Do You Know Why Your Cat Sleeps So Much? 4 Reasons Your Cat May Be Sleeping All Day

November 8th 2022:
Did you know that cats can sleep an average of 15 hours daily?

Some stretch that toward 20 hours, especially for older cats and kittens.

 

We see so many cute and funny videos on our phones of how much cats love sleeping all day, every day, literally anywhere and everywhere. Behind the curtain, on the couch, at the kitchen counter, on your bed, on your computer, on your printer, on your head, if you’re a cat parent, you get the gist.

 

Have you ever asked yourself why this is the case?

It turns out there are a few reasons why cats may be sleeping all day.

 

  1. To Conserve Energy

 

Cats are predators. Like many Predators, they conserve energy by resting or sleeping, saving up for periods when they will do their best hunting.

Sleep helps cats conserve energy for hunting activities such as stalking, chasing, pouncing, climbing, and running.

 

In the wild, cats spend a lot of time stalking and hunting their prey. This can be quite energy-intensive, so they often take naps between hunts to rest and recharge.

 

While your domestic cat probably isn’t hunting for their next meal, they still have that instinctual predatory drive. As a result, they may spend a lot of time sleeping to conserve their energy.

 

  1. Cats are crepuscular creatures

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Cats being crepuscular creatures is another reason they may be sleeping a lot. Crepuscular means that they are mostly active at dawn and dusk.

 

 

Since your cat is probably indoors most of the time, they may not be getting the natural light cues that would tell them when it’s time to be active. As a result, they may sleep all day since it’s their natural inclination to do so.

 

  1. Your cat may be sick or uncomfortable

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Contrary to popular belief, oversleeping can be a sign of a medical issue. When cats are injured or sick, they often sleep more to help their bodies recover.

 

The extra sleep gives their bodies the time and energy they need to repair any damage and fight off any infection. So if your cat has been sleeping a lot lately, it may be because they’re not feeling well, especially if she is no longer engaging in pleasurable activities like playtime, feeding, and petting.

 

Also, If your cat is overweight, she may have trouble moving around much, which leads to her lying down often. Obesity in cats is a serious problem that warrants an appointment with your veterinarian, who will have her overall health assessed and prescribe healthy pet food that will aid in weight loss.

 

  1. Your Cat Might Be Bored

Sometimes cats sleep more when there is nothing to do. To minimise boredom, you can enrich her life in many ways.

 

One of the ways you can do this is by keeping her entertained and busy by providing interactive pet toys specialised for cats.

 

Ensuring you are also actively involved in playtime is an excellent way to strengthen your bond with your feline friend. Play together and keep her active, especially with toys or activities that use her hunting skills.

 

The good news is, if sleeping were an Olympic sport, your cat would probably win a gold medal; however, If you’re concerned about your cat’s sleeping habits, talk to your vet.