How Long Do Cats Sleep? Chart by Age (Kitten–Senior)

Cats sleep a lot — but the “normal” number depends heavily on age.

In this guide, you’ll get a quick by-age chart (kitten → adult → senior), learn what affects sleep (diet, boredom, temperature, health), and see clear red flags that may signal stress or illness.

Quick Answer: How Long Do Cats Sleep?

Most cats sleep a lot—and it’s normal. Adult cats typically sleep about 12–16 hours per day, while kittens often sleep 16–22 hours to support growth. Senior cats commonly sleep 18–20 hours as their energy and mobility slow down. What matters most is consistency: sudden changes in sleep plus appetite or behavior shifts can signal stress or illness.

Cat Sleep Hours by Age (Chart)

Many of these hours are “catnaps”—short, light sleep where they can wake quickly.

Key takeaways

• Kittens sleep the most because sleep supports brain and body development.

• Adults nap in short bursts rather than one long sleep (normal behavior).

• Seniors often return to near-kitten sleep hours, especially in colder months.

• A cat who sleeps a lot is usually normal—but sudden changes are worth watching.

When is cat sleep “too much”?

Consider a vet check if sleep increases suddenly and you notice:

• appetite or water intake changes

• hiding, weakness, or less interest in play

• vomiting/diarrhea, coughing, limping, or pain signals

If their routine is consistent and they’re eating, grooming, and interacting normally, long sleep is often just… being a cat.

Why cats sleep so much (and why it matters)

Now that you’ve seen the normal sleep ranges by age, let’s look at what’s happening beneath the surface—because feline sleep is tied to development, healing, and instinct.

If you’ve ever caught your cat snoozing for what feels like the hundredth time that day, you might wonder—are they just lazy? Or is this actually normal?

Here at SnuggleSouls, we’ve had the same question—and what we’ve learned is that feline sleep isn’t just about rest. It’s an essential part of your cat’s development, healing, and emotional balance. From the nonstop naps of newborn kittens to the slow, cozy days of senior cats, sleep patterns are one of the most revealing windows into your cat’s age, health, and instinctive rhythm.

And while most cat parents have heard that “cats sleep a lot,” they may not realize how much sleep is normal for each life stage—or what kind of sleep their cat is actually getting.

How Many Hours Do Cats Sleep by Age? (Kittens, Adults & Seniors)

Quick answer: Most cats sleep 12–16 hours per day, but the exact number depends heavily on age. Kittens and senior cats often sleep the most, while healthy adults usually fall in the middle.

Cat Sleep by Age (At a Glance)

Tip: Not sure where your cat falls? Link this line to your tool: Try our Cat Age Calculator to confirm your cat’s life stage.

Kittens (0–6 months): 16–22 hours/day

For kittens, sleep isn’t “laziness”—it’s growth mode. Newborns can sleep up to ~22 hours a day, and even a 6-month-old often still logs 16–20 hours.

Why kittens sleep so much

• Brain development: sleep supports learning, memory, and behavior development

• Immune support: their bodies are building defenses

• Physical growth: bones and muscles recover and grow during rest

What’s normal for kittens

• Bursts of play → sudden flop into sleep

• Lots of short naps across the day

• Deep sleep that looks “knocked out” (especially after eating/play)

Adult Cats (1–10 years): 12–16 hours/day (sometimes more)

Most adult cats sleep around 12–16 hours daily, with many averaging ~15 hours. Some healthy adults sleep closer to 18 hours depending on lifestyle.

What influences adult sleep hours

• Activity level & enrichment: more play = often slightly less total sleep

• Diet & routine: meal timing can shift nap patterns

• Personality: some cats are naturally “nap pros”

• Home environment: warmth, quiet, and safety encourage more rest

What’s normal for adult cats

• Longer naps mid-day

• More alertness around dawn and dusk

• Lots of “resting with ears on” (light sleep)

Senior Cats (11+ years): 14–20 hours/day

Senior cats often sleep more again, commonly 14–20 hours per day. Slower metabolism, lower stamina, and age-related stiffness can all increase rest time.

What’s normal for seniors

• More frequent naps

• Longer “cozy” resting stretches

• Seeking warm, soft spots more often

Helpful note for readers: More sleep is usually normal with age—as long as it’s consistent for your cat. If sleep increases suddenly alongside appetite, mood, mobility, or litter box changes, that’s worth a vet check (you can expand this in your “When to Worry” section later).

Why It Can Feel Like Cats Sleep “All Day”: Polyphasic Catnaps

Cats don’t usually sleep in one long block like humans. They’re polyphasic sleepers, meaning they rest in many short naps across day and night.

Two common types of cat sleep

• Light sleep (most common): ears twitch, eyes may half-open, wakes easily

• Deep sleep / REM: fully relaxed body, occasional whisker/paw twitches (dreaming)

Bottom line: your cat may look asleep for hours, but a lot of that time is light rest, not deep sleep.

What Affects How Long Cats Sleep? (7 Factors That Change Sleep Hours)

Even within the same age group, two healthy cats can have very different sleep totals. If your cat sleeps “more than usual,” it doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong — but it does mean something has changed in their body, environment, or routine.

Here are the most common factors that make cats sleep more (or less), and what you can do about each one.

Age and life stage

Age is the biggest driver of sleep time. Kittens sleep more because their bodies and brains are growing rapidly. Seniors often sleep more because they tire faster and recover more slowly.

What to watch:

• A gradual change over months is usually normal.

• A sudden jump over a few days (especially in an adult cat) deserves attention.

Try this: If you’re unsure, compare today’s sleep to the last 2–3 weeks, not just yesterday.

Daily activity and mental stimulation

Cats sleep more when they’re understimulated. Indoor cats without play routines often “sleep the day away” because there’s nothing else to do. On the flip side, cats that climb, hunt toys, and explore tend to have clearer awake periods.

What to watch:

• More sleeping + less curiosity/play = could be boredom (or could be health — keep reading).

• A cat that still wakes up excited for play/food is usually just resting more.

Try this: Add two short play sessions (5–10 minutes) daily for one week and see if daytime sleep drops naturally.

Feeding, meal timing, and metabolism

Big meals commonly lead to longer naps (cats are built for “hunt → eat → rest”). If meal timing changes, sleep timing often changes too. Some cats also nap more when they’re overeating or carrying extra weight, because moving takes more effort.

What to watch:

• “Food coma” naps after meals are normal.

• Weight gain + less activity can quietly increase sleep totals over time.

Try this: Move the largest meal to after an evening play session to encourage nighttime sleep.

Light exposure, season, and household schedule

Many cats adapt to your routine. If you’ve been home more, traveling, changing work hours, or adjusting wake/sleep times, your cat may shift their naps to match. Seasonal changes can also reduce activity.

What to watch:

• More sleep during darker months or rainy weeks is common.

• Sudden schedule shifts can temporarily increase sleep.

Try this: Keep feeding and play times consistent for 7–10 days to stabilize their rhythm.

Temperature and comfort

Cats love warmth. When it’s cold, many cats conserve energy and nap more. When it’s hot, cats may also sleep more to avoid overheating (and become active at cooler times).

What to watch:

• More sleep + seeking warm spots (sunbeams, blankets, heated beds) is normal.

• Restlessness + panting or discomfort is not.

Try this: Provide a warm, quiet sleep zone and see if “extra sleeping” is simply comfort-seeking.

Stress, anxiety, and environment changes

Cats sometimes “sleep to cope.” New pets, visitors, moves, construction noise, or even small changes (new litter box location, new scent, new furniture) can increase sleep as a self-soothing behavior.

What to watch:

• Increased sleeping paired with hiding, reduced appetite, or less social behavior can be stress-related.

• Overgrooming, sudden aggression, or litter box changes may also show stress.

Try this: Give one predictable “safe routine” daily: same feeding time, same play time, same calm cuddle/brush time.

Health, pain, and recovery (the most important factor to rule out)

Sometimes increased sleep is simply the body recovering — but sometimes it’s lethargy. Pain (like joint discomfort), dental issues, illness, or chronic conditions can make cats rest more because movement doesn’t feel good.

What to watch:

• “Sleeping more” + appetite change, stiffness, hiding, breathing changes, vomiting/diarrhea, or litter box changes = treat it as a health signal.

• A cat that still eats well, reacts normally, and moves comfortably is usually just resting more.

Try this: If the change is sudden or comes with other symptoms, contact your vet.

Quick baseline check: If your cat’s sleep increases but everything else stays normal (appetite, litter box, grooming, mobility, interest in play), it’s often a normal fluctuation. If sleep increases and behavior changes, it’s time to investigate further.

Now that you know what changes sleep hours, let’s look at how cats sleep — in short catnaps, light sleep, and deeper dreaming phases.

Are Cats Nocturnal? Why They Wake Up at Night (and How to Fix It)

If your cat sleeps all day but turns into a tiny tornado at night, you’re not alone. Most cats aren’t truly nocturnal — they’re closer to crepuscular, meaning they naturally become more active around dawn and dusk. Indoor life (and feeding routines) can push that energy into the middle of the night.

Nocturnal vs Crepuscular: What Cats Really Are

• Nocturnal animals are most active overnight.

• Crepuscular animals are most active at sunrise and sunset.
  Many cats lean crepuscular, which is why they may nap through the afternoon, “rev up” in the evening, and get a second wind early morning.

Why this matters: if you treat nighttime zoomies as “bad behavior,” you miss the fact that it’s often a schedule problem, not a personality problem.

How Much Do Cats Sleep at Night?

Cats often sleep some at night — but not in one long block like humans. They may wake up multiple times to reposition, snack, patrol, or play. If your cat is waking you regularly, it usually means one of these is happening:

• they learned night waking = attention/food

• they’re under-stimulated during the day

• their meal timing makes them hungry at 3–5am

• stress or discomfort is interrupting their rest

Why Your Cat Wakes You Up at 3am (Most Common Reasons)

1. Reward loop (the big one): If meowing/pawing = food, petting, or you getting up, the behavior gets reinforced.
2. Not enough hunting/play before bed: Cats are built for “hunt → eat → groom → sleep.” If they don’t “hunt” (play), they don’t power down.
3. Hunger timing: If dinner is early, they may genuinely be hungry by pre-dawn.
4. Stress, changes, or boredom: New home, new pet, new routine, or not enough enrichment can create restless nights.
5. Health or discomfort (especially in seniors): Arthritis, thyroid issues, urinary discomfort, or cognitive changes can make nighttime worse. (I’ll cover red flags more fully in your health section later, but mention it here.)

How to Get Your Cat to Sleep at Night (Simple Routine That Works)

Use the cat’s natural rhythm: play → feed → calm → sleep.

Step-by-step (night routine):

1. Evening play (10–20 min): wand toy, chase, short sprints

2. Main meal right after play: this mimics “catch prey → eat”

3. Wind-down cue (5–10 min): brushing, calm petting, dim lights

4. Set the boundary: once lights out, no rewards for meowing/pawing

5. Consistency for 7–14 nights: the first few nights may get worse before it gets better (extinction burst)

Avoid: getting up “just once,” feeding to stop meowing, or playing rough games at midnight — those teach your cat that nighttime = interaction.

Overnight Setup (So They Don’t Need You)

• Puzzle feeder or timed feeder for pre-dawn hunger

• A safe toy rotation (put some away, rotate weekly)

• A cozy sleep station away from bedroom noise

• If they wake due to boredom: add vertical space (cat tree/window perch)

Troubleshooting: If It’s Still Not Working

• Your cat is young (kitten/teen): increase play sessions (2–3 shorter sessions/day)

• They’re waking for food: shift calories later or use a timed feeder

• They’re waking for attention: ignore consistently + reward calm behavior in the morning

• They seem restless or vocal in seniors: mention this to a vet (pain/cognitive changes can spike at night)

Want the deeper “why” behind sleep changes (boredom vs stress vs health)? Read: Why Do Cats Sleep So Much? Decode Cat Sleep Patterns, Health & Care

When Is Cat Sleep “Too Much”? Healthy Sleep vs. Lethargy (When to Worry)

Quick note before we start

Cats are excellent at resting — and they often look “asleep” even when they’re lightly dozing. What matters most isn’t the exact number of hours. It’s whether their sleep and energy changed suddenly, and whether you see other symptoms alongside it.

Healthy sleepy cat vs. concerning lethargy (fast comparison)

60-second “Should I worry?” check (safe and simple)

Try this when your cat seems unusually sleepy:

1. Rouse test: Can they wake up and stand/walk normally?

2. Interest test: Do they respond to a treat, food bag sound, or a favorite toy?

3. Breathing look: Are they breathing comfortably (no open-mouth breathing, no obvious struggle)? Respiratory distress is serious in cats.

4. Basic needs: Are they eating/drinking and using the litter box as usual?

If your cat “fails” more than one of these, treat it as more than normal sleep and contact a vet.

Red flags: when to seek help (triage-style)

Go to an emergency vet / urgent clinic ASAP if you notice:

• Difficulty breathing, open-mouth breathing, or obvious respiratory distress

• Collapse, extreme weakness, or unresponsiveness

• Repeated/severe vomiting or diarrhea with lethargy

• Suspected toxin exposure, trauma, or inability to stand steadily

Call your vet the same day (or within 24 hours) if:

• Your cat is suddenly lethargic, even if other symptoms seem mild

• Your cat hasn’t eaten for ~24 hours, especially if sleepiness is increased

• Sleep increase comes with hiding, reduced grooming, or clear pain signals

Monitor closely (and call if it doesn’t improve in 24–48 hours) if:

• Your cat is a bit less active but still eating, drinking, toileting normally

• The change is mild and you can link it to something obvious (travel day, visitors, schedule change)

• Energy gradually returns within a day or two (if it doesn’t, get advice)

Kittens: They sleep a lot — but if a kitten is not eating well, seems weak, or is hard to wake, don’t “wait it out.” Young kittens can decline faster than adults.

Senior cats: More sleep can be normal aging, but a sudden change is what matters. Seniors are also more likely to sleep more due to discomfort (like joint pain), so pay attention to mobility (hesitating to jump, stiffness).

How Cats Sleep: Catnaps, Light Sleep, Deep Sleep & Dreaming

Cats don’t sleep the way humans do. Even if it looks like your cat is out all day, they’re usually cycling through short naps, light dozing, and occasional deep sleep. Understanding these sleep stages makes it easier to tell the difference between normal cat rest and true low-energy lethargy.

Light Sleep vs Deep Sleep (How to Tell Which One Your Cat Is In)

Light sleep (common “cat dozing”):

• Ears twitch or rotate toward sounds

• Eyes may be partially open

• They respond quickly to movement, food sounds, or your voice

• Body stays slightly tense / ready to move

Deep sleep (less common, more restorative):

• Body looks fully relaxed (often curled tightly or sprawled out)

• Breathing becomes slower and more regular

• Harder (but still possible) to wake

• Often happens when they feel safe and warm

How Long Is a Typical Cat Nap?

A “cat nap” can be short (10–20 minutes) or much longer (1–2 hours) depending on age, safety, and household activity. Many cats rotate through these naps repeatedly across a 24-hour period, rather than sleeping in one long block.

Kittens and seniors tend to nap longer overall, while adults vary more based on activity and routine.

Do Cats Dream? (REM Sleep Signs You Might See)

Yes — cats can enter REM sleep, the stage linked with dreaming. During REM, you may notice small movements that look like your cat is “acting out” something.

Common dreaming signs:

• Whiskers twitching

• Paws or tail tip moving

• Tiny “sleep chirps” or muffled meows

• Sudden little jerks followed by relaxation

Mild twitching is normal. If you see intense or frequent full-body seizure-like movements, that’s different and worth discussing with a vet.

Why Cats Nap So Much (It’s Instinct, Not Laziness)

What looks like “oversleeping” is often just normal recovery behavior. Cats evolved to conserve energy between hunting attempts, and that same pattern shows up in indoor cats as short play bursts followed by long rest periods.

Conclusion

Cats really do sleep a lot — and the normal number depends on age. As a quick rule of thumb, adult cats often land around 12–16 hours a day, while kittens and seniors commonly sleep even more because their bodies are growing, recovering, or conserving energy.

If your cat’s sleep schedule feels confusing, focus on context: activity level, meal timing, temperature/season, routine changes, and stress can all shift how much (and when) your cat sleeps — including those classic late-night or 3am wakeups.

When should you worry? The number matters less than a sudden change plus other symptoms. Contact your vet if increased sleep comes with:

• noticeably reduced appetite or thirst

• hiding, unusual irritability, or “not themselves” behavior

• vomiting/diarrhea or litter box changes

• limping, stiffness, or signs of pain

• fast/labored breathing or weakness

If your goal is simply better rest at night, try this for a week:

• Play for 10–15 minutes in the evening

• Feed the main meal right after

• Avoid rewarding nighttime meowing with food or attention (consistency matters)

FAQ

How many hours a day do cats sleep by age?

Most kittens sleep about 16–22 hours per day, adult cats usually sleep 12–16 hours, and senior cats often sleep 16–20 hours. Individual cats vary based on activity, routine, and health. What matters most is whether your cat’s sleep pattern is consistent for them.

Is it normal for cats to nap so many times a day?

Yes. Cats are polyphasic sleepers, meaning they rest in many short naps instead of one long sleep. A cat can appear “asleep all day” even though much of that time is light sleep and dozing.

Is it normal for my cat to sleep 20 hours a day?

It can be normal for young kittens and some senior cats, especially during growth or lower-energy periods. For healthy adult cats, 20 hours is on the high end and may be normal for some individuals—but if it’s new or sudden, treat it as a potential red flag. Look for changes in appetite, playfulness, litter box habits, breathing, or mobility.

How much do cats sleep at night?

Cats often sleep part of the night, but they may wake up in bursts and nap again—especially around dawn and dusk. Indoor cats may also adjust their schedule to match feeding times and household activity. If your cat is active at night, it’s often a routine issue, not “bad behavior.”

Are cats nocturnal? Why is my cat awake at 3am?

Cats aren’t truly nocturnal—many are most active around early morning and evening. A cat that wakes you up at night is often responding to a learned pattern (night meowing = food/attention), hunger, or not enough daytime stimulation. A consistent evening play routine + feeding after play usually helps shift their schedule.

Why is my cat suddenly sleeping more than usual?

A sudden increase in sleep can happen after stress, changes in routine, or a drop in activity—but it can also be linked to pain or illness. If the change lasts more than a day or two or comes with reduced appetite, hiding, vomiting/diarrhea, breathing changes, or difficulty jumping, contact your veterinarian.

Do cats sleep more in winter or cold weather?

Many cats do—cooler temperatures and shorter days can make resting more appealing, and cats often seek warm spots to conserve energy. Seasonal increases are usually gradual. If sleep increases sharply or your cat seems uncomfortable, rule out pain or illness.

How can I help my cat sleep at night (and not wake me up)?

Try this simple routine: play for 10–20 minutes in the evening, feed your cat right after play, and keep the schedule consistent. Avoid rewarding night waking with food or attention. Adding enrichment (puzzle feeders, climbing space, safe toys) can also reduce restless nighttime behavior.

References

Sleep Foundation — How Long Do Cats Sleep? 

Journal of Mammalogy (peer-reviewed) — research on domestic cat sleep/wake patterns (supports the underlying sleep-cycle timing data often summarized in consumer guides).

Purina — cat sleep patterns explainer (age-based expectations; kittens sleep very heavily; older cats can sleep up to ~20 hours; also covers light vs deep sleep and typical behaviors).

AAHA / AAFP (Veterinary Practice Guidelines) — 2021 Feline Life Stage Guidelines (standardized life-stage definitions: kitten → young adult → mature adult → senior; helpful for your “by age” structure).

VCA Animal Hospitals — Recognizing the Signs of Illness in Cats

American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) — Recognizing Respiratory Distress in Pets

San Francisco SPCA — Nocturnal Behavior (Cats) (cats are crepuscular; practical routine advice: evening play + feed after; don’t reinforce night waking).

East Bay SPCA (handout/PDF) — Managing Feline Nighttime Activity (crepuscular explanation; hunt → eat → groom → sleep cycle; why night waking gets reinforced; enrichment ideas like puzzle feeders).

RSPCA Knowledgebase — nighttime activity + crepuscular behavior explanation (supports the “dawn/dusk activity is normal” message).

Cats Protection (UK charity) — cats and seasonal behavior (supports the “cats may sleep more / seek warmth in colder periods” comfort/temperature angle).