cat's age.

Kittens average 18-20 hours of sleep

Kittens need even more sleep. Up to about six months of age, they may sleep for more than 20 hours a day. Growth hormone is secreted during sleep, so sleep is very important for kittens.

Sleep time increases in senior cats

You might notice your cat's sleep time increasing once they pass the age of 10. They may sleep for about 20 hours a day, but this is due to a decline in physical strength, so it's best to gently watch over them without forcing them awake.

Cats are crepuscular

Although often thought of as nocturnal, cats are "crepuscular," meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk.

This behavior aligns with the activity times of their prey, such as small birds and mice. Consequently, they spend most of the daytime sleeping when there is no prey.

Some cats adjust to their owner's routine, being active during the day and sleeping at night. Cats that engage in a "grand athletic meeting" at night might simply have excess energy.

Could it be an illness? Be careful about changes in sleep duration

Changes in a cat's sleep duration can be a barometer for their health. Be aware that it could be a sign of illness, causing them to sleep more or less.

Enduring pain

When a cat feels pain, for example, due to arthritis, it will often stay still in a quiet place. Along with increased sleep, they may become less active, such as not climbing cat trees or playing.

Hiding poor physical condition

Cats are creatures that hide their poor physical condition. They may be enduring abdominal discomfort or pain, such as from cystitis or gastroenteritis, and be hunched over. In addition to increased sleep, carefully observe if there are changes in appetite, or if they have diarrhea or vomiting.

Dementia, eye or ear problems can also cause sleeplessness...

Conversely, sleep duration can also shorten. This might be a sign of concerning symptoms, such as the progression of dementia causing constant meowing at night, or eye or ear problems leading to insomnia. Consult your veterinarian about your cat's condition.

Creating a safe sleeping environment

For cats, sleep is an essential part of their health and longevity. Let's review your cat's sleeping environment to ensure they can relax and get plenty of sleep.

Place beds in various locations

Place clean beds in your cat's favorite spots. This includes multiple locations such as sunny spots, places where they can look outside, and quiet areas where they can be alone. Simply laying down a blanket or throw works too.

Pay attention to room temperature

During the rainy season and summer, an ideal room temperature is around 27-30 degrees Celsius with humidity between 40-60%. In winter, 18-23 degrees Celsius is comfortable. Use air conditioning effectively to adjust the room temperature to what your cat finds comfortable.

Stress relief is also important

While cats spend most of their day sleeping, moderate exercise is also important.

Indoor-only cats can become sedentary, so it's necessary to stimulate their instincts with things like cat trees and cat walks.

Also, cats love playing with their owners. Hunting-style play can help relieve both lack of exercise and stress.

Summary

In addition to diet, water intake, and litter box habits, sleep duration is also an important health record. Observe your cat carefully when they are healthy.

It is very important for your veterinarian to know about your cat's normal condition in case of an emergency. Poponeko's original "Cat Health Journal" allows you to quickly jot down your cat's usual behavior.

For your cat's health and longevity, pay attention to their sleep duration.

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