Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Cat Sleep Patterns [2022 Guide]

How many hours does my cat sleep per day? Many cat owners ask themselves this question while watching their animal companions blissfully slumbering. And from time to time, a little envious. After all, the hectic pace of everyday life doesn't seem to affect our four-legged housemates when it comes to what seems to be their favorite hobby: sleeping. We answer the three most important questions about your cat's slumber.

How much sleep do cats actually need?

How long do cats sleep?

A cat sleeps up to 16 hours per day, about two-thirds of its life. The duration varies: While young and older cats are particularly fond of slumbering for up to 20 hours and 18 hours, respectively, fit middle-aged cats get by on twelve hours of sleep. The seasons not only often make us humans more tired, but also have the same effect on most cats: In the darker winter, they rest longer, while spring, with all the exciting butterflies, mice, and longer days, is too exciting for naps. House cats that get less stimulation sleep longer than free-rangers with lots of variety.

However, not all sleep is the same: light dozing alternates with solid deep sleep. At around half an hour, the light snooze phases last much longer than the intensive sleep periods of up to seven minutes. But these are particularly important. Because while the velvet paw dozes "in readiness", it is at any time in the position to jump up and run away alternatively or to go over to the attack. Only the deep sleep phases contribute the crucial part to the necessary recovery of the brain. They account for about four hours per day. Unlike us humans, velvet paws sleep in bites: a nap on the lap here, a siesta in the flowerbed there.

Why do cats sleep so much?

The cat's organism is designed for hunting, which means: as soon as the prey is in sight, it gives 100 percent! From zero to instant everything runs at full speed. The body exudes adrenaline so that all senses and muscles are ready for the decisive moment - overpowering the prey. Moreover, the cat is on standby not only while awake, but also while snoozing. After all, she might miss a tasty snack in the form of a mouse or a bird. Whether it's tense lurking, sprinting, or taking a bright-eyed nap: Hunters expend a lot of energy. No wonder not only cats, but also their larger relatives like lions or tigers spend a lot of time resting. 

Can cats dream?

If you observe your furry roommate, you will realize how intensely he sleeps. When snoozing lightly, the cat will move its ears when you make a soft noise. Many cat owners report the following phenomenon: the pelt-nose slumbers blissfully, but as soon as it hears the barely audible sound of the cupboard door, behind which the treats are stored, it stands expectantly in front of it in no time. So she was probably just dozing. If, on the other hand, she is fast asleep, she is completely relaxed for a few minutes. So relaxed that a new kind of movement comes into the cat's body: The catwalks through dream landscapes!

Mouse trees and rivers full of cat's milk - we don't know what cats dream about. But researchers think it's very likely that they do. Just like dreaming humans, cats sometimes move their closed eyes during deep sleep. That's why we also speak of a REM phase (Rapid Eye Movement). During this phase, some sleepyheads twitch their paws, vibrate excitedly with their whiskers or make noises. This is no reason to worry: Perhaps your cat is experiencing an exciting mouse hunt or sees tasty treats in front of his inner eye. Do not disturb your velvet paw while it is dreaming so as not to frighten it. 

Thanks for reading: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Cat Sleep Patterns [2022 Guide], Sorry, my English is bad:)