# How Many Hours Do Cats Sleep? Kittens, Adults and Seniors

> Most adult cats sleep 12 to 16 hours a day, kittens and seniors even more. Here is why cats sleep so much, what is normal and when a change is worth a call to your vet.

Published: 2026-10-27

By the Brus Crew (https://bruscrew.co.uk/about-us)

Source: https://bruscrew.co.uk/how-many-hours-do-cats-sleep

How many hours do cats sleep? Most adult cats sleep for around 12 to 16 hours a day. Kittens and older cats often sleep even more, and some healthy cats nap for as much as 18 to 20 hours. It is not laziness: cats are hunters by nature, and they save their energy for short bursts of activity.

**Key points**

- Adult cats typically sleep 12 to 16 hours a day. Kittens and seniors can sleep more.
- Much of a cat's day is light dozing, not deep sleep.
- Cats are most active around dawn and dusk.
- A sudden change in sleep, such as sleeping much more or much less, is worth mentioning to your vet.

## How much do cats sleep at different ages?

- **Kittens:** often 16 to 20 hours a day while they grow. Our [kitten growth stages guide](https://bruscrew.co.uk/kitten-growth-stages-explained) shows what happens week by week.
- **Adults:** usually 12 to 16 hours, depending on the cat, their routine and how much there is to do.
- **Seniors:** may sleep more, and move more stiffly when they wake up. See our [senior cat health](https://bruscrew.co.uk/senior-cat-health-what-you-need-to-know) guide for what to watch for.

Not sure how old your cat is? Try our guide to [how to tell how old a cat is](https://bruscrew.co.uk/how-to-tell-how-old-a-cat-is) or the [cat age calculator](https://bruscrew.co.uk/cat-age-calculator).

## Why do cats sleep so much?

In the wild, a cat hunts small prey, and hunting takes a lot of energy. Resting between hunts saves it. Pet cats keep the habit even when dinner comes from a bowl. Cats also tend to be crepuscular, which means most active at dawn and dusk. That is why your cat may race around the house at 5am.

## Is it all deep sleep?

No. A lot of a cat's rest is light dozing, with ears still moving and one eye ready to open. Deeper sleep takes up only part of the time, and it is when you may see twitching paws or whiskers, perhaps because the cat is dreaming.

The [cat facts in numbers](https://bruscrew.co.uk/cat-infographics/cat-facts-by-numbers) infographic has this and more at a glance.

## Where do cats like to sleep?

Somewhere warm, safe and often high up. Radiators, sunny windowsills, cardboard boxes, your laundry basket and, of course, your bed are all popular. Our crew's [Starlight](https://bruscrew.co.uk/starlight) has made a bed of rumpled white bedding look very good indeed.

![Starlight, a black-and-white cat, sitting among rumpled white bedding and looking at the camera](https://bruscrew.co.uk/img/cats/starlight/starlight-06.jpg)[Starlight](https://bruscrew.co.uk/starlight) the cat## Can you help a cat sleep better at night?

If your cat wakes you up, try:

- a play session and a meal in the evening, so they are pleasantly tired;
- more toys and exercise during the day (see our guide to [safe cat toys](https://bruscrew.co.uk/safe-cat-toys-essential-guide));
- not responding to early morning crying, so it stops paying off;
- a comfy bed in a quiet spot.

## When is sleep a worry?

Talk to your vet if your cat suddenly sleeps a lot more or a lot less than normal, seems restless or in pain, has changed appetite or stopped grooming, or hides more than usual. Changes can have many causes, from stress to health problems, and a vet can help find out why.

## Questions people ask

### Do indoor cats sleep more than outdoor cats?

Often yes, mainly because they have less to do. Play and enrichment help keep them active.

### Do cats dream?

Probably. Cats have a sleep stage with rapid eye movement, and twitching paws or whiskers suggest dreaming, though we cannot know for sure.

### Why does my cat sleep on me?

Warmth and trust. Sleeping on you is a good sign that they feel safe. See our guide on why cats sit on laps.

### Is 20 hours of sleep too much?

It can be normal for a kitten or a sleepy senior, but if it is a change for your cat, ask your vet.