If you’re a cat owner, then you’ve probably noticed that your feline companion has a tendency to sleep. Cats are known for sleeping up to 16 hours per day, which can seem like an excessive amount of time if you’re not used to it. But how much sleep is too much? And when should cat owners be concerned about their pets’ sedentary lifestyle?
Why Does My Cat Sleep So Much?
Your cat sleeps for two reasons: rest and digest. When cats are awake, they’re hunting, playing and interacting with other animals in their environment. Often these times of high activity can occur during the night, so many outdoor younger cats will spend most of the night awake and therefore appear to sleep a lot during the day.
After all that activity during the night they need to have somewhere to rest and regain their energy and possibly digest anything they may have caught during the night.
The amount of sleep that a cat needs is variable depending on their level of activity and age, the majority of outdoor cats will need between 12-18 hours of sleep throughout the day to allow for their energetic lifestyle. This amount increases with age but often will not start to drop off until they are beyond 12 years of age.
When should I take my cat to the vet if he sleeps too much?
Cats are very particular creatures and their lifestyles and habits vary hugely between individuals, this may mean that as an owner you notice a change in habit rather than a specific amount of time they sleep for.
Common changes include:
- No longer getting out of bed to greet you when you arrive home or see them in the morning
- Less interested in play or general interaction
- Significant change in thirst or hunger
- Difficulty getting to their favorite spot to sleep/hide
There is a long list of possible reasons for your feline friend to be showing the above changes but it is always best to get them checked out every 6-12 months. Early intervention with many of the conditions can significantly improve the chance of effective treatment and a longer happier life for your little one.
