How Many Hours a Day Do Cats Sleep? — A Guide to Normal Sleep Times and Patterns

ImmunityQ&AMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

Cats sleep an average of 12 to 16 hours a day. We’ve outlined their normal sleep patterns, which vary depending on age, season, and health status, as well as warning signs to watch for.

Cat Sleep: How Many Hours a Day Is Normal?

A close-up of a cat sleeping soundly on a cushion.

It’s generally considered normal for cats to sleep about 12 to 18 hours a day. While kittens and senior cats tend to sleep even longer, the exact amount varies significantly from one cat to another, so it’s hard to pin down a single number. What really matters isn’t the total hours of sleep, but your cat’s energy level and appetite when awake. If your cat is sleeping noticeably more than usual, seems sluggish when roused, or skips meals, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue, so it’s best to have them checked promptly.

Why Do Cats Sleep So Much?

Cats evolved as "explosive hunters" that pounce on prey in a single burst. They expend a large amount of energy in a short time and must conserve energy for the next hunt during the rest of the day. Even as domestic pets, they instinctively spend most of their day resting and sleeping. Sleep is not mere laziness; it is an essential period for replenishing expended energy and restoring the body's balance.

Comparison of Normal Sleep Times by Age

Item	Kitten (0–6 months)	Adult cat (1–7 years)	Senior cat (8 years and older)
Average daily sleep	Longer than adult cats (large individual variation)	12–18 hours	Similar to or longer than adult cats
Proportion of deep sleep	High	Medium	High
Active time periods	Short and frequent	Dawn·dusk	Spread across daytime hours
Key characteristics	Growth·developmental stage	Retains hunting instinct	Joint protection and sufficient rest

A cat's average daily sleep is known to be 12–18 hours, and it varies greatly by age and individual, so please compare based on your own cat's usual pattern

Two Stages of Cat Sleep

Cats, like humans, cycle between deep and light sleep. - Light sleep (non-REM sleep): This makes up the majority of their total sleep time. During this phase, their ears twitch at small sounds, and they wake up easily. - Deep sleep (REM sleep): This phase is relatively shorter. You may notice their whiskers or paw tips twitching as they dream. - Sleep cycle: Their sleep consists of short, alternating cycles of light and deep sleep. If your cat twitches its paws or makes small vocalizations while sleeping, it is a normal reaction during REM sleep, so there is no need to wake them.

A cat sleeping on its side, twitching its paws during REM sleep

Sleep Changes That Require a Vet Visit

A sudden change in your pet’s usual sleep pattern may signal a weakened immune system or an underlying medical condition. - Sleeping almost continuously for more than 24 hours - Slow to respond or unsteady when awakened - Labored breathing or panting with an open mouth while resting - Unable to sleep through the night, vocalizing, or pacing (especially in senior cats) - Sleeping in an unusual position, such as curled up tightly or with the head tucked down If any of these signs persist for more than 24 hours, your pet needs to be seen by a veterinarian the same day.

Check for Suspected Conditions If Sleep Time Suddenly Increases

If your cat’s sleep time has noticeably increased for more than a week, it’s important to consider the following possibilities: - Infectious diseases: Often accompanied by fever and decreased appetite, as the body conserves energy through sleep to aid recovery. - Chronic kidney disease: Common in older cats, often presenting with lethargy, changes in appetite, and reduced activity levels. - Anemia: Pale gums and rapid breathing may be observed. - Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease): Particularly common in older cats; joint pain leads to decreased movement and increased rest and sleep time. - Depression or stress: A drop in appetite and interest in play following environmental changes. Veterinary internal medicine textbooks also highlight "changes in normal activity levels" as one of the first signs to watch for.

An elderly cat resting quietly on its bed

Checkpoints When Your Cat Can’t Sleep

If your cat is crying or wandering around the house throughout the night, please check for the following: - Hyperthyroidism: Common in senior cats aged 7 and older, often accompanied by nighttime vocalization, anxiety, hyperactivity, and weight loss. - Hypertension: May be accompanied by vision problems or disorientation. - Cognitive Dysfunction (Dementia): Occurs in senior cats, disrupting their sleep-wake cycle and causing day-night reversal. - Urinary Tract Pain: The cat may suddenly wake up and frequently visit the litter box. - Lack of Environmental Stimulation: Insufficient playtime during the day can lead to bursts of activity at night. If nighttime vocalization persists for more than three days, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.

Creating a Good Sleep Environment to Boost Immunity

A restful environment is closely linked to your cat’s overall health and well-being. - Temperature: Keep the space comfortably warm for rest, and slightly warmer for senior cats. - Location: Choose a high, quiet spot with a clear view of family activity. - Number of beds: Provide at least one more bed than the number of cats. - Noise and lighting: Turn off direct lights at night and lower the TV volume. - Routine: Engage in 5–10 minutes of hunting-style play before bedtime to burn off energy, followed by a meal. The more stable and comfortable the sleeping environment, the better your cat can rest and maintain good health.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for a cat to sleep 18 hours a day?

Adult cats (1–7 years old) are known to sleep an average of 12–18 hours a day, so 18 hours of sleep isn’t necessarily abnormal on its own. However, if your cat’s sleep duration has suddenly increased significantly compared to their usual pattern, it’s important to also monitor changes in appetite and energy levels. Kittens and senior cats tend to sleep even longer than this, but there’s considerable individual variation. Regardless of age, the most important indicator isn’t the total amount of sleep, but rather your cat’s energy and alertness when awake.

Should I wake my pet if it twitches its paws or makes small vocalizations while sleeping?

It’s best not to wake your pet during REM sleep, as these are normal reflexes. They’re simply acting out hunting instincts while dreaming. However, if your pet experiences full-body rigidity lasting more than five minutes, drools excessively, or appears unconscious, it could be a seizure. In that case, record a video and show it to your veterinarian.

Does sleep duration change depending on the season, such as summer or winter?

Yes, sleep patterns can vary depending on the season and temperature. In hot weather, cats tend to seek out cool spots and rest in short bursts while stretched out, whereas in cold weather, they’re more likely to curl up and sleep for longer periods. As temperatures drop, senior cats may frequently change their sleeping positions due to joint pain.

Do cats suffer from insomnia?

Yes, there are. Causes include hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure, cognitive dysfunction, chronic pain, and environmental stress. In particular, if an older cat meows or wanders around at night, it may not be simple aging but a treatable condition. If nighttime vocalization persists for more than three days, please have your cat examined.

How can I tell if my pet is sleeping well?

For a week, keep a daily log of your pet’s average sleep duration, activity level while awake, food intake, and number of bathroom visits. If noticeable deviations from their usual routine persist for more than a week, it’s time to consult your veterinarian. Recording nighttime activity with a smart camera can help provide objective data for comparison.