Understanding Cats' Activity and Sleep Patterns

The domestic cat seems to sleep more than any other animal. Indeed, adult cats sleep between 13 and 20 hours in every 24 hour period, with the average being around 16 hours a day. So why do cats sleep so much? Are there any patterns to their sleep? And how does this fit in with a cat's daily activity?

Why Cats Need to Sleep So Much

All members of the cat family have high sleep needs, primarily due to their carnivorous diet and lifestyle. Unlike herbivores, which graze steadily throughout the day to meet their energy needs, carnivores like cats rely on brief bursts of intense hunting activity followed by a protein-rich meal. This hunting requires a tremendous amount of energy, so it is sensible for cats to conserve their strength by resting between these efforts.

Furthermore, smaller animals like cats tend to need more sleep than larger ones because their higher metabolic rates can cause more wear and tear on cells, which sleep helps to repair. Even though domesticated cats rarely need to hunt, the inherited need for frequent rest remains strong. This explains why your cat will seize the chance to curl up and nap whenever possible.

Sleep Patterns in Cats

Cats experience two primary types of sleep: rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and non-REM (or slow wave) sleep. REM sleep, characterised by rapid eye movement amid deep relaxation, is often when dreaming occurs, while non-REM sleep involves lighter sleep with slower brain activity and some muscle movement.

Cats avoid a single, prolonged sleep session. Instead, they take several shorter naps throughout the day. Their sleep cycle includes periods of around 25 minutes of light, non-REM sleep followed by 6 to 7 minutes of REM sleep, often interspersed with brief periods of wakefulness. Studies show cats spend about 35% of their time awake, 50% in light sleep, and 15% in REM sleep. Their light sleep allows them to wake up quickly, the origins of the famous "cat nap."

The Functions of Sleep in Cats

Sleep plays a crucial role in physical repair and brain organisation. Growth hormones are secreted during sleep, especially in growing kittens. Interrupting REM sleep in young cats can cause developmental problems, such as in their visual systems. Sleep also supports brain plasticity, allowing cats to adjust to new environments and challenges more effectively. For example, studies have shown kittens allowed to sleep after visual deprivation exhibited greater brain activity changes compared to those kept awake.

The Daily Cycle of Cats

Cats follow a 24-hour circadian rhythm, with peak activity at dawn and dusk, making them crepuscular rather than nocturnal. Their sleep and activity patterns are somewhat flexible and can adapt to their environment. For instance, barn cats tend to sleep less than indoor pet cats because their outdoor life has more stimuli and challenges.

Domestic cats often synchronise their active and sleeping times with their human families. Historically, outdoor cats hunted at night and rested during the day. Meanwhile, indoor cats might be quiet during their owner's working hours and more playful in the evenings. Cats left alone during the day might revert to their natural activity pattern of waking owners just before dawn, but those living with their owners all day often stay awake alongside them and sleep through most of the night.

Understanding these natural behaviours helps owners manage their cats’ activity. If your cat disturbs you at night or demands attention at inconvenient times, increasing daytime stimulation can help shift their schedule to better suit your household.