There is nothing more tender than seeing your cat sleep, right? She has such a pretty, innocent little face… that it makes you want to pet it Or even giving him lots of kisses. At times like these, it's hard to tear your gaze away. Of course, if he's so calm, it's probably because he's dreaming of a very special moment, but which one?
So far, no one has been able to figure out what the feline dreams about. What we can tell you is that spends a lot, a lot of time sleeping. Let us know how many hours do cats sleep.
How many hours do cats sleep?
Nature is wise. Each living being sleeps the number of hours it needs depending on the time it needs to feed itself and / or the days it can go without food. In the case of cats, they can afford to sleep many hours. So many. Come on, if any of us slept what they do, they would think we would have a sleep disorder.
When kittens are still babies (0 to 4 weeks old), they spend more than 90% of the day ironing their ear., which is equivalent to about 18-20 hours. From one month onwards, they gradually reduce their sleep until, at about one year old, they start sleeping between 14 and 16 hoursIf it's a large cat, like the Maine Coon, it may develop more slowly and continue sleeping like a kitten for up to a year.
In adult indoor cats, a range of 13-16 hours daily, being able to reach 20 hours long. on very quiet days. Those who have access to the outdoors tend to sleep a little less. greater stimulation and activityAfter dawn, many felines take their first nap of the day; it is not unusual for claim breakfast and go back to sleep shortly after.
The species is twilight: They are most active at dawn and dusk. Therefore, although they sometimes appear nocturnal, they are generally They take advantage of the night to sleep and concentrate peaks of play in the early and late hours of the day.
Phases of sleep
Cats pass by different phases of sleep What are they:
- REM phase: This phase constitutes the 60% of the time they spend sleeping. During the REM phase, dreams occur with physical manifestations such as rapid eye movement, the movement of their paws, nails, whiskers and/or ears. They may also meow or change position. Even if they are deeply asleep, their brain remains on alert, which is why they can enjoy caresses while they sleep.
- Non-REM phase: in this phase the body repairs itself, and if they are kittens they growThe dreams they may have are not as vivid, so they will remain quieter and more peaceful in their bed.
In practice they alternate micro naps of 15-30 minutes light sleep with deeper stretches that, added up throughout the day, can accumulate several hours of deep sleep. During REM you will see tremors, moving little legs or twitching whiskers: signs that they are dreaming. It is preferable do not wake them up abruptly at this stage.
Why do cats sleep so much?
The main engine is its predatory instinctHunting requires beaks of energy expenditure and felines conserve energy by sleeping so they're ready when it's time to chase prey. Even if your cat lives indoors and doesn't hunt, their biological programming maintains that pattern.
There is also factors that increase or reduce rest:
- Age: growing kittens and older cats can reach Up to 20 hours daily. Seniors lose muscle mass and mobility, so reduce their activity.
- Temperature: in cold weather they tend to sleeping more to conserve heat; on very hot days they will seek long naps in cool places and will activate their play when the temperature drops.
- Environment and stimuli: The boredom Indoors increases sleep hours. More play and enrichment reduces daytime sleepiness.
Daily pattern, naps and curious behaviors
Many cats adjust part of their routine to that of their human family, but they are still polyphasic: They sleep in multiple episodes throughout the day. Don't be surprised if you wake up at dawn begging for food and then falling asleep for their first nap.
They choose safe and warm places: radiators, sofas, boxes or even Cabinets for its silence and shelter. If they sleep with it back supported against a wall, they seek protection so as not to be surprised from behind.
It is also common that snore during deep sleep. In cats brachycephalic (like Persians) or with overweight It is more common due to its anatomy or airway compression. If snoring appears suddenly or is accompanied by respiratory distress, consultation.
Many times they lie on you: they trust, they seek heat and you are comfortable for them. When you wake up, you will see wide stretches and yawns to activate muscles and circulation.
Is it bad that my cat sleeps so much?
A cat can sleep a lot and be healthy. The worrying thing is the change from its normIf you suddenly sleep more or less, eat worse, lose weight or are apathetic, ask veterinary appointment. It also monitors the Sedentary lifestyle: Too many naps with little activity promote overweight.
How to improve your rest (and your well-being)
Quiet surroundings: Offer soft beds in areas without noise or drafts; the standard models cave increase the feeling of security.
Predictable routine: schedules for meals, play and rest help regulate your cycle.
Daily stimulation: Scratching posts, hunting toys, interactive feeders and olfactory circuits reduce the boredom.
Food: avoid large meals just before bed; distribute Tomas and use dispensers that make him think.
Pheromones: ambient diffusers can reduce stress in homes with changes or where several animals live together.
Veterinary: in case of sleep disturbances, new snoring, pain or marked lethargy, seek diagnosis.
Video of sleeping cats
Finally, we leave you with a beautiful and funny video of sleeping cats. What postures! who adopt!
Link: https://youtu.be/vwji6HiXWCs
Cats sleep a lot because it optimizes their energy, alternating light naps and deep sleep throughout the day; age, temperature and the environment They adjust how many hours they need. With an enriched home, stable routines, and your observation, they'll enjoy restful sleep, and you'll enjoy a more active and healthy companion.