04/24/2025
Cats sleep a lot—typically between 12 to 16 hours a day, sometimes up to 20 hours!
Here's why:
1. They're natural predators
Cats are biologically wired to hunt, and hunting takes energy. Even though your house cat isn't stalking antelopes in the savannah, that instinct remains. So they sleep to conserve energy for those intense bursts of activity—even if that means ambushing a sock.
2. They're crepuscular
Cats are most active at dawn and dusk (called "crepuscular" behavior). That means their midday and nighttime hours are prime time for snoozing.
3. Sleep cycles differ from humans
Cats do a lot of light sleeping, called "catnapping," for a reason. They're alert enough to perk up at the slightest sound, even during rest. Only a portion of their sleep is deep sleep.
4. It's just their lifestyle
Indoor cats especially don't need to hunt for food or defend territory, so they often nap out of boredom or comfort.
5. Age plays a role
Kittens and senior cats tend to sleep more than adult cats in their prime. Kittens need sleep to grow, while older cats need it to recover and recharge.
So, your cat isn't sick —just very in tune with their feline nature 😼
Got a cat of your own who's a professional napper?