what happens to cats if they dont get enough sleep
A quick glance in my chamber on a sunny day will likely reveal my 3 male cats sprawled on the bed. If I step into the room, Jack, Phillip and Leroy may each scissure open an eye, swivel an ear toward me or modify position — but they're in no hurry to get up unless they hear the distinctive clink of the ceramic food bowls being placed on the kitchen countertop.
Some might recollect this trio of cats — and their female person housemate, Katie, who prefers to sleep at the top of her cat tree in the living room — are quite a lazy bunch, only that'southward non so. Because of their innate predatory nature, cats need much more sleep than you and I exercise.
"Cats, being predators, need to conserve energy for hunting," explained Marilyn Krieger, certified cat behavior consultant and writer. "It takes a lot of piece of work to catch prey; hence, they nap."
Like my trio on the bed, who become enlightened of my presence the minute I step into the room, cats spend most of their "sleeping" hours ready to get up and go. "When cats nap they are aware of their surroundings," Krieger said. "Check out a napping cat's ears; you'll note that their ears will plough toward a sound."
So how much sleep does a true cat really need every day? And is your cat sleeping too much— or not enough?
Cat Sleeping Habits: Kittens
Kittens demand more than sleep than adults. They spend their days frolicking and discovering, and they employ up a lot of energy just growing. "Newborns tin can sleep as much every bit 90 percent of the day," Krieger explained. "Eight- to 12-week-one-time kittens can sleep xx hours a day, simply it depends on their activities. Highly energetic kittens may sleep longer."
Don't worry: If your kitten has a particularly fun-filled 24-hour interval of playing and exploring, he may need more sleep. "Kittens should play and explore," Krieger said. "Play helps them develop muscle coordination and timing. Exploration besides helps them discover and orient themselves to their environment."
Exist concerned: A kitten who sleeps almost all the fourth dimension or seems lethargic or uninterested in her environment may be ill. Take her to the vet equally soon as possible.
Cat Sleeping Habits: Developed Cats
Sometimes I remember my cats sleep the entire day, waking up only to eat, merely in reality, adult cats sleep around 15 to 18 hours per day. This can be affected by many factors, Krieger said. "On cold, wintry days, cats will sleep longer than on sunny days. Cats who are active and energetic with lots of stimulation may nap longer."
The fourth dimension of day when a cat sleeps the well-nigh may depend on the daily rhythms of the household. "Although cats are naturally crepuscular — the most active at dawn and sunset — they will adapt their sleeping schedules to their people," Krieger said. "Cats are flexible."
Don't worry: If your cat has a particularly agile day, he may sleep a fleck more. Information technology's non unusual for your adult true cat to sleep more during colder atmospheric condition.
Exist concerned: Sudden changes in behavior — including sleeping — can mean something is amiss. "Pay attention when cats start sleeping more than usual or altering their usual sleep patterns," Krieger said. "It could be a sign of a medical problem."
True cat Sleeping Habits: Senior Cats
As I grow older, I seem to want to sleep more, and the same typically holds truthful for senior cats.
"Elderly cats, like kittens, demand to nap and sleep more than adult cats," Krieger said. "Twenty hours a mean solar day is boilerplate."
This holds true in my house. Katie, our senior cat, will sleep for hours on the burrow or at the peak of her true cat tree, while the boys — ranging from four to near 9 years old — seem to be awake a few more hours each solar day.
Don't worry: Senior cats expect for soft, comfortable surfaces on which to slumber. Don't exist alarmed if you detect your cat curled up in a new, comfy spot.
Exist concerned: If your senior cat starts sleeping less than she used to, she may exist showing signs of hyperthyroidism. Have her examined by a vet as presently every bit possible.
Thumbnail: Photography by olga maer/shutterstock.
Read more about cats and sleep on Catster.com:
- 5 Facts Most Cats and Slumber
- 5 Parts of My Cats I Can Touch Only While They Sleep
- Do Your Cats Shake Up the Household Sleeping Scheme?
A lifelong cat owner, Stacy N. Hackett writes often about cats, cat breeds and a range of pet-related topics. The inspiration for her writing comes from her iv cats — Jack, Phillip, Katie and Leroy — and her Cocker Spaniel/Labrador Retriever mix, Maggie.
Source: https://www.catster.com/cat-behavior/is-your-cat-sleeping-too-much-or-not-enough
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