Cats sleep an average of fifteen hours a day with some sleeping up to twenty hours! This begs the question: why do cats sleep so much?

The 'Catnap'

One of the first things we realise as cat owners is that cats are most active between dusk and dawn, which means that they sleep mostly during the day. This can be a surprise for first-time kitty owners - your cat will waste no time getting into trouble, usually while you’re fast asleep! As soon your cat is done with breakfast, you'll find them often winding down for a long day of relaxation.

Energy

Cats are predators meaning they’re hardwired to give chase and hunt, mainly at night. Large cats such as lions have a similar pattern of sleeping during the day and hunting at night. Although they have been domesticated for the most part, our feline friends still retain an element of that wild streak.

Hunting prey takes a huge amount of energy. Whether Fluffy is hunting for outdoor prey or tackling a catnip toy, all that sleep they gets is reserve energy for running, pouncing, climbing and stalking.

One Eye Open

Just like us, felines either doze in a light sleep or sleep very deeply. While dozing your cat will position their body so that they can spring up and into action at a moment’s notice.

While in deep sleep, cats experience rapid brain movement. Deep sleep does not last very long (about five minutes), after which your cat goes back to dozing. This dozing-deep sleep pattern goes on until the cat wakes up.

Weather

Once again, just like us cats are affected by the weather. Cat behaviour varies greatly depending on breed, age, temperament and overall health. Whatever your kitty’s usual disposition, it has been observed that cats do sleep more when the weather calls for it. A rainy or cold day will likely have your kitty (and probably you) yawning and looking for some shut-eye.

What’s the Time?

Cats are crepuscular -- which means that they are most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. They tend to lay low in the darker night-time and day-time hours, when other predators may be hanging about. Many cats may be active at night as well, especially when they’re younger. However, cats are also sociable and highly adaptable creatures. Therefore your kitty may just adjust their sleeping habits so they can spend more time with you. Cats often also adjust their sleep patterns to their feeding schedules.

Cats may sleep a lot, but when they’re awake, they sure make the most of their time! Share with us your best sleeping cat pic on our Facebook page!