Why Cats Sleep 15 Hours a Day

Animal columnist Yahaira Cespedes explained in an article on the PetMD website, “Cats sleep an average of 15 hours a day, and some can sleep for as many as 20 hours.” Cat owners already know very well how much cats love to sleep. Cats may even fall asleep immediately after eating. As nocturnal animals, they need to recharge their energy by sleeping during the day. Think back to when you first brought your cat home. You probably heard clattering and thumping sounds coming from somewhere in the dark. Cespedes says, “Cats do not waste time roaming around during the day. They usually become active when you are asleep.”

However, it is important to remember that cats still retain the traits of a “predator.” In other words, they tend to sleep during the day and hunt like lions at night. Pet cats can be trained and domesticated, but “hunter DNA” remains embedded in their genes. You have probably seen your cat excitedly playing as its hunting instincts take over. Cats wait for prey in the dark and then pounce on it in an instant. Cespedes added, “Hunting is an extremely strenuous activity for cats. They therefore sleep to conserve the energy they need to run, jump, climb, and chase.”

Because cats are social and highly adaptable, they can adjust their sleeping habits to spend more time with their owners. They may also adjust their sleep schedule around feeding times. Cespedes said, “Indoor cats choose to sleep inside rather than go outdoors to look for food. How long a cat sleeps varies depending on how much time it spends interacting with its owner.”