Though it may seem like cats are lazy creatures that sleep all the time, they actually have a very good reason for doing so. In fact, cats sleep an average of 12-16 hours per day - more than any other mammal.
Have you ever wondered why cats like to sleep so much and why they choose so many different places around the house to get their snooze on? In this article, we'll cover the top reasons why your cat is sleeping so much.
Is It Normal For Cats To Sleep So Much?
Yes, it is perfectly normal for cats to sleep a lot. In fact, they need all that sleep to stay healthy and function properly. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that their bodies are designed to digest and use only animal-based proteins. This diet is very high in nutrients and calories, which helps keep cats lean and muscular. However, it also means that cats have a high metabolism and burn through a lot of energy. So, in order to replenish all that lost energy, cats need to sleep a lot.
Cats would typically sleep for around 12-16 hours per day in the wild. However, domesticated cats tend to sleep even more than that - up to 20 hours per day. This is likely due to the fact that they don't have to hunt for food or worry about predators, so they can afford to sleep more.
Top 6 Reasons Why Cats Sleep So Much
Now that you know that it's normal for cats to sleep a lot, let's take a look at some of the top reasons why your cat might be sleeping even more than usual.
Cats Need To Conserve Energy
One of the main reasons cats sleep so much is because they need to conserve their energy. Cats are predators, and in the wild, they use a lot of energy when hunting for their food. So in order to make up for all the energy they expend during the day, they need to sleep for long periods of time.
Cats Are Most Active At Night
Another reason cats sleep so much is that they are most active at night. Cats are crepuscular creatures, which means they are most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. Since they are not active during the day, they sleep for more extended periods of time to make up for it.
Your Cat Might Feel Bored
If your cat is constantly sleeping, it might be because they are bored. If your cat doesn't have anything to do during the day, they will likely sleep more to pass the time. Make sure your cat has plenty of toys and activities to keep them entertained throughout the day.
Some great enrichment activities for your cat may include:
- Hiding their food in different places around the house for them to find
- Playing with puzzle toys that dispense food or treats
- Creating a homemade cat playhouse out of cardboard boxes
- Investing in a cat tree or scratching post for them to climb and scratch
Your Cat Might Be Relaxing, Not Sleeping
It may look like your cat is sleeping, but they might just be in a state of deep relaxation. When cats are relaxed, they often close their eyes and enter a dream-like state where they are not fully asleep but not fully awake. This is normal behavior for cats, and there's no need to worry about it.
Your Cat May Feel Stressed Out
If your cat is sleeping more than usual, it might be because they are feeling stressed out. Cats can get stressed from a variety of things, such as a change in routine, new people or animals in the home, or a move to a new house. If you think your cat is stressed, talk to your veterinarian about ways to help them feel more relaxed.
Your Cat May Feel Under The Weather
If your cat is sleeping more than usual and also exhibiting other signs of illness, such as a loss of appetite, vomiting, or lethargy, they may be feeling under the weather. If you think your cat is sick, it's important to take them to the veterinarian so they can get the treatment they need.
How Do I Know If My Cat Is Sick Or Just Relaxing?
If you're not sure if your cat is sick or just relaxing, there are a few things you can look for. When sick, cats will often have a loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. If your cat is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it's essential to take them to the veterinarian so they can get the treatment they need.
If you're still not sure if your cat is sick or just relaxing, here are a few things you can do:
- Observe your cat's behavior. If they are acting differently than usual, such as sleeping more or being less active, this may be a sign that something is wrong.
- Take your cat's temperature. An average temperature for a cat is between 100.4º to 102.5º Fahrenheit. If your cat's temperature is above or below this range, it may be a sign of illness.
- Check for other signs of illness. If your cat is also exhibiting other signs of illness, such as a loss of appetite, vomiting, or lethargy, this may be a sign that something is wrong.
If you're still not sure if your cat is sick or just relaxing, the best thing to do is to take them to the veterinarian so they can be examined.
