How to Tell If Your Cat Is Sleeping Too Much: When to Worry

Written by Anna Joseph
October 29, 2024

Cats are the undisputed champions of napping. You can often find them sprawled out in sunbeams or curled up on your lap, dreaming the day away.

While it’s entirely normal for our furry friends to indulge in long snoozes, there comes a point when you might start to wonder: is my cat sleeping too much?

To effectively address this question, it’s important to first understand what constitutes normal sleep behavior in cats.

Once we have that foundation, we can better identify the signs of excessive sleep and determine when it’s time to be concerned

Understanding What's Normal Cats' Sleep Pattern

To determine what’s excessive, let’s first examine normal sleep behavior for cats.

Generally, cats sleep between 12 and 16 hours a day, though this can vary significantly between individuals. Like humans, some cats naturally need more or less sleep while remaining perfectly healthy.

Cats are known for taking multiple short naps throughout the day rather than one long stretch. You might catch them dozing off in the morning, enjoying a quick nap in the afternoon, and then curling up again in the evening.

The weather significantly influences their sleep patterns.

During rainy or cold days, cats tend to sleep more as they instinctively conserve energy when hunting or playing isn’t appealing.

Similarly, cats may sleep more during intense heat to avoid expending energy during the hottest parts of the day.

Another interesting aspect of their sleep patterns is that cats are crepuscular creatures, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk. This aligns their playtime with their instinctual hunting behavior, resulting in bursts of energy during these hours.

How Age Affects Sleep Patterns

As your cat ages, their sleep habits will change. Kittens, for instance, can sleep up to 20 hours daily to support their rapid growth. They alternate between playful antics and deep, restorative naps.

When they reach adulthood, most cats will sleep between 12 to 16 hours. Their activity levels balance with periods of play, but as they enter their senior years, many cats will start to sleep even more, often exceeding 16 hours a day. Changes in sleep patterns during this time may signal age-related health issues, making it essential to monitor for any significant alterations.

Having explored what normal sleep looks like and how it changes with age, it’s essential to recognize that anything outside this normal range may signify a problem.

If your cat’s sleeping habits seem off, it’s time to pay attention to specific signs indicating they are sleeping too much.

Signs Your Cat May Be Sleeping More Than Normal

While cats naturally sleep 12-16 hours daily, specific changes in sleep patterns might warrant attention from your veterinarian:

Significant Change in Sleep Pattern:
If your cat is suddenly sleeping more than their usual routine, especially if they seem lethargic or difficult to rouse.
Decreased Activity When Awake:
A healthy cat should have periods of alertness and energy between naps. If your cat seems sluggish or uninterested in play during their usual active times, this could indicate a problem.
Changes in Eating Habits:
If your cat sleeps through their regular feeding times or shows less interest in food than usual.
Hard to Wake Up:
If you notice your cat seems unusually deep in sleep or takes longer than usual to become alert when woken.
Other Behavior Changes:
Watch if your cat stops grooming as much, loses interest in toys they usually love or seems unsteady on their feet.

Common Causes of Disrupted Sleep Patterns In Cats

If you notice your cat sleeping excessively, it may be due to a variety of factors:

Age-Related Changes:
Older cats may naturally sleep more, and various age-related health issues can affect their energy levels.
Emotional Distress:
Like humans, cats can experience stress or anxiety. Changes in their environment can lead to lethargy.
Obesity:
This can create a challenging cycle. Overweight cats often exhibit reduced energy levels, leading to longer sleep durations. This increased sleeping can then contribute to further weight gain due to reduced activity.
Thyroid Issues:
Conditions like hypothyroidism can lead to lethargy and excessive sleeping patterns.
Diabetes:
This condition can cause fluctuating energy levels and increased sleep.
Infection or Illness:
Various infections or illnesses can result in lethargy as the body fights off health issues.
Pain or Discomfort:
Conditions like arthritis can make it challenging for your cat to be active, leading to increased sleep.

When Should You be Concerned?

If you observe excessive sleep along with any of the signs mentioned, it’s time to consult your veterinarian. Here are specific symptoms that should prompt a visit:

Changes in Appetite or Thirst:
Significant changes in your cat’s eating or drinking habits can indicate health problems.
Significant Weight Fluctuations:
Any noticeable weight loss or gain should be investigated.
Persistent Lethargy:
If your cat appears unusually tired even when awake, this could signal a serious health problem.
Signs of Confusion:
Confusion or disorientation should not be ignored and requires veterinary consultation.
Altered Grooming Behavior:
A decline in grooming or excessive grooming may indicate that your cat is experiencing discomfort or emotional distress.

Concluding Thoughts

While it’s natural for cats to love their sleep, it’s essential to be aware of changes in their habits.

By monitoring their behavior, eating patterns, and overall activity levels, you can better determine whether their sleep is healthy.

You know your cat best. If you notice any significant changes or have concerns about their well-being, don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian.

Your cat’s health and happiness depend on your attention and care. After all, a well-rested cat is a happy cat—but if your cat sleeps too much, they may need extra help.

If you are interested to learn more about cat sleep, check out this post on “The Complete Guide to Cat Sleep: Understanding Your Feline’s Sleep Patterns and Habits”

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