How Much Do Cats Sleep? What Is Normal and When to Worry

Short answer: adult cats typically sleep about 12 to 20 hours a day, kittens and senior cats often sleep even more, and a lot of that sleep is light dozing. There is no magic number of hours that signals a problem. What matters is a clear change from your own cat's normal pattern: sleeping much more or much less than usual is a reason to book a vet visit.

How many hours is normal?

According to the veterinary clinic Pet Vet Care Centers, adult cats usually sleep about 12 to 20 hours a day on a fairly predictable schedule. Kittens sleep most of the day with short bursts of energy between meals, adolescents tend to sleep erratically and alternate with intense play, and senior cats sleep more because they have less energy and move around less. YuMOVE gives a similar picture, with cats averaging around 15 hours a day and regularly reaching 20, which is roughly twice as much as humans.

Why do cats sleep so much?

Both sources point to the same explanation: wild cats are hunters that conserve energy for the next hunt. A pet cat no longer needs to hunt for food, but the instinct remains, so a well-fed indoor cat can spend most of the day resting.

Light sleep, deep sleep and dreams

Pet Vet Care Centers explains that about three quarters of a cat's sleep is light and only about a quarter is deep. A dozing cat may keep its eyes partly open, and its ears may turn toward sounds. YuMOVE adds that cats have REM sleep as humans do, so twitching, squeaking or snoring during sleep is normal.

When sleep may signal a problem

Neither source gives a fixed number of hours that counts as "too much". They advise watching for changes in behaviour and sleep patterns:

• Sleeping much more than usual may mean illness or pain.
• Sleeping much less than usual may point to conditions such as hyperthyroidism (Pet Vet Care Centers).
• A cat that suddenly hides away, stops playing, or eats and drinks differently should be seen by a vet rather than watched at home.

Older cats sleep more as a normal part of ageing, but a sharp change still deserves a check. Our guide to caring for a senior cat lists the other signs to watch, and the one on vomiting explains when a digestive upset is more than a one-off.

Keeping a record

You know your cat's routine better than anyone. A few notes or short phone videos of when your cat sleeps, eats, plays and uses the litter tray make it much easier for a vet to see what has changed and when.

Helping your cat rest well

• Offer several comfortable resting spots: a warm bed, a sunny windowsill, a quiet shelf.
• Keep daytime play and meals regular so your cat has a rhythm to follow. Short play sessions with a wand toy before meals are a simple way to do this.
• Give your cat a calm place to retreat to when the household is busy. Our guide to creating an indoor sanctuary has ideas.
• Keep your cat mentally busy so that sleep is rest and not boredom. See 7 enrichment activities.

Quick checklist

• 12 to 20 hours of sleep a day is typical for adult cats.
• Compare with your own cat's normal, not with other cats.
• Call the vet if sleeping, eating, drinking or playing changes clearly.
• Give your cat warm, quiet, comfortable places to rest.

Keep reading

• Caring for a senior cat: signs of ageing, home changes and vet checks
• Creating a perfect indoor sanctuary
• 7 enrichment activities to keep your cat happy
• The ultimate guide to creating a cat-friendly home
• How much should you feed your cat?
• Cat vomiting: when it is normal and when to call the vet

Sources

• Pet Vet Care Centers: My cat sleeps constantly, how much is too much and when should I worry?
• YuMOVE: Does my cat sleep too much?