Why Is My Cat Sleeping More Than Usual Signs It Might Be Time To Check With The Vet

Cats are naturally inclined to rest—some breeds sleep up to 16 hours a day, especially as they age. But when a cat begins sleeping significantly more than their usual pattern, it can signal an underlying health issue. While occasional changes in sleep habits may result from seasonal shifts or minor environmental stressors, prolonged lethargy or disinterest in normal activities should not be ignored. Understanding what constitutes a concerning change—and knowing when to act—is essential for responsible pet ownership.

Sleep is vital for healing, brain function, and immune support in cats, just as it is in humans. However, excessive sleep combined with behavioral or physical changes often points to illness, pain, or emotional distress. Recognizing early warning signs allows you to intervene before a condition worsens. This article explores why your cat might be sleeping more than usual, identifies red flags that warrant veterinary attention, and provides practical steps to monitor your cat’s well-being.

Understanding Normal Cat Sleep Patterns

Before determining if your cat is oversleeping, it helps to understand typical feline sleep behavior. Adult cats average between 12 and 16 hours of sleep daily, while kittens and senior cats may sleep up to 20 hours. Cats are crepuscular, meaning they're most active during dawn and dusk, which aligns with their natural hunting instincts. During daylight and nighttime hours, they cycle through light dozing and deep REM sleep.

Factors influencing normal sleep duration include:

• Age: Kittens and older cats require more rest.
• Breed: Some breeds, like Persians or British Shorthairs, tend to be less active.
• Environment: Indoor cats often sleep more due to fewer stimuli.
• Weather: Cold or rainy days can make cats less active.
• Diet: A high-carbohydrate meal may induce drowsiness.

A shift becomes concerning when sleep increases suddenly or is accompanied by other symptoms. For example, a previously playful 5-year-old tabby who now sleeps 19 hours a day and ignores toys may be showing early signs of illness.

Tip: Keep a simple log of your cat’s daily routine—eating, grooming, playing, and sleeping—to spot subtle changes over time.

Common Medical Causes of Excessive Sleep in Cats

Increased sleepiness in cats is rarely without cause. Several medical conditions can lead to lethargy and extended rest periods. Early diagnosis improves outcomes, so awareness of potential illnesses is crucial.

Infections and Fever

Respiratory infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), or systemic bacterial infections often cause fatigue. When fighting illness, the body redirects energy toward immune response, leading to increased sleep. Other signs include sneezing, discharge from eyes or nose, urination outside the litter box, or vocalizing while using the litter tray.

Chronic Diseases

Conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and heart disease are common in middle-aged and older cats. These disorders disrupt metabolism and organ function, resulting in low energy. For instance, chronic kidney disease impairs toxin filtration, causing nausea and fatigue. Diabetic cats may appear weak due to improper glucose utilization.

Pain and Arthritis

Arthritis affects over 90% of cats over 10 years old, according to veterinary studies. Joint pain makes movement uncomfortable, so affected cats reduce activity and sleep more. You might notice stiffness after resting, reluctance to jump, or grooming only accessible areas.

Anemia

Anemia—low red blood cell count—reduces oxygen delivery throughout the body. Causes include internal parasites, autoimmune diseases, or chronic illness. Pale gums, rapid breathing, and weakness accompany excessive sleep.

Neurological or Cognitive Disorders

Feline Cognitive Dysfunction (FCD), similar to dementia in humans, occurs in aging cats. Symptoms include disorientation, altered sleep-wake cycles (sleeping more during the day, pacing at night), and reduced interaction. Brain tumors or neurological trauma can also manifest as increased sleeping.

“Lethargy in cats is one of the most underreported but significant symptoms. Because cats hide illness so well, a change in sleep patterns is often the first clue something is wrong.” — Dr. Lena Patel, DVM, Feline Internal Medicine Specialist

Behavioral and Environmental Triggers

Not all increases in sleep stem from medical issues. Emotional and environmental factors play a role, though these still merit attention if persistent.

Stress and Anxiety

Cats are sensitive to changes in routine, new pets, moving homes, or loud noises. Stress can suppress appetite and activity, leading to more time spent resting. A cat hiding under the bed and sleeping excessively after a home renovation may be overwhelmed rather than ill—but prolonged withdrawal requires evaluation.

Boredom and Lack of Stimulation

Indoor cats without enrichment may develop sedentary habits. Without toys, climbing structures, or interactive play, mental and physical engagement drops, contributing to longer rest periods. While not immediately dangerous, chronic boredom can lead to obesity and depression-like states.

Seasonal Affective Changes

Shorter daylight hours in winter may slightly increase sleep duration, much like seasonal affective disorder in humans. However, this should be mild and temporary. If sleep extends beyond a few extra hours weekly, investigate further.

Medication Side Effects

If your cat recently started medication—for allergies, pain, or behavioral issues—drowsiness could be a side effect. Always review drug information with your vet and report any concerning reactions.

Tip: Rotate toys weekly and introduce puzzle feeders to keep your cat mentally stimulated and physically active.

When to Worry: Red Flags That Demand a Vet Visit

Knowing when to seek professional help separates routine observation from urgent care. The following signs, especially when paired with increased sleep, strongly suggest a medical problem:

Symptom	Possible Cause	Action Required
Loss of appetite lasting over 24 hours	Kidney disease, dental pain, infection	Vet visit within 24–48 hours
Weight loss despite normal eating	Hyperthyroidism, diabetes, cancer	Schedule appointment promptly
Limping or difficulty jumping	Arthritis, injury, nerve damage	Assessment needed to manage pain
Changes in litter box habits	UTI, constipation, kidney issues	Contact vet immediately
Labored breathing or open-mouth breathing	Heart disease, respiratory infection	Emergency care required
Disorientation or confusion	Cognitive dysfunction, neurological issue	Diagnostic evaluation recommended

The combination of excessive sleep with even one additional symptom warrants veterinary consultation. Unlike dogs, cats rarely show overt signs of pain—they withdraw instead. This instinctual behavior means owners must be proactive observers.

Mini Case Study: Bella the Senior Cat

Bella, a 13-year-old domestic shorthair, had always been affectionate and moderately active. Her owner noticed she began sleeping 18+ hours a day, stopped greeting her at the door, and skipped meals unless hand-fed. Initially dismissed as “old age,” two weeks later Bella stopped grooming herself and developed a dull coat. A vet visit revealed stage 3 kidney disease and mild anemia. With fluid therapy, a renal diet, and regular monitoring, Bella regained energy and now sleeps closer to 14 hours—a manageable increase given her age and condition. Early detection prevented acute kidney failure.

What to Do: A Step-by-Step Guide to Monitoring and Acting

If you suspect your cat is sleeping too much, follow this structured approach to determine next steps:

1. Establish a baseline: Track your cat’s current sleep duration over three to five days. Note wake times, activity levels, and feeding patterns.
2. Look for accompanying symptoms: Monitor appetite, litter box use, grooming, vocalization, and mobility. Use a notebook or app to record observations.
3. Check for environmental changes: Consider recent moves, new pets, construction, or schedule disruptions that could cause stress.
4. Perform a gentle physical check: Inspect gums (should be pink, not pale or yellow), feel for lumps, and observe walking gait. Note any signs of pain when touched.
5. Contact your veterinarian: Share your notes and concerns. Many vets offer telehealth consultations for preliminary assessment.
6. Schedule a wellness exam: Blood work, urinalysis, and physical evaluation can detect hidden conditions even if symptoms seem mild.
7. Follow treatment plans: If a diagnosis is made, adhere to medication schedules, dietary changes, and follow-up visits.

This process empowers you to advocate for your cat’s health confidently. Waiting “to see if it gets better” risks missing critical intervention windows, especially in progressive diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much sleep is too much for a cat?

While 16 hours is normal for many adult cats, consistently sleeping more than 18–20 hours—especially if newly adopted behavior—may indicate a problem. Context matters: a kitten or senior cat may legitimately need more rest. Focus on changes from their individual norm, not general guidelines.

Can depression cause a cat to sleep more?

Cats don’t experience depression exactly like humans, but they can develop behavioral shutdowns due to chronic stress, grief (e.g., after losing a companion animal), or lack of stimulation. These cats may sleep more, stop grooming, or avoid interaction. Environmental enrichment and, in some cases, pheromone diffusers or vet-prescribed therapies can help.

Should I wake my cat up if they’re sleeping all day?

No—waking them disrupts necessary rest. Instead, gently engage them during natural waking moments. Try interactive toys, feather wands, or food puzzles when they stir. If they repeatedly refuse to interact or eat, seek veterinary advice.

Conclusion: Trust Your Instincts and Act Early

Your cat relies on you to interpret their silent cues. Increased sleep alone isn’t always alarming, but when combined with subtle shifts in behavior, appetite, or physical condition, it can be the earliest sign of illness. Cats excel at masking discomfort, making attentive caregiving essential. By tracking routines, recognizing red flags, and consulting your vet proactively, you give your feline companion the best chance at a long, healthy life.

Don’t dismiss changes as “just getting older.” Aging isn’t a disease—it’s a risk factor. With timely intervention, many conditions can be managed effectively. If something feels off, trust your gut. Schedule a check-up. It could be the difference between a quick fix and a serious crisis.

💬 Has your cat ever shown sudden changes in sleep habits? Share your story or questions in the comments—your experience could help another pet owner recognize a warning sign early.