Reasons Why Cats Sleep a Lot: Possible Causes Explained

Part 1: Why Do Cats Always Seem to Be Asleep?

1. Cats require significantly more sleep than humans, with their sleep duration often exceeding four times that of humans. In a state of relaxation, they can sleep for about 16 hours a day, which is a normal physiological phenomenon.

2. As nocturnal creatures, cats typically prefer to sleep during the day and be active at night, foraging and hunting. Without deliberate adjustments from their owners, cats may play after their owners have fallen asleep, leading owners to believe that their feline companions are asleep most of the time, except for meals and bathroom breaks.

3. Despite spending much of their day dozing, cats only enter deep sleep for about 45 hours a day. The rest of the time, they are in a light sleep state, remaining vigilant. If an unusual situation arises, they can quickly flee to safety.

Part 2: Reasons for a Sudden Increase in a Cat's Sleepiness

1. Cold Weather

Many cats are sensitive to cold temperatures. When the weather turns chilly, their sleep time increases as a way to conserve energy and reduce energy expenditure, much like a snake's hibernation. This is a normal response and owners should not be overly concerned.

2. Illness

If a cat is sleeping excessively and also exhibits symptoms such as a decreased appetite and a lack of energy, it may be ill. Many diseases can cause these symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose without professional help. In such cases, it's important to take the cat to a veterinarian for a checkup.

3. Environmental Changes

Newly adopted cats may exhibit excessive sleepiness as they adjust to their new environment. Cats are sensitive creatures and need time to observe and adapt to new surroundings. They often retreat to corners to watch their new environment. This phase usually lasts no more than a week. If a cat continues to sleep excessively and shows signs of poor health after a week, it's advisable to consult a veterinarian.

Understanding why cats are always sleeping can be further explored in "Why Do Cats Love to Sleep So Much?" For more information or questions, feel free to consult an online veterinary expert.