Cats are champions of sleep, spending anywhere from 12 to 16 hours a day dozing. But have you ever wondered why? It is not just laziness; it is an evolutionary trait rooted in their history as predators.
The Predator Energy Cycle
In the wild, hunting requires short bursts of intense energy. To conserve this energy, cats have evolved to sleep for long periods. Even your indoor house cat retains this biology. When they zoom around the house at 3 AM, they are expending that stored “hunting” energy.
REM vs. Deep Sleep
Like humans, cats experience different sleep stages. However, they spend much more time in “light sleep” than deep sleep. In light sleep, their ears will still twitch towards sounds, and they can spring into action instantly. Only about 25% of their sleep is deep, restorative sleep where dreaming occurs.
When to Worry
While excessive sleep is normal, a sudden change in sleeping habits can indicate illness. If your active cat becomes lethargic, or your sleepy cat becomes hyperactive/restless (a sign of hyperthyroidism), consult your vet.