Why Do Cats Sleep So Much?
If there’s one thing cats are experts at, it’s sleeping. Our feline friends can curl up in practically any spot (no matter the comfort level) and fall into a fast, deep sleep. There’s a reason they call an excellent sleep session a “cat nap.” But why do cats sleep so much, and how does it affect their waking hours?
Cat Sleeping Patterns
The average cat will sleep anywhere from 12-18 hours a day. About forty percent of them will sleep even longer than 18 hours. Many senior cats will sleep longer as they get into their golden years. While this might seem alarmingly high when written out in succession, each of these sleeping sessions is relatively short. Unlike humans, who sleep for long, (hopefully) uninterrupted sessions, cats sleep in shorter spurts. A cat will usually sleep for anywhere between 50-113 minutes in one of these sessions, which is why it might seem like they sleep more than anything else during the day.
The Feline Circadian Rhythm
Cats are biologically wired to sleep and wake at specific parts of the day. Unlike humans, who are prone to sleep at night and wake up during the day, cats have a crepuscular cycle. This means their bodies are naturally awake and alert around sunrise and sunset. Scientists surmise this is because hunters must be alert when their prey is active. It is normal cat behavior if your cat tends to get zoomies before the sun rises.
Why Do Cats Sleep So Much?
Now that we know more about the feline sleeping cycle, it’s time to dive into why they need so much sleep. Sleep is an essential biological function for all animals (including humans). While your cat sleeps, he or she:
- Is boosting the immune system
- Is working to convert memories from short-term to long-term
- Is giving the body a chance to rest while conserving energy
Cats are very active animals in the hours they are awake, so they need good, restful sleep to give their bodies rest to function properly. Although your house cat might not find himself in a fight with a wild predator, sleep is still an important facet of overall health and wellness. Cats who get proper amounts of sleep are prone to be healthier than those who do not.
When To Worry About a Cat’s Sleep Schedule
While cats tend to stick to a somewhat regular sleep schedule, plenty of factors can temporarily affect it. If you have visitors in your home or have adopted a new pet, for example, your cat might need to stay more alert for a little while. More significant bouts of physical activity will lead to a need for more sleep. You might want to call the vet if you notice any significant changes in your cat’s sleeping pattern that last more than a few days. Changes in sleep could be an indication of an underlying health issue.
Why do cats sleep so much? That’s how cats were designed for life in the wild, and it is what they still need to stay happy and healthy.
Make sure to schedule your cat’s next wellness visit with the compassionate team at Union Lake Veterinary Hospital. We want to be sure your cat has the tools he or she needs to enjoy a long and happy life with you. Call (248) 363-1508 to request an appointment for your cat.