Sleeping is an important part of a cat’s daily routine. Domestic cats usually sleep for around 12 to 16 hours each day. This is much more than the average human, who only sleeps for around 8 hours each day. There are a number of reasons why domestic cats sleep so much. Cats like other animals have what is known as ‘circadian rhythms’. These are daily cycles that dictate when an animal is most active and when it is time to sleep. For domestic cats, these rhythms are set so that they are most active at dawn and dusk. This means that they will often take a number of short naps during the day, before settling down for a longer sleep at night.
Is It Normal for A Cat to Sleep All Day?
It isn’t normal for a cat to sleep all day, every day. If your cat is suddenly sleeping a lot more than usual, it could be a sign that something is wrong. If your cat is sleeping more than normal, you should take them to see a vet. There are a number of conditions that can cause a cat to sleep more than usual.
i. Pregnancy
When pregnant, a cat’s body is working hard to support the developing kittens. This can lead to the cat feeling tired and needing to sleep more. The hormones released during pregnancy can also make a cat feel drowsy. This is why pregnant cats often sleep more than usual. The increase in sleeping usually starts to happen in the later stages of pregnancy.
ii. Old age
As cats get older, they often sleep more. This is because their bodies are no longer able to function as well as they used to. Older cats often suffer from health conditions that can make them tired and sleepy. Arthritis, for example, is a common condition in older cats that can make them less active and more sleepy.
iii. Illness
If your cat is suddenly sleeping a lot more than usual, it could be a sign that they are ill. A number of different illnesses can cause a cat to feel tired and need to sleep more. If your cat is sleeping more than normal, you should take them to see a vet.
iv. Stress
Stress can also make a cat sleep more than usual. Cats can get stressed by a number of different things, including moving house, the arrival of a new pet, or changes in their routine. If your cat is sleeping more than normal, you should try to identify any possible sources of stress and remove them if possible.
v. Obesity
Obesity is another common reason why cats sleep more than usual. If your cat is overweight, they will often feel tired and sluggish. This is because their bodies are working harder than they should be. Obesity can also lead to a number of health problems, such as diabetes, which can make a cat even more tired.
Why Do Indoor Cats Sleep So Much?
As compared to wild cats, indoor cats sleep a lot more. Here are a number of reasons for this:
i. Lack of stimulation
One of the main reasons why indoor cats sleep so much is because they lack stimulation. Indoor cats don’t have to hunt for food or worry about predators, so they can spend a lot of their time sleeping. This is why it’s important to provide your indoor cat with plenty of toys and playtime.
ii. Boredom
Another reason why indoor cats sleep so much is that they can get bored. If an indoor cat doesn’t have anything to do, it will often just sleep. This is why it’s important to provide your indoor cat with plenty of toys and playtime.
iii. Comfort
Indoor cats also sleep more because they are comfortable. They have a warm bed to sleep in and don’t have to worry about the weather. This is why it’s important to make sure your cat has a comfortable place to sleep.
iv. Safety
Indoor cats also sleep more because they feel safe. They don’t have to worry about predators or cars. This is why it’s important to make sure your cat has a safe place to sleep.
See Also: Do Domestic Cats Need Baths?
And: How Fast Are Domestic Cats?
Why Do Cats Want to Sleep on Your Bed?
There are a number of reasons why cats want to sleep on your bed. One of the most common reasons is because they feel safe and secure. When a cat sleeps on your bed, they know that you are nearby and can protect them from anything that might happen. Cats also like to sleep on your bed because it is warm and comfortable. This is why it’s important to make sure your cat has a comfortable place to sleep.
Cats also like to sleep on your bed because they can use it as a vantage point. From your bed, a cat can survey their territory and keep an eye on anything that is happening. This is why it’s important to make sure your cat has a safe place to sleep.
Is It Safe to Let a Cat Sleep on Your Bed?
If your cat is well-groomed and healthy, it is generally safe to let them sleep on your bed. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, make sure that your cat is up to date on their vaccinations. This will help to prevent them from spreading any illnesses to you. Second, make sure that your cat is not sick. If your cat is ill, it is best to keep them away from you. Third, make sure that your cat is not flea-infested. Fleas can spread a number of diseases to humans, so it is best to avoid them.
In general, as long as your cat is healthy and up to date on their vaccinations, it is safe to let them sleep on your bed. However, if you have any concerns, it is best to consult with your veterinarian.
Featured image: Cat Sleeping on a Bed
