Cats sleep so much because they have an ancestral instinct to conserve energy for hunting.- They are awake during low-light times of day, which means they are mostly active while we sleep.
- Older cats who may have conditions like arthritis and diabetes may also sleep more.
If it seems like everytime you look at your cat, they're sleeping, you're not imagining it. It's no wonder the phrase "cat nap" is so ubiquitous.
Here are five reasons why cats sleep so much.
1. They're crepuscular
Cats are crepuscular, which means they are most active during low light times of day, including dawn and dusk, says Alison Meindl, DVM, DABVP, veterinarian and assistant professor at the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
Since humans sleep at night and are awake during the day, it might seem like cats are always asleep. But the reality is that you may just be sleeping for most of the time when your cat is active, says Meindl.
2. They're carnivores
Simply put, sleeping so much is in cats' nature. Both domestic and wild cats are carnivores (meat eaters), and in general, carnivores sleep more than herbivores (plant eaters), says Ann Hohenhaus, DVM, DACVIM, Senior Veterinarian at The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center.
This is because carnivores hunt for their food and hunting takes more energy than grazing, says Hohenhaus. Wild cats sleep both to recover from hunting and conserve energy for the next hunt.
According to Hohenhaus: "These behaviors are still programmed in our
3. They're older
Cats tend to sleep more as they age, says Hohenhaus. A 2020 study found that the older cats get, the more they sleep.
From the age 11 onwards, data suggests that the time spent sleeping increases each year. In general, they will typically become less active and may have trouble getting around as easily as they used to, as well.
4. They're sick or in pain
While it's more likely that your cat sleeps so much due to one of the above reasons, it is possible that your cat may be sick or in pain. Additionally, Hohenhaus says you might think your cat is sleeping while they actually are just hiding and not moving around.
Excessive sleep on its own isn't a red flag, but Hohenhaus says you should look out for signs such as:
- Hiding
- Weight loss
- Vomiting
- Not moving, jumping, or running as much as before
Some common illnesses that can result in similar symptoms in your cat include diabetes, heartworm, endocrine diseases, pain due to arthritis, and more.
Insider's takeaway
Bottom line, cats' excessive sleep time comes down to evolution. It's in their nature to sleep so much, and most of the time, it isn't something you need to worry about. Let them rest, and they'll be sure to let you know when they're awake and ready to play.
However, if you notice major changes to the amount of time your cat sleeps, or if you notice anything else off with them, you may want to contact your vet to make sure your fur baby is healthy.