Why Does My Cat Sleep for So Long?

Cats sleep, on average, for about fifteen hours every day. Some cats, depending on their nature, will sleep for twenty hours in a 24-hour period, which means that you’ll spend more time hanging out with a sleepy kitty than an active one. Of course, many people are left wondering why it is that their feline friends spend so much time in the land of nod.

Understanding the Cat Nap




As largely nocturnal creatures, cats are most active between the hours of dusk and dawn. Usually, the sleep throughout the day, and find their energy sometime around twilight. This can be quite shocking if you’re introducing a new cat to your home for the first time, as your kitty may begin to cause trouble quite quickly when you’re sleeping.

The Life of a Predator

Cats are predatory creatures, which means that it’s in their nature to hunt and chase things – usually during the night. Large cats like lions spend most of the day sleeping and hunt at night. While domesticated cats don’t always go out hunting, they still retain their wild streak. Even indoor cats will show the primal instinct of their ancestors by creeping around in the shadows and pouncing on their prey. Remember, hunting takes a lot of energy, which is why he spends so much time building up his reserves through sleep.

Cats Doze, Rather than Sleep

In most cases, your cat will doze lightly, rather than full-out sleeping like you do each night. When your cat dozes, he’s positioning his body so he can spring into action instantly. However, during deep sleep, cats experience rapid eye movement and dreaming, just like us. Usually, deep sleep doesn’t take place nearly as often as light sleep.

Related: 5 Myths About Pet Cats

Cats are Affected by the Weather

The weather can have a huge impact on your cat’s behavior. For instance, depending on the breed or age of your cat, you might find that your kitty is constantly sleeping more often during the winter than he or she does in the summer. Even if your cat spends all of his time indoors, a cold and rainy day will have him searching for a warm place to snuggle up for a few hours.

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The Active Hours

Cats are crepuscular creatures, which means that they’re active most often in the twilight hours. They prefer to lay low during the day and late at night- particularly when they’re kittens. However, cats are also highly adaptable and social. This means that your cat will often adjust their sleeping habit over time to spend more time with you.

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Comments (32)
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  • Courtney Blacher

    I think my animal spirit is a cat. Loves to sleep and to cuddle.

  • Reese Alvarado

    I LOVE cat, and think they’re the prettiest animals!

  • Hey Sharonoox

    This is a good information! I’m not really a cat person but I’ve always been curious why cats sleep so much.

  • Guest

    […] Related: Why Does My Cat Sleep for So Long? […]

  • Jen Temcio

    We are allergic to cats at my house so sadly we have never been able to have one. I love cats though for their playfulness and personalities. I did not know that weather would affect their sleep.

  • travel blogger

    Very interesting! The cat I had when I was a kid seemed to sleep non-stop. Now, I now why. Sometimes I wish I could sleep twenty hours in a 24 hour pizza.

  • Guest

    I think my animal spirit is a cat. Loves to sleep and to cuddle.

  • Guest

    I LOVE cat, and think they’re the prettiest animals!

  • Gladys parker

    This really explains a lot. My adult son turned the upstairs into an apartment for himself and his cat. About midnight she starts running, jumping and knocking things around. Thanks for sharing!

  • Ruth I.

    This is so interesting. We had a cat when I was little and I remember I was curious about his sleep and would always want to wake it up.

  • Guest

    This is a good information! I’m not really a cat person but I’ve always been curious why cats sleep so much.

  • Guest

    We are allergic to cats at my house so sadly we have never been able to have one. I love cats though for their playfulness and personalities. I did not know that weather would affect their sleep.

  • Guest

    Very interesting! The cat I had when I was a kid seemed to sleep non-stop. Now, I now why. Sometimes I wish I could sleep twenty hours in a 24 hour pizza.

  • Guest

    This really explains a lot. My adult son turned the upstairs into an apartment for himself and his cat. About midnight she starts running, jumping and knocking things around. Thanks for sharing!

  • Guest

    This is so interesting. We had a cat when I was little and I remember I was curious about his sleep and would always want to wake it up.

  • Carol Cassara

    Cats do love sleeping! I think it’s adorable, but it’s also definitely in their nature! This is such a good explanation on why they sleep so much!

  • Kelly Reci

    Glad to know that.. This is really helpful article,Especially to all the cat lovers..

  • Julie Syl

    This is a nice information. such an interesting. You have great explanation on why they sleep too much..

  • Guest

    Cats do love sleeping! I think it’s adorable, but it’s also definitely in their nature! This is such a good explanation on why they sleep so much!

  • Guest

    Glad to know that.. This is really helpful article,Especially to all the cat lovers..

  • Guest

    This is a nice information. such an interesting. You have great explanation on why they sleep too much..

  • Ashley Grant

    If reincarnation is a real thing, I want to come back as a housecat so I can get some good sleep and lots of cuddles!

  • Tiffany Haywood

    My Grandmother had over 10 cats at one time and I remember them taking the forever naps! It was always so weird too me how they could sleep that much!

  • Dogvills

    Life without cats would be boring. I love my fur balls and they love to snuggle with anyone who sits on the couch. It is just like a rule you have to follow.

  • Guest

    If reincarnation is a real thing, I want to come back as a housecat so I can get some good sleep and lots of cuddles!

  • Guest

    My Grandmother had over 10 cats at one time and I remember them taking the forever naps! It was always so weird too me how they could sleep that much!

  • Guest

    Life without cats would be boring. I love my fur balls and they love to snuggle with anyone who sits on the couch. It is just like a rule you have to follow.

  • Claire

    Wow, I never knew why cats are always napping! Haha. We always had dogs growing up but they don’t seem to sleep quite as much. Thanks for sharing!

  • Guest

    Wow, I never knew why cats are always napping! Haha. We always had dogs growing up but they don’t seem to sleep quite as much. Thanks for sharing!

  • Chei

    Cats and Dogs are my favorite pets. For me they are just like family. They will love and never live you.

  • Guest

    Cats and Dogs are my favorite pets. For me they are just like family. They will love and never live you.