Many cats sleep between 12 and 18 hours a day, and some sleep over 18 hours, especially older cats, due to reduced mobility and physical activity with progressing age.
This sleeping pattern is probably because cats have evolved as hunters. They must rest during the daytime to conserve energy for chasing and killing their prey during dark hours. Finding the next meal can be an arduous task for wild cats. However, our pet cats are born lucky to have their human parents at their beck and call for anything they need.
Even when there is no need to hunt, domestic cats have carried on their ancestral instincts. However, cat owners should watch their furry babies closely if they are sleeping excessively. Additional signs like lethargy, appetite loss, and weight loss can point to physical health issues that may need addressing.
In such a case, contact your vet as soon as possible. Unplanned vet visits wouldn’t be as financially stressful if you have pet health insurance. So, contemplate purchasing cat insurance; meanwhile, learn some common reasons why cats oversleep.
1.Anxiousness
Feline pets can sleep for longer hours when they are bored, depressed, or anxious. In this case, they often hide in a corner or under the furniture to maintain a good distance from the household members. Sometimes, they may choose to interact with just one person in the family and other times isolate themselves completely. Apart from poor sleeping habits, such behavior should be concerning and a reason for a vet visit.
2.Sickness
Cats choose to suffer illnesses silently rather than talk about their problems, roam around, and be hot targets for predators lurking around. So, naturally, they find remote places to rest and heal before returning to business.
In the case of pet cats, look for signs like refusing to get out of bed; the problem could be mental as much as physical. Plus, pain and discomfort due to being overweight can make them stay in a place for longer. If this is the case, a thorough examination by the vet is recommended..
3.Weather
Weather changes can be another reason why cats sleep so well and so much on some days. Especially during the cold months and rainy season, your cat might love to curl up on your warm bed and simply refuse to get moving.
Add some heating elements to your room, provide your cat with a heating pad, and cozy winter gear to help conserve the body heat.
4.Health
Just like humans need a good amount of sleep to maintain health, cats too, need a sufficient number of sleeping hours to stay sane. Cats know that quality sleep is necessary for their well being, which is why they prioritize rest, unlike busy humans.
If your furry baby is experiencing disturbed sleep or sleeping longer than usual, you should spend quality time with it through games, toys, and bonding sessions. This should help your feline switch back to its regular sleeping pattern and bring back the lost cheer on its face.
When nothing seems to work, consult your vet for an examination, medical advice, and assistance. Cat insurance covers your furball’s unanticipated vet bills, so if you have pet health insurance, you have one less thing to worry about. Providing your munchkin top-notch medical care is what matters the most in cases like these and many more.
