If you’ve ever watched a cat doze off in a sunbeam or curl up in a cozy corner, you know that napping is one of their greatest talents. But why do cats sleep so much? And what makes their nap habits so unique? Let’s dive into the art of the cat nap, exploring the science, sleeping positions, favorite spots, and the sometimes hilarious ways our feline friends embrace their love of sleep.
My cats love napping. Especially Stormi. I feel like half the day she just naps and doesn’t do anything else. Miso naps a lot too but she tends to be more active than Stormi. Napping is a big part of their lives and I know as Miso grows older, she too will start to nap a lot more throughout the day.
How Much Do Cats Sleep?
Cats are professional nappers, sleeping anywhere from 12 to 16 hours a day—sometimes even more! Kittens, senior cats, and especially lazy house cats can sleep up to 20 hours a day. While this might seem excessive, it all comes down to evolution.
In the wild, cats are natural hunters, which means they need to conserve energy for short bursts of intense activity, like stalking and pouncing on prey. Even though your house cat’s most strenuous activity might be chasing a toy mouse, that instinct still tells them to nap as much as possible.
The Science of Cat Naps: Do They Dream?
Ever seen your cat twitch, flick their tail, or move their paws in their sleep? That’s because cats experience REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, just like humans do. During this deep sleep stage, their brains are active, and they may actually be dreaming!
So what do cats dream about? No one knows for sure, but it’s likely they replay their daily adventures—chasing toys, watching birds, or imagining themselves as the fierce hunters they were born to be.
The Best Nap Spots: Where Cats Love to Sleep
Every cat has a favorite nap location, but here are some of the most common spots they love:
1. Sunbeam Lounging
Nothing beats a warm patch of sunlight. Cats instinctively seek out sunny spots to maximize warmth and comfort. Even if the sunbeam moves across the room, your cat will likely follow.
2. High Perches & Hidden Corners
Some cats love height and will nap on bookshelves, cat trees, or the back of the couch. Others prefer privacy, hiding under beds, in boxes, or behind furniture.
3. Your Lap (But Only on Their Terms!)
If your cat naps on you, consider yourself lucky—it’s a sign of trust. However, some cats will only do this occasionally, and others act like your lap is lava.
4. Stolen Spots
Ever set up a comfy, expensive cat bed, only for them to sleep in the Amazon box instead? Cats love to ignore designated nap spaces in favor of whatever they weren’t supposed to sleep on—like your laptop, laundry, or even another pet’s bed.
Sleeping Positions and What They Mean
Cats have some of the most adorable and bizarre sleeping positions. Here are a few common ones and what they might indicate:
1. The Loaf
Paws tucked under, body compact—this means your cat is relaxed but still alert.
2. The Belly Up
Exposing the belly is a sign of trust and comfort. Some cats sleep like this when they feel completely safe.
3. The Curled-Up Ball
A classic cat nap position! This keeps them warm and protected, similar to how wild cats sleep.
4. The Face Plant
When your cat buries their face in a blanket or your lap, they’re likely in deep sleep.
5. The Twisted Pretzel
If your cat is sleeping in a way that looks physically impossible, congratulations—you have a true nap artist.
Do Cats Nap Together? Sleeping in Pairs
If you have more than one cat, you might notice that they either nap together or completely ignore each other at nap time.
- Bonded Cats often sleep curled up together, grooming each other before drifting off.
- Dominant Cats may take over the best sleeping spots.
- Independent Cats will prefer their own space but might sleep near each other occasionally.
Some cats also steal nap spots from their feline siblings, causing minor “territorial disputes” (aka grumpy meows and tail flicks).
The Nap Disruptions: When One Cat Wakes the Other
Have you ever seen one cat peacefully napping, only for their sibling to pounce on them out of nowhere? This is a common issue in multi-cat households! Some cats are more playful, while others just want to nap in peace.
Signs of a nap disruption:
One cat gently pokes the other’s tail.
A full-on pounce onto a sleeping cat.
Tail flicks of annoyance from the awakened cat.
A chase scene that suddenly erupts in the middle of nap time.
Do Cats Nap More in Certain Seasons?
Yes! Many cats adjust their napping habits based on the weather:
Summer: Cats will seek cool spots, stretch out more, and avoid heavy blankets.
Winter: More curled-up sleeping, burrowing under blankets, and cuddling for warmth.
The True Art of the Nap
At the end of the day, cats are masters of relaxation. While we might feel guilty for taking an afternoon nap, cats embrace sleep as an essential part of life. Whether curled up in a sunbeam, stealing your warm laptop, or sleeping upside down with paws in the air, cats remind us that sometimes, the best thing to do is just take a nap.
What’s Your Cat’s Favorite Nap Spot?
Do your cats have funny or unusual sleeping habits? Share your stories in the comments! 😸💤
