do cats sleep more in the winter

do cats sleep more in the winter

3 days ago 2
Nature

Cats do tend to sleep more in winter, on average. Shorter daylight hours, cooler temperatures, and the need to conserve energy all contribute to longer sleep durations for many cats, especially indoors. Individual variation exists—some cats may not change their sleep noticeably, while others sleep more to stay warm and pass time during gloomier days. Key points:

  • Typical cat sleep: about 12–16 hours per day, with some cats nudging toward 20 hours in extreme cases, and winter can push naps higher for many indoor cats.
  • Why winter increases sleep: reduced daylight disrupts circadian rhythms, colder temperatures encourage energy conservation, and routine changes (more time spent indoors) can make cats settle into longer naps.
  • Outdoor vs indoor: outdoor cats may show stronger shifts due to environmental factors, while indoor cats often align sleep more closely with human schedules and a warm, cozy environment.
  • What you can do: provide warm, comfortable resting spots, maintain a consistent daily routine (feeding and wake times), and ensure access to fresh water and appropriate enrichment to prevent complete boredom if sleep dominates.

If you’d like, I can tailor tips for your cat’s situation (indoor vs outdoor, age, health) and suggest a few cozy winter bedding and enrichment ideas.

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