You may notice your cat sleeping a lot, but did you know that cats actually sleep for around 16 hours a day? That’s two-thirds of their lives! So why do cats sleep so much? There are 8 reasons for this.
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1. They’re Older
As cats get older, they tend to sleep more. This is likely due to a decrease in energy levels and an increase in health problems. They will be less active and sleep more during the day.
2. Sleep Patterns
Cats are known for their love of sleep, but there’s actually a reason behind why they sleep so much. Cats are crepuscular animals, which means they’re most active at dawn and dusk.
Cats have two types of sleep: light sleep and deep sleep. Light sleep is when your cat is dozing and can be easily awakened. Deep sleep, on the other hand, is when your cat is in a state of complete unconsciousness and cannot be woken up.
Most of a cat’s sleep, however, is actually light sleep, meaning they are only partly rested. Because of this, you may see your cat napping multiple times a day.
3. Isn’t Sleeping When You Think He/She Is
One thing to keep in mind is that your cat may not be sleeping when you think he is. For example, if you see your cat lying down with his eyes closed, he may just be resting and not actually asleep.
You can tell the difference by looking for certain physical cues. When a cat is truly asleep, his body will be relaxed, his breathing will be regular, and he will be unresponsive to external stimuli.
Cats often sleep with their eyes open. So, if you see your cat’s eyes closed and he is unresponsive to you, chances are he is actually asleep.
4. Conserve Energy
Sleep helps cats grow and repair their bodies. When cats are asleep, their bodies release a hormone that helps them grow and repair muscles and tissues.
Cats are predators and when they’re not sleeping, they’re on the prowl for their next meal. Hunting takes a lot of energy, so it makes sense that they would want to spend a good portion of their time resting up.
5. Might Be Bored
If your cat is sleeping a lot, it might just be because he’s bored. Cats need stimulation and if they don’t have anything to do, they will likely just sleep.
Make sure your cat has plenty of toys to play with and access to the outdoors if possible. Try to spend some time playing with your cat every day to help keep him active.
6. Might Be Stressed
If your cat is sleeping more than usual, it could be a sign that he’s stressed. Cats can get stressed from changes in their environment, such as a new pet or baby in the house.
Cats can get stressed from changes in their routine. If you’ve been traveling a lot or working late hours, your cat may be feeling stressed and needy.
7. Might be Sick or Uncomfortable
If your cat is sleeping more, it could be a sign that he’s sick or injured because he’s trying to heal himself. it’s important to take him to the vet for a check-up.
8. Stay Safe
Another reason cats sleep so much is for safety. When cats are out and about, they’re more vulnerable to predators. By sleeping, they can stay hidden and avoid being seen.
Final Thought
These are a few of the reasons why cats sleep so much. Next time you see your cat snoozing away, you’ll know that they’re just doing what comes naturally to them.
