How long do cats sleep for?
Mia Lopez
Updated on February 26, 2026
The cat is a domestic species of small carnivorous mammal. It is the only domesticated species in the family Felidae and is often referred to as the domestic cat to distinguish it from the wild members of the family.
How many hours does a cat sleep in a 24 hour period?
House cats often sleep longer than their outdoor companions, anything from 13-15 hours' sleep per day have been reported for adults. Elderly cats may sleep up to 20 hours in a 24 hour period. An adult farm cat sleeps on average 9 hours a day and will spend more time engaged in hunting behaviours.Why do cats sleep all the time?
Why do cats sleep so much? Cats have evolved to sleep for long periods throughout the day. Wild cats need to sleep in order to conserve their energy to hunt, chase and kill their next meal. Although our house cats may not need to hunt, the instinct to sleep and prepare for the hunt carries on.How long do cats sleep in one go?
Cats have a polyphasic sleep pattern2, which means they sleep multiple times each day rather than in one, long period, like humans generally sleep. These cat naps average 78 minutes in length. However, cats commonly sleep for periods of time ranging from 50 to 113 minutes3.Are cats ever fully asleep?
Cats sleep an average of 15 hours per day. However, they can sleep as much as 20 hours within a 24-hour period. In general, cats do the majority of their sleeping during the day, since they are most active overnight. If you've wondered why that is, the answer lies in their physiology.How Much Do Cats Sleep Per Day? ? - Kittens, Adults and Seniors
Do cats get lonely?
However, domesticated cats have evolved to crave companionship, often forming strong bonds with humans and sometimes even other pets. So, do cats get lonely? Because of the attachments they form, the answer is yes; cats can feel lonely!Is it OK if my cat sleeps in my bed?
Bill Fish, cofounder of Tuck.com, says, without question, there are positives to allowing your cat into your bed each night, including giving both of you a sense of security, emotionally and physically. “Having a guest in bed with you also reduces stress as well as brings warmth and comfort,” he said.Do cats like sleeping with humans?
CompanionshipFinally, your cat may like sleeping with you simply because they like and trust you. Your cats know you take good care of them and they consider you to be a good sleeping companion! Contrary to stereotypes, cats enjoy companionship (on their terms).