Why Is My Kitten Sleeping So Much? The Complete Guide

Cats are notorious for their love of sleep, and understanding their slumber habits can shed light on their behavior. While domesticated, cats have retained the instinctual tendency to sleep often. This inclination stems from their wild ancestors, who slept during the day to conserve energy for hunting during dusk and dawn. Though our modern kitties may not need to hunt like their ancestors, they still thoroughly enjoy their naps.

How Long Does a Cat Typically Sleep?

Kittens, in particular, are champions of sleep, spending up to 90% of their days in dreamland. Their need for beauty sleep is remarkable. They can dedicate almost 22 hours of their time to sleeping, which might seem excessive but is essential for their growth and development. As cats mature beyond the newborn stage, they sleep less but still spend about 16 to 20 hours a day dozing.

The Average Amount of Sleep for Kittens

The amount and type of sleep a kitten needs depend on their age and lifestyle:

0-2 weeks: At the early stages of life, kittens can nap for more than 20 hours a day. This sleep is typically characterized by REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, which is light and causes contractions of the facial muscles. Adequate sleep supports their rapid growth process, with kittens often doubling in size within the first week.

3-8 weeks: As kittens' senses develop, they become more active, and their sleep becomes less deep and more segmented. They enter a phase of slumber known as non-REM sleep, with steadier breathing.

12 weeks onwards: By this stage, kittens may still spend around 18 hours a day napping, similar to the average amount of sleep an adult cat gets. Their sleep cycle involves sound sleep (20-25 minutes) followed by REM-paradoxical-dreaming (five minutes).

Why Do Cats Sleep So Much?

Cats have several reasons for being such sleepy creatures:

To Stay Healthy: Sleep is crucial for a cat's health. It allows their bodies to regenerate, and deep sleep plays a vital role in this process. Cats spend about a quarter of their sleep time in deep sleep, often characterized by twitching and closed eyes, indicating they are likely dreaming.

Sleep and Age: Like humans, a cat's sleep patterns change with age. Kittens need ample sleep for growth and development. As juniors, they become more active, leading to less sleep. In their senior years, their energy levels decrease, resulting in more naps.

It's Their Routine: Some cats are naturally more nocturnal or crepuscular (active during dawn and dusk). These cats might be more playful in the early morning and late at night.

To Stay Warm and Relaxed: Cats, like humans, enjoy sleeping in cozy spots to maintain body temperature. In cold weather, they seek warmth by curling up or snuggling under radiators.

When to Be Concerned

While there isn't a specific amount of sleep to signal a health problem, knowing your cat's normal sleep patterns is key. If your cat starts sleeping significantly more or less than usual, it could be a sign of a health issue. Increased sleep may indicate illness or pain, while reduced sleep might be linked to conditions like hyperthyroidism.

Conclusion

Cats' love for sleep is undeniable, and they shouldn't be disturbed when napping. When a cat falls asleep on your lap, it's best to allow them to rest peacefully. Trying to keep them awake during the day to prevent nighttime hunting is not effective and can distress your cat. Understanding your cat's sleep patterns and respecting their need for rest is essential for their well-being and happiness.