How Many Hours a Day Do Cats Sleep? A Full Guide

How Many Hours a Day Do Cats Sleep? (And Why Kittens Sleep Even More)

If you've just brought a kitten home and can't figure out why she spends most of her time curled up in a ball, here's your answer up front: kittens sleep 18 to 20 hours a day, and that's completely normal. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet

That number surprises a lot of new pet parents — but it makes perfect sense once you understand what's happening inside that tiny, fast-growing body. Sleep isn't downtime for a kitten; it's when the real work of development happens. Growth hormones release during deep sleep, tissues repair, and the immune system strengthens. Letting your kitten snooze as much as she needs is one of the most important things you can do for her long-term wellbeing. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet

Kitten and Cat Sleep Hours at a Glance

Sleep needs shift as your kitten grows, but cats remain champion sleepers at every life stage. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet

Why Do Kittens Sleep So Much?

Two big forces drive all that sleep: rapid physical growth and deep-rooted instinct.

Cats are carnivores, and in the wild, a cat's survival depends on explosive bursts of energy — stalking, pouncing, catching. Between those bursts, conserving energy is critical. Even a pampered house kitten carries that same biological wiring. Her frequent catnaps are her body's way of banking energy for the next play session. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care

You've probably seen it play out: your kitten lounges peacefully for hours, then suddenly tears through the house at full speed for no obvious reason. That's her natural activity cycle in action — rest, burst, rest again.

Key reasons kittens sleep more than adult cats:

• Growth hormones are released primarily during sleep
• The immune system develops and strengthens during rest https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet
• Digesting nutrient-dense kitten food takes real energy
• Sensory processing — every new sight, sound and smell is being catalogued by a developing brain

Will My Kitten Sleep Through the Night?

Probably not right away — and that's normal too. Cats are naturally most active around dawn and dusk, which means a young kitten may be wide awake exactly when you want to sleep. She may also wake during the night because she's hungry, bored, or missing the warmth of her littermates. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care

The good news: with a consistent evening routine, most kittens gradually sync their sleep schedule closer to yours. Here's what works:

1. Burn energy before bedtime. Schedule an active play session in the hour before you turn in. Rotate cat toys to keep things interesting and let her chase, pounce and "hunt" until she's genuinely tired.

2. Feed her last meal right before you go to bed. A full kitten is a sleepy kitten. Offer her kitten food as her final meal of the evening, then give her a moment at the litter box before settling her in. Leave a small amount of dry food and fresh water accessible overnight in case she wakes hungry.

3. Set up her sleep space thoughtfully.

• Position her bed close to yours so she can hear your voice and breathing
• Tuck a soft, worn t-shirt into her bed — your scent is genuinely comforting to her
• Try a toy or device that mimics a heartbeat to soothe her through the night
• Some kittens feel more secure slightly elevated; try placing her bed on an overturned laundry basket so she's closer to your level

4. Don't engage with middle-of-the-night zoomies. It's tempting to get up and play when she's bouncing off the walls at 3 a.m., but doing so teaches her that nighttime activity gets your attention. Stay calm, speak softly, and let her settle on her own.

When Should You Be Concerned About Your Kitten's Sleep?

Because kittens sleep so much by default, it can be hard to spot when something is off. Contact your veterinarian if you notice:

• Sudden increase in sleep paired with loss of appetite
• Difficulty waking her or unusual limpness
• Sleeping far more than her normal baseline for more than a day or two
• Any other behavioral changes alongside increased sleep https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners

Knowing your individual kitten's normal routine is the best early-warning system you have. If something feels different, trust your instincts and reach out to your vet.

The Bottom Line

Eighteen-plus hours of sleep a day isn't laziness — it's biology. Your kitten's body is doing extraordinary work while she snoozes, and protecting that rest is a genuine act of care. Be patient as she learns to sleep through the night, stay consistent with your evening routine, and enjoy the quiet moments when she finally curls up beside you. That bond you're building? It starts right here.

My kitten sleeps a lot and is not very active when they’re awake. Should I be worried?

It’s definitely something you may want to get checked out by your veterinarian. Though cats sleep a lot, they’re typically on the go and ready to explore as soon as they open their eyes. If your cat is sleeping a lot and not playing when they’re awake, it could be a sign of a medical issue.

However, keep in mind that our pets have personalities. You may have a kitty that is just a little lazy. Consult your vet just to be on the safe side—especially if you notice additional signs, such as not eating and drinking normally or any gastrointestinal issues.

Does my kitten need to have their own bed? Can they sleep with me instead?

It’s a good idea to give every pet their own space, especially when they’re young. Getting your kitten a cat bed is a great way to set up your nighttime routine. When you put them to bed at the same time each night, they’ll start to understand that it’s time to rest. The act of playing with them, feeding them and putting them to bed is important for a kitten’s sleep schedule and peace of mind. A consistent routine can help calm anxiety and alleviate fears—and ultimately achieve the goal of getting your kitten sleeping through the night.

That being said, many cats are stubborn—even when they’re kittens. You may put them to bed and watch them fall asleep, but if they wake up, will they stay there? Maybe not. Most likely, you will wake up and find them snuggled up against you if given a chance. When a kitten is in low-energy mode, they may seek the companionship and warmth of their family—and that’s you.

As your kitten grows up, they may naturally start sleeping with you during the night if you allow it. When they’re a small kitten, use caution if you’re having them sleep in your bed—especially if you’re a sound sleeper. If you happen to roll onto your little cat, they may not be able to maneuver out of the way.

It’s also important to remember that kittens usually aren’t fully litter-trained when you adopt them. If they have an accident in their machine-washable bed, cleanup is pretty easy. Getting the pungent smell of cat urine out of your mattress, however, not so much. Even worse, if the smell lingers, they may think it’s an alternate place to go potty.

When should I worry about my kitten’s sleeping patterns?

Cats are usually consistent. They tend to sleep a little less as they get older, but when they’re awake, they should be pretty active. If you notice your cat isn’t engaging like they used to or seems lethargic, it’s time for a checkup with your veterinarian.

If your cat isn’t sleeping enough, this could also indicate problems. Felines can suffer from sleep disorders, just like humans. A drastic shift in your kitten’s sleep habits could indicate an underlying medical issue or an increase in anxiety and stress. Anxiety can be dangerous for cats—it can make them more prone to infections and illness.

As a pet parent, trust your instincts. If their behavior seems off, it’s best to consult your veterinarian. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Petco offers a variety of services to make taking care of your pet easier. We offer in-store veterinary services, microchipping and an online cat pharmacy so you can get their medications shipped right to your door.

We have everything you need to complete your New Kitten Checklist and to Kitty-Proof Your House. Our Cat Care Sheets are also a great resource. Come see us at your nearest neighborhood Petco Pet Care Center for all your feline needs.