Do Cats Really Sleep 16 Hours a Day? Facts About Cats' Circadian Rhythms

Cats have fascinated us for centuries with their mysterious nature – they can sleep almost all day, only to awaken their inner predator in the middle of the night. Many owners wonder: is it normal for my cat to sleep so much? And do cats really sleep as much as 16 hours a day?

The answer is yes—but that's not the whole picture. Cat sleep is a much more complex mechanism than you might think.

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Why do cats sleep so long?

Biologically, cats are crepuscular , meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. This circadian rhythm is a holdover from their wild ancestors—predators who hunted at times when prey was most available.

According to a 2016 study published in Applied Animal Behavior Science , adult domestic cats sleep an average of 13 to 16 hours a day , and kittens and older cats sleep up to 20 hours a day. However, this sleep isn't continuous: it consists of dozens of short naps that, taken together, create a "rest mosaic."

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Cat Sleep Phases – Not Every Nap Is the Same

Just like humans, cats also have two main sleep phases:

• Slow Wave Sleep (SWS) – deep physical rest during which muscles relax and the body regenerates.

• REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep – the dreaming phase in which a cat's brain processes experiences and the body may twitch slightly.

Electroencephalography (EEG) studies conducted by Professor Nicholas Dodman of Tufts University have shown that cats enter REM sleep every 25–30 minutes , meaning they dream frequently. This explains why we might see subtle movements of paws or ears—this is what cat sleep looks like in full swing.

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Nighttime Madness – Why Does My Cat Wake Up in the Middle of the Night?

Cats aren't strictly "nocturnal"—they're more active at dawn and dusk . However, because they live with us in our homes, they often try to match our sleep patterns. Despite this, their hunting instincts can take over, hence the familiar nighttime romps around the living room .

An interesting 2013 study ( Behavioral Processes Journal ) showed that cats kept in environments rich in stimuli – with opportunities to climb, observe, and play – sleep less during the day , and their circadian rhythm becomes more similar to that of humans.
In other words: a cat that has something to do sleeps more "humanly" .

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Comfort and safety – the key to good sleep

Sleep in cats isn't just about regeneration—it's also a signal of security . A cat that feels comfortable in its surroundings allows itself to fall into deeper, more restful sleep.

That is why the place of rest is so important:

• a soft, body-fitting bed,

• a high shelf or hammock with a view of the surroundings (cats love to observe from above),

• a warm and quiet place away from drafts and noise.

That's why pawdesign.pl offers beds and scratching posts designed to create a relaxing space for your cat—made from natural, safe materials and with an aesthetic that complements your home's interior. It's not only comfort, but also harmony between the worlds of humans and cats.

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What can disrupt a cat's sleep rhythm?

Some changes in sleep behavior may be a warning sign:

• excessive sleepiness (over 20 hours a day) may indicate hypothyroidism or depression,

• insomnia or restless sleep – for stress, pain or neurological disorders.

If you notice significant changes in your cat's sleep pattern, it is worth consulting a veterinarian or behaviorist.

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Cats do sleep an average of 13–16 hours a day , but this is a result of their natural instincts, not laziness. Sleep helps them maintain physical, mental, and emotional balance.
It is worth supporting this rhythm by providing them with:

• safe, quiet places to sleep,

• the ability to observe the surroundings,

• appropriate amount of stimulation during the day (play, interaction, scratching posts, shelves).

Because when a cat sleeps peacefully, the whole house breathes more peacefully along with it. 💛