Key points:
- Cats naturally spend a large portion of each day sleeping or resting.
- Kittens generally need the most sleep to support their rapid growth and development.
- Senior cats may also sleep more as their energy levels and activity change.
- Age, breed, activity, health and the home environment can all influence sleep.
- Sudden changes in sleeping habits, appetite, behaviour or litter tray use can warrant a vet check.
- Quiet resting spots, enrichment and a consistent routine can help support good-quality sleep.
If you’re new to having a cat as part of your family, you may be surprised by how much time they spend sleeping – but rest assured, this is perfectly normal.
Even adult cats can spend more than half of their day sleeping, which supports their overall health and behaviour.
Read on to learn how much sleep cats need at different life stages, what can affect their rest, when changes may warrant a vet visit, and how to support a healthy cat sleep cycle.
How many hours do cats sleep?
If you’re wondering how many hours cats sleep a day, fully grown adult cats will typically spend around 12 to 16 hours resting each day.
Cats are crepuscular, meaning they’re often most active around dawn and dusk. You can expect them to spend much of the day and night relaxing, whether that’s sleeping next to you on the couch, lazing on the bed or resting atop a cat tree.
Let your cat choose between a few different sleeping spots around the home. Cats often rotate where they rest depending on temperature, noise and how much privacy they want.
Sleep needs by life stage
Cat sleep patterns change with age, with kittens generally sleeping the most and adult cats having more waking hours.
Kittens: Young kittens need plenty of sleep to support rapid growth, brain development and muscle development, often sleeping for much of the day.
Adult cats: By adulthood, cats usually develop a more predictable routine of naps throughout the day and longer periods of rest. Many adult cats sleep around 12 to 16 hours each day.
Senior cats: Cats often begin sleeping more as they enter their senior years due to lower energy levels and changes in activity.
What affects how much your cat sleeps?
Several factors can influence how long cats sleep, from their age and personality to their household environment. Every cat is different, so keep their usual routine in mind.
Breed and personality: Some cats are naturally more laid-back, while others are highly active and spend more of their waking hours exploring or playing.
Activity levels and environment: Enrichment is important for cats. Indoor cats benefit from regular play, climbing opportunities and other activities that help expend energy and support healthy sleep routines.
Health conditions: Conditions such as arthritis can affect sleep quality if your cat struggles to get comfortable or wakes frequently.
Household environment: Cats often doze lightly, so excessive noise, movement or other pets can disturb their rest. Providing several peaceful sleeping areas can help.
When to be concerned about your cat's sleep
While cats naturally sleep a lot, changes in cat sleeping behaviour can sometimes signal that something isn’t right. Consider taking them to a vet for a check-up if you notice:
Sudden changes in how much or how little they’re sleeping
Excessive lethargy
Hiding more than usual
Changes in appetite or litter box use
Noticeable changes in behaviour, such as increased aggression or irritability
If you notice changes, make a note of when they occur and how long they last so you can give your vet as much context as possible.
Helping your cat get good-quality rest
To help support healthy cat sleep, try the following:
Provide a comfortable bed in a quiet spot that suits their preferences, whether that’s an enclosed area or an elevated perch such as a cat tree.
Maintain a consistent feeding and play routine that works with their tendency to be more active around dawn and dusk.
Give them safe, comfortable spots where they can relax in natural light or warmth.
Minimise disruption while they’re resting to help support good-quality sleep.
Ready to give your cat a better spot to rest? Shop Petstock's range of cat beds today.