Veterinarian explains in detail the average sleep duration, sleeping positions, and sleep-related illnesses in cats

You probably have the impression that cats sleep a lot. A prominent theory suggests that the Japanese word for cat, "neko (猫)," originated from "neruko" (寝る子, sleeping child), evolving due to their habit of sleeping frequently.

In this article, we'll discuss topics and illnesses related to cat sleep.

What is a cat's average sleep duration?

Cats are predatory animals. Therefore, when they are not hunting, they rest to conserve energy. Cats are also "crepuscular," meaning they tend to be most active during twilight hours, such as dawn and dusk. For this reason, they are often seen sleeping during the day, leading to the perception that they are animals that sleep a lot.

A cat's average sleep duration varies depending on its life stage. Kittens reportedly sleep for about 18 to 20 hours, adult cats about 14 hours, and senior cats about 20 hours. Kittens and senior cats have less stamina, so they sleep longer to recover their strength.

Cats primarily consume protein. During the digestion of protein, a harmful substance called ammonia is produced. The liver detoxifies ammonia into a harmless substance called urea, and it is believed that a long period of rest is necessary for this detoxification process.

While it's unclear how long cats sleep continuously, they alternate between deep sleep (non-REM sleep) and light sleep (REM sleep). House cats in a safe environment tend to have longer periods of deep sleep, whereas stray cats are thought to cycle through light sleep more frequently.

What sleeping postures indicate a relaxed cat?

It is said that a cat's sleeping posture is determined by "temperature" and "level of relaxation."

The comfortable temperature for cats is 20-22°C. If it's hot, they spread out their bodies to release heat, and if it's cold, they curl up to retain heat.

Also, when relaxed, they may sleep in a posture that exposes their belly defenselessly, commonly known as "heso-ten" (belly up). Conversely, if they are not relaxed, they will sleep with their belly hidden and their paws on the floor.

Where a cat sleeps reveals its trust in its owner

Cats are thought to form a "parent-child relationship" with their owners. Therefore, the higher a cat's trust in its owner, the more likely it is to sleep nearby.

Cats who want to sleep with someone tend to prefer owners they trust and who don't move around too much in their sleep. Many people who sleep with cats find they can't turn over much.

Near your face

Once cats reach a certain age, they leave their parents and start living independently, acting alone. Therefore, in the wild, adult cats don't usually sleep in a group.

If a cat sleeps near your face, it likely sees you as its parent and is sleeping close to your face as a way of being affectionate.

Inside the futon

When a cat sleeps within touching distance of its owner, it's a sign of trust. Even when it comes inside the futon, though perhaps not as close as sleeping by your face, it still trusts its owner. Cats are vulnerable when they sleep, so being near their owner likely gives them a sense of security.

However, if it only happens in winter, they might just be seeking warmth.

Between your legs or at your feet

If a cat is within arm's reach of its owner, the owner can pet it. However, between the legs or at the feet is beyond the owner's reach. Cats that like their owners but don't want to be constantly touched tend to sleep at their feet.

Outside the bed

A cat that sleeps away from its owner isn't necessarily distrusting its owner. It might have its own preferences, such as wanting to secure its own sleeping spot or choosing a comfortable location. If you try to force it to sleep with you, it might dislike it, so it's best to leave it alone.

Illnesses related to cat sleep

Cats are animals that sleep a lot, but does sleeping more lead to a longer life?

The relationship between sleep duration and lifespan is not yet clear. However, if a cat's sleep duration is longer or shorter than average, it could indicate an underlying illness.

Short sleep duration

If a cat's sleep duration is short, it could be due to pain or discomfort preventing sleep, or excitement making it unable to sleep. They might not be able to sleep due to pain from arthritis or tumors, or due to difficulty breathing caused by heart or lung disease, or severe cat flu.

Also, in older cats, the thyroid gland, which secretes hormones related to activity, can become overactive. This condition is called hyperthyroidism, and its characteristics include being abnormally active or losing weight despite being old. In such cases, cats may move around a lot with less sleep.

If your cat wakes up immediately after falling asleep, is breathing with its mouth open (open-mouth breathing), or its chest is moving rapidly and significantly, it suggests an abnormality. You should consult a vet immediately.

Long sleep duration

Cats tend to sleep longer in their senior and kitten stages. However, if your cat is sleeping more than usual or immediately falls back asleep after being woken, there might be a problem.

In addition to lethargy caused by internal organ diseases or metabolic disorders leading to excessive sleepiness, there's a possibility of a severely deteriorated general condition and clouded consciousness. Examples include diabetic coma, uremia due to end-stage kidney disease, and congenital metabolic disorders in kittens.

If your cat doesn't respond to being called (shaking its body, gently tapping it), can't eat, has a cold body temperature, or is experiencing vomiting or diarrhea in addition to sleeping, visit a vet immediately.

Summary

Cats are animals that sleep a lot. You can tell if the temperature is appropriate from their sleeping posture. Also, observe how they usually sleep, and if you notice anything unusual, we recommend visiting a vet with a video.