Why cats sleep so much
Cats are hunters, and hunting takes short bursts of a lot of energy. Sleeping in between saves it up. Most domestic cats sleep 12 to 18 hours a day, in lots of short naps rather than one long night, which is why a cat can be fast asleep one minute and chasing something the next.
Kittens sleep more because growing is hard work. Older cats sleep more because everything takes a little more out of them. Street cats nap wherever it’s safe and warm: under cars, on walls in the sun, in quiet doorways.
When sleep is a sign
| Sleeping much more than usual | Could be illness or pain. Ask a vet. |
|---|---|
| Hiding to sleep, not eating | A common sign a cat is unwell. |
| Restless, can’t settle | Pain, stress or, in older cats, thyroid problems. |
Found a street cat asleep somewhere odd? It’s probably fine. Our cat mood decoder and signs a cat is sick help you tell.
This is a fun estimate, not a measurement. Every cat sleeps differently.