If you have just got a kitten, or are considering getting one, then you might be wondering how much do kittens sleep?
The short answer is that kittens need a lot of sleep. They will sleep from 18-22 hours a day, and will be moving non-stop in the short times they are awake. Don’t be concerned about this amount of sleep as it’s perfectly normal for your kitten and allows their proper development in becoming an adult cat.
As your kitten begins to grow, they will sleep less but it will still hover around the 16-hour mark each day. Even mature cats need over 10 hours of sleep each day, and you will notice your kitten growing in perfect health with the right amount of sleep.
How Long Do Kittens Sleep At Night?
Your kitten will most likely become active over nighttime while you are asleep. This is because kittens are hardwired to be predators, and twilight is the perfect time for them to chase their prey. This means you will wake up in the morning as your kitten begins to fall asleep after a night of exploring and playing in your home.
If you find that this is disruptive to your sleep pattern, you should set your kitten up with plenty of toys and entertainment in a different part of your home so you will not be disturbed while you sleep.
Does My Kitten Sleep Deeply Every Time?
When your kitten is asleep, they cycle through short periods of deeper sleep and longer periods of lighter sleep. When your kitten is in a deeper sleep, they will last only a few minutes in this stage and this is when your kitten will be dreaming or breathing more deeply and lying on their back or side.
When your kitten is in periods of lighter sleep, they will likely be sleeping in a position where they can quickly pounce or jump once they wake up. This is a natural response to being in the wild and is inherent to cats.
What To Do If Your Cat Is Sleeping More Than Usual
If you notice that your kitten has begun to sleep a lot more than their usual amount, or if they are lethargic and unenergetic when they are awake, it could be a sign that there is a medical problem they need you to take care of. The best way to deal with this potential problem is to quickly arrange a vet visit so they can check out your kitten and make sure they are healthy and happy.
Do Kittens Get Lonely?
If you think your kitten may be depressed if they are left alone for long periods of time while you work or are traveling overnight, you might want to try and find them some more toys that they find more entertaining, inviting a house or pet sitter to check on them periodically and play with them, or may even consider adding another kitten to your home to keep them company.
A happy kitten is a healthy kitten, so keeping them entertained during their wakeful periods is important in maintain proper kitten health.
Let us know in the comments – does your kitten love their nap times?
