Cats usually sleep between 12 and 15 hours a day. The resting time varies according to each cat's profile, it can depend on their age, energy level, health, breed, personality, etc. In the case of kittens, they can sleep for more than 20 hours.
Resting time can vary depending on each cat and their personality
Sleep duration will vary depending on several factors:
- They are good hunters, so they can spend the rest of their time sleeping. As for domestic cats, even if they don't need to hunt, they never lose their instinct.
- During their heat cycle, if the cat is in this period, they spend their time marking territory and looking for females to mate with, which makes them sleep less.
- Age: if it's a kitten, it will sleep many more hours than if it's an adult cat. Sleep is very important at these times, as the growth hormone is released.
- Temperature can also affect their sleep hours. The colder it is, the more hours they will sleep, thus keeping warm and conserving more energy.
- Boredom: if they don't have any activity to entertain themselves with, they will continue to sleep. It is recommended that you play and spend time with your feline.
- Finally, sleeping many hours a day is part of their nature.
Normally, a cat's sleep consists of short naps. Most of them sleep lightly, alternating with deep sleep.
A cat's sleep is divided into two main stages: REM and non-REM
Their sleep, like that of humans, is divided into stages. The two main ones are REM and non-REM (deep sleep). It should be noted that they are capable of dreaming, and this usually happens when they are in the REM phase, as neuronal activity is more intense.
The perfect place to sleep should be comfortable and safe
The ideal place to sleep should be where they feel comfortable and safe, and in winter, warm. Felines are territorial animals by nature, so they need a specific space for their rest.
It's important to respect your cat's rest!