If there's one thing kittens are good at, it's sleeping most of the day. But how much does a kitten actually sleep ? And why do they need so much sleep? In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at kitten sleep habits and what you as an owner can do to ensure your kitten gets enough sleep. Read all about kittens in our kitten guide !
Average sleep needs for kittens
A newborn kitten sleeps up to 20 hours a day. That's quite a lot when there are only 24 hours in a day! Since they sleep almost 90% of the time right after they're born, they'll stay close to their mother to avoid putting themselves in danger. As they get older, they won't need as much sleep, and will gradually replace snoring with more exploration. But they'll still sleep somewhere between 16 - 20 hours a day, combined with little energetic naps between meals.
As they have a high need for sleep, it is important that your kitten has a comfortable place to sleep where they feel safe. Cats' body temperature also drops when they sleep, so a soft cat bed or a warm cat cave with a roof will contribute to a lovely environment to doze in. Kittens have an extra need for sleep, so if you have children in the house, you should agree to let your kitten sleep in peace once it has gone to bed in its own bed. This way, your kitten will also develop to be more trusting and secure in its family.
Few animals can beat a cat's sleeping habits. Most adult cats sleep an average of 15 hours each day, but this varies depending on the cat's personality and age.
Sleeping habits for kittens
Your furry friend isn't lazy, they're just awake when you're sleeping! Cats are nocturnal, which means they wake up at dusk when the sun goes down. They're programmed to catch small animals like birds and mice in order to survive. Once the sun has set, it's easier for the cat to sneak around undetected, even by larger animals. Kittens shouldn't be allowed outside until they're around 12 months old, as they can easily get lost with their undeveloped sense of place.
Even if your four-legged friend is inside when you sleep, they can still have a lot of fun when they are awake! Like climbing on top of your duvet and catching toes that stick out, or meowing for attention. If your four-legged friend is attention-seeking at night, don't yell at him or pick him up. These are reactions he would like to get from you if it means not getting any attention at all. Instead, try increasing his activities during the day when your kitten is a little older, or give him access to other kitten toys that he can keep busy with at night. Remember not to leave cat toys with long strings lying around unattended. If you feed your furball before going to bed, there is also less chance that he will wake you up because he is hungry. We have a large selection of cat food that will keep your furry friend healthy and happy.
Do you have a kitten at home? Find out how much food a kitten needs .
Sweet dreams or always prepared?
Kittens have two sleep modes. They are either very light sleepers or very heavy sleepers. They often switch between the different modes throughout their sleep period. When they are light sleepers, they may look very relaxed lying there with their eyes closed, but they will be ready to spring out if something unexpected happens. Have you ever seen your cat make little twitches with their paws and whiskers in their sleep? Then they have taken the train to the world of dreams and are in a deep sleep.
Why do kittens need a lot of sleep?
Kittens can sleep through most situations. Behind couch cushions, in your closet among all your clothes or even in the litter box. But why do kittens sleep so much? Seeing the world through a kitten's eyes can be overwhelming. There are many exciting, new impressions each day that need to be processed, and catching mice, both live and stuffed with catnip, takes a lot of energy. In addition to processing events during the day, kittens release growth hormones when they sleep, so it's incredibly important for kittens to get enough sleep to develop into healthy, happy cats.
Signs of sleep problems in kittens
Because kittens need so much sleep, they can hardly get too much. But there are reasons why some cats sleep more than others. It could be because they are bored and understimulated or stressed. This can lead to other behavioral problems such as constant meowing or excessive grooming. Some health conditions can also cause more sleep and lethargy than normal in cats, such as high metabolism, diabetes or liver disease. If you are concerned about your cat's sleep patterns, or notice behavioral changes, do not hesitate to contact a veterinarian for advice. If you are in Larvik, you are welcome to visit our small animal clinic .
Summary
A kitten sleeps as much as 20 hours a day when they are newborn. As they get older, they will sleep somewhat less, but still sleep much more than most other mammals. Kittens have a high need for sleep, this is in order to be able to develop and process all the new impressions during the day. It is important that your kitten has a safe and comfortable place to sleep, and that you respect it when it has gone to bed. A kitten sleeps for a large part of the day, but if you think it is sleeping too much as it gets older, or you notice other behavioral changes, you can consult a veterinarian.
Read all about cats in our blog!
