Everyone knows that domestic cats like to sleep. In order to get enough sleep, a typical cat needs a dream lasting at least 16 hours a day, and for some specimens even more. Compared to humans, this pet sleeps most of its life. According to some sources, only possums and bats are ahead of cats in the amount of time spent in a dream. Until today, the reason why cats sleep a lot has not been fully elucidated. Scientists explain this physiological peculiarity by several probable causes, most of which are associated with the evolution of the animal.
Predation as a way of life
The nature of cats is designed so that all of them, regardless of species, were and remain predatory animals. Domestic cats are no exception. Nevertheless, at present they have lost many of the peculiarities of behavior characteristic of predators that were acquired in the process of evolution.
As a predatory animal, the cat exhibits maximum activity during the wake of its prey, that is, at dawn and sunset. The rest of the time she needs to sleep and recover, which just explains why cats sleep a lot. To lead a predatory lifestyle, the animal needs to accumulate as much energy as possible, which would ensure a successful outcome of the hunt. For this reason, in the process of evolutionary development, cats have gained the ability to accumulate maximum energy in order to use it if necessary, increasing the likelihood of a successful completion of the hunt.
Power Features
Another explanation for why cats sleep a lot is the animal’s food. The fact is that, as a predator, a cat needs an increased intake of protein. To digest protein food, you need to sleep a long time. In addition, such food is very nutritious, which allows cats to spend less time eating and sleeping more.
Drowsiness due to boredom
Why do cats often sleep? It is likely that pets love to sleep because they simply have nothing to do. Cats are quite curious animals, and they tend to get different impressions. Spending life in a house where the situation is practically unchanged, cats begin to feel bored. Even if the owners are at home, they do not always have the time and desire to entertain the pet. In order for the cat to sleep less, try to entertain her. At the same time, do not forget that most of the time it should be spent on sleep, because it is so inherent in nature.
How do cats sleep
Like humans, cats have two phases of sleep: deep and superficial.
Superficial sleep lasts from 15 minutes to 1.5 hours. During this period, the cat keeps its body under control, so that at any moment you can jump up and run away or attack itself.
The duration of deep sleep, as a rule, is about 5 minutes, and the cat cannot quickly get out of this state. The phase of deep sleep is replaced by a nap, and this alternation continues until the animal wakes up.
If you count the time that goes into a deep sleep, it turns out that cats do not sleep so much. In other words, cats spend most of their time half asleep.
Weather effect
It's no secret that the weather directly affects the behavior of cats. Of course, their activity depends on many factors. This includes age, breed, temperament, and also a state of health. But the fact that dull rainy weather explains why cats sleep a lot is a fact. It should be borne in mind that cat sleep should not exceed 80% of the time. For small kittens, a sleep duration of up to 90% of the day is considered normal. A longer sleep, as a rule, indicates that the animal has health problems.
Why is the cat sluggish and sleeps a lot?
Lethargy and drowsiness are a sign of many diseases. Since the temperament of each cat is different, not a single veterinarian can determine whether the animal is in a normal state. Only the owner who knows his pet well can do this. The cause of lethargy can be quite natural. For example, it could be:
- fatigue;
- hot weather;
- postoperative period;
- taking certain medications;
- pregnancy;
- advanced age of the animal.
How to determine if a cat is sick
If your pet is sick, in most cases other symptoms join the lethargy and drowsiness. As a rule, the presence of the disease can be said on the basis of such signs:
- the animal is hiding from everyone;
- eats little;
- does not drink water;
- Does not care for wool;
- behaves aggressively;
- trouble breathing
- vomiting
- diarrhea;
- fever;
- pallor of gums.
If you notice an inexplicable drowsiness and lethargy in a cat, which are also accompanied by the above symptoms, it is necessary to show the animal to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
Probable diseases associated with excessive drowsiness
Online forums often discuss the topic “Why does a cat eat poorly and sleep a lot?” As it turns out, often a lack of appetite and constant nap can be associated with infectious diseases, in particular worms. In order for the pet to not lose weight and not be sluggish, from time to time he needs to be given anthelmintic drugs.
Drowsiness can also be caused by diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In most cases, this condition is accompanied by diarrhea and other abnormal discharge.
Renal failure is another equally common cause of cat loss of appetite and sleepiness. Self-medication in this case is unacceptable. If the animal is not taken to the doctor in the near future, the situation may end tragically. Timely diagnosis and treatment will help save the pet, so you should not linger.
Also, excessive drowsiness and refusal to eat can indicate liver problems. In this case, it is necessary to pay a visit to the veterinarian, who will prescribe treatment aimed at cleansing the organ.
In addition, diseases of the pancreas, reproductive system, blood, hypothyroidism, diabetes, purulent endometritis, colds and others can be the cause of decreased activity of a pet.
As you can see, the reasons why a cat eats little and sleeps a lot can be far from harmless. Therefore, if you suspect an ailment, you should immediately seek help from a veterinarian who can make the correct diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment for your pet.