My cat sleeps constantly - how much is too much and when should I worry?

No doubt about it, cats love to sleep. Our Memphis emergency vets are often asked by concerned cat owners if they should be worried that their cat sleeps so much. When does a cat nap indicate that there may actually be a health emergency?

Why do cats sleep so much?

Cats have evolved to sleep for long periods throughout the day. Wild cats need to sleep in order to conserve their energy to hunt, chase and kill their next meal.

Although our house cats may not need to hunt, the instinct to sleep and prepare for the hunt carries on. 

What is the normal amount of sleep for a cat?

The  number of hours that your cat needs to sleep and the typical sleeping pattern for your cat will change as they get older:

• Kittens will likely sleep most of the day, with a few brief bursts of energy between meals.
• Adolescent cats may have erratic sleep patterns combined with periods of intense playfulness.
• Adult cats tend to have more set sleeping schedules that average out at about 12 - 20 hours of sleep each day.
• Senior cats will tend to have less energy and reduced mobility which means they will sleep more than younger cats.

You will likely find that once your cat reaches adulthood they will begin to form a recognizable pattern of sleeping and wakefulness. For example, you may notice that your cat wakes just before you in the morning, enjoys an hour or two of eating and socializing with you, then returns to sleep while you get on with your busy day.

Is my cat really asleep?

Cats do sleep deeply but not always. Much like people, cats are often just snoozing. Light sleeping makes up about 3/4 of your cat's sleep time, with just 1/4 of their sleep time being devoted to deep sleep.

When cats are snoozing lightly they get the rest they require but they're still alert. When your cat is snoozing or napping you may notice that their eyes remain slightly open or that their ears still twitch and rotate towards noises. 

When should I be concerned?

There isn't a set amount of sleep to indicate a heath problem or health emergency, instead it's about knowing your cat's normal sleep patterns and recognizing when that pattern changes significantly.

If your cat begins to sleep a lot more or a lot less than is usual for him/her there may be a health issue, it's time to visit your vet.

Cats who begin to sleep more than usual could be ill or experiencing pain. On the other hand, if your cat begins sleeping less than usual they may be suffering from hyperthyroidism or other conditions.