Let us guess — you are reading this article as your little kitty is snoozing away. We are glad that you have arrived here to get to know more about your feline buddy. Whether it is in its designated bed, on the couch, on your lap (awww…), on your keyboard, on top of the scratching post or even your cupboard, or in the tiny cereal box — if it fits, it sleeps. As paw-rents, we surely wonder if some of these places are suitable for sleep, but the ultimate question is, “Why is my cat sleeping so much?”
IS MY CAT REALLY SLEEPING?
Their sleep consists of two types. The first, called slow-wave sleep (SWS), is a shallow rest that lasts about 15-30 minutes. During this time, cats remain in a state of readiness, with their senses of smell and hearing on high alert. They may twitch their ears and are always ready to attack prey or defend themselves if necessary.
The second type of sleep is deep sleep, where cats are in a state of complete rest. They may even enter the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) stage of sleep, which suggests that they may dream while sleeping. That is when you can spot their bodies twitching and giving out cute little kicks. These deep sleep periods usually last for five-minute intervals.
HOW MUCH SHOULD MY CAT SLEEP?
The amount of sleep and sleeping pattern of your cat evolve as they age. Kittens sleep most of the day with short spurts of energy, while adolescent cats have irregular sleep patterns with periods of energetic friskiness. Adult cats have a more regular sleep schedule, with an average of 12-20 hours of sleep per day. Senior cats sleep more due to lower mobility and energy levels.
WHY IS MY CAT SLEEPING SO MUCH?
No matter how recognizable your cat’s sleeping pattern is, you certainly worry about their sleeping frequency. We get you, and we have your back.
- Recharge
It all began with their ancestors. Being crepuscular predators, wild cats have a unique sleeping pattern that saves energy for hunting at dawn and dusk. Although felines have developed different sleeping patterns, they can sleep for extended periods during the day, especially house cats, who retain the instinct despite not needing to hunt.
- Bored
Cats also doze off when they are bored, just like us! However, sleeping is not the only option. Boredom can lead to problem behaviour. To keep them engaged, provide scratching trees, puzzle feeders, playtime, companionship, or introduce a new feline companion.
- Stressed
Similar to humans, cats are prone to stress and anxiety and this can impact their sleep patterns, such as sleeping more than usual when they are anxious or overwhelmed by the unusual things within their environment. These factors can include changes in the household or feeding schedules.
- Weather Mood
Yep, you read that right, weather does affect your feline friend’s sleeping mood. During the colder days such as winter or rainy weather, cats may nap longer and more frequently (does this sound just like us, too?). Similarly, the amount of light also plays a role in their sleeping habits.
IS THERE ANYTHING I SHOULD WORRY ABOUT?
Regularly monitoring your cat’s sleep habits is essential to their overall health. Pain, illness, and being overweight are common factors that can lead to increased sleep in cats. If your cat is hiding or appears to be in pain, a visit to the vet is necessary for early diagnosis and treatment. Various health conditions such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and cancer can cause cats to sleep more, and it is crucial to seek veterinary help if you notice any other changes in their behaviour or appetite. Keeping your cat at a healthy weight through a proper diet, exercise routine, and medication advised by the vet can also prevent future health issues.
WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP MY CAT SLEEP BETTER?
If you want to ensure your cat gets enough rest or improve their sleep quality, there are several things you can do.
- Enhance the environment
The cosier it is, the easier it is for your kitty to fall asleep. Let’s admit it, we would feel the same too! So, deck up the sleeping space with a comfortable bed or blanket to curl up in at a quiet corner for your feline friend to indulge in a quality snooze.
- Stay on Schedule
Your cat’s sleeping pattern may be irregular but it does not always have to be this way. Draw up a schedule to set up a regular routine for feeding, playtime, and sleep, so your cat can anticipate when they will be fed, play, or rest, leading to less anxiety and more relaxation.
- Keep Them Occupied
Play with your feline buddy and keep them entertained and active when they are awake. Frequent or long periods of play keep the boredom away and boost their mental and physical stimulation.
- Get Another Cat
You will be surprised at how sociable your feline buddy can be! Cats are sociable by nature, thus getting them another feline companion to keep each other company. But it is also crucial to take time in introducing them and let them get used to each other’s presence.
- Healthy Diet
Looking to pamper your kitty’s taste buds with some lip-smacking food? ProDiet’s wide delicious range of cat food will certainly do the deal! The ProDiet’s Tuna in Broth is a soup-er delicious meal with real shredded tuna, nutrient-rich vegetables and high water content that helps keep your kitty hydrated. Looking for something fresher? Get their whiskers wiggling with ProDiet’s Fresh Tuna — made 100% with real seafood that is rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 that help enhance the health of the brain, skin and coat as well as joint mobility. So, you can get closer to your fur baby in every playtime knowing that they are well and happy!
- Consult Your Vet
Feline sleeping habits can be puzzling. If you are curious about your kitty’s sleeping routine, or if they seem to be dozing more than usual, it is always wise to consult your vet! A qualified vet can detect underlying medical conditions and offer advice on lifestyle changes or treatment to help your cat get the quality sleep it deserves. Reach out to our careline at 0377173033 to speak to our professional veterinarian should you need further details.
