Is It Normal For A Kitten To Sleep All Day
Cats sleep to various degrees but Id argue that the amount a cat sleeps is the same as or less than most people would expect.
If your cat sleeps all day, maybe its time to see a vet.
Its all in how we define sleep and what we consider normal for a cat to sleep. In the wild, cats, and dogs have to rest after a long, hard day hunting for food.
Cats have instincts that allow them to sleep very deeply and if they sleep all day they will stay awake during the night.
A healthy sleeping habit is one that has the cat resting through the entire day and not drifting off during the night.
It is normal for a kitten to sleep just as much as a feline who is not nearly as young.
Of course a cat will require more sleep than a dog for the same reasons.
Lying around all day will slow a cats heart rate down and make it dehydrated, which can cause many health problems.
If you think your cat is sleeping too much, I suggest you take it to the vet and have it checked. Also, consider making changes to the way you live that may be causing a sleep deprivation.
Cats dont need to be kept in an enclosed room all day. They are active creatures who dont need more activities to keep them busy. Good indoor lighting and water dishes are good things to have in the house to help keep your kitty healthy.
If your cat is so tired he doesnt even know where the day ends and night begins, Id suggest taking it to the vet and seeing what they have to say.
Cat Sleeping Positions When Sick
Lethargy is a common symptom of many feline illnesses. While senior cats will naturally want to rest for longer than a young adult cat, the sleeping position assumed could be a sign of sickness.
Curling in a ball or adopting the fetal position suggests that your cat is struggling to stay warm. A cat on its side may be finding it hard to breathe or be attempting to relieve pressure on aching joints. Sleeping on the back can imply feelings of vulnerability, so the cat wants quick access to its claws for self-defense.
It is hard to diagnose illness by sleeping position alone. Cats sleep in a range of poses, many of which look uncomfortable. Accompanied by the physical symptoms of illness, a cats sleeping position can reveal what ails it.
Obesity / Lack Ofvitamins
Obesity is a very likely reason why your cat sleeps a lot. Apartfrom overfeeding, obesity in cats may also be caused by an imbalanced diet andlack of exercise. An average cat should be fed three to four small meals daily.Feed him a lean, protein-rich diet.
Some cats that are left alone for most of the day with all thefood they can eat are more likely to become overweight. If you have to leavefor long periods, make use of feeders with portion control so your cat doesntovereat. If your pet is an indoor cat, find ways to give him plenty ofexercise. This might require;leash training your cat;or providing him with interactive toys.
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How Long Do Kittens Sleep
Its common knowledge that a kitten doesnt sleep as long as a cat or dog, but when should you consider your kitten asleep?
Well, that depends on a number of factors.
There are several things you can look at when you are trying to determine how long a kitten sleep.
One of the most common is the amount of food your kitten is getting. Most cats and dogs dont sleep nearly as much as they eat, so the kitten is not starved.
As long as you are feeding your kitten enough to keep him/her healthy and alive, he/she should sleep for a couple of hours.
Are there other instances where you will know that your kitten is awake or sleeping?
Do you hear any scratching?
Is your kitten drooling a lot? If so, then your kitten is probably hungry and may be feeling very sleepy.
Some cats have an unnatural hunger drive to wake them up, so if this is a problem for your kitten, consider starting a feeding routine.
Also, you will want to know when your kitten sleeps for the purpose of urinating.
A cat might naturally go to the bathroom everyday at daybreak, but this might not be the case for a kitten who goes to the bathroom after a meal.
Urinating at night could also be a sign of poor diet and not enough sleep.
Looking for signs of sleep is actually easier than it looks. A cat with a bit of fur missing on his nose will often be licking and look tired.
Also, your kitten will often hide under your legs and look very unhappy, just like your cat did in the morning.
Cat Sleeping In A Ball
A cat curled up in a ball is a common sight in colder months. This position is how a cat remains cozy.
Low Body Temperature
As Science explains, cats lose heat through their eats and footpads during sleep. This position protects these extremities.
If you find your cat in this position, check the ambient temperature. Cats need a room temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit to remain comfortable. If necessary, apply more heat sources to a cats bed.
If a cats body temperature drops below 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it is at risk of hypothermia. Do not check a cats temperature while it sleeps. Illnesses that lead to low body temperature in cats include:
- Respiratory infections
- Consumption of toxins
- Heart failure
These symptoms vary from moderate to severe. Warm your cat up as they cannot sustain a body temperature below 100 degrees Fahrenheit for long. Left untreated, this can lead to fatal hypothermia.
Experiencing Pain
Cats will rarely reveal that they are in physical discomfort. Unlike other animals, cats hide in dark places to avoid detection. In the mind of a cat, pain is a sign of weakness.
This resting position is a means of relief. If your cat is sleeping curled in a tight ball and displays any of these physical traits, it is in pain:
- Short, shallow breaths
- Ears pinned forward on the head
Loud purring is another warning sign. Cats dont just purr for pleasure; its also a way to self-soothe when in pain.
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How To Put A Hyper Kitten To Sleep
This article was co-authored by Francine Miller. Francine Miller is an Applied Animal Behavior Counselor and Founder of Call Ms Behaving, a behavior counseling service for dogs and cats in San Diego, California. With over 16 years of experience, Francine specializes in treating behavior problems such as aggression, separation anxiety, phobias, fear reactions, destructiveness, urine marking, and compulsive behaviors. She uses a behavioral management and modification plan that is positive reinforcement only. She holds a Diploma in Canine Behavior Counseling from the American College of Applied Science . Francine has completed all coursework toward an MS in Applied Animal Behavior Science and Family Counseling for Companion Animals from the American College of Applied Science . She is a certified Associate of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants and a member of the Pet Professional Guild.There are 19 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 94% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 336,020 times.
Establish A Sanctuary Room And Set Of Routines From The First Day Your Kitten Joins The Family
Most;cat owners;feel that kittens need to be near them at night, especially the first time they arrive. This can set an adverse pattern for nocturnal games, excitement, and no sleep whatsoever!
Cats are inherently active at dawn and dusk, despite that your kitten can learn to adjust its sleeping habit to fit in with your lifestyle.
There is nothing harsh in putting a kitten to bed in a cosy, warm and secure environment until you wake up in the morning, as long as the room contains essential basic needs including a comfy bed to ensure a restful night.
Providing a dedicated space for your cat to rest may encourage healthier sleeping habits.
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How To Get Your Cat To Sleep At Night
Fortunately, you can use a variety of methods to encourage your cat to sleep according to a schedule that benefits both you and them.
Once youve established the cause of your cats nocturnal activity, youll want to take steps to help them sleep at night. Your particular approach will depend on your cats unique situation, but the following tips will help to get you on the right track.
How Is Cat Sleep Like Human Sleep
Cats and humans experience similar features of sleep. Rapid eye movement, or REM , occurs in humans as one of the stages of sleep. During this stage, the eyes move back and forth, breathing and heart rate become faster, and dreams occur. Cats also experience REM sleep , with their eyes moving in both vertical and horizontal directions.
Cats and humans also have cycles of non-REM sleep. In humans, the three cycles of non-REM sleep move from light to deep sleep. When cats are in the light sleep phase, they are relaxed but on alert. You may notice your cat taking naps throughout the day, but theyre still ready to pounce at the slightest movement or noise.
Humans and cats are also affected by circadian rhythms , which are 24-hour cycles that dictate when to be awake and when to be asleep. Humans are usually awake during the day and asleep at night. Cats are crepuscular, meaning that their circadian rhythms tell them to be awake at dusk and dawn, and to sleep at night and during the day.
Because human and cat sleep cycles are different, you might be asleep when your cat is most active and vice versa. If you have a cat that wakes you at sunrise every morning, this could be an effect of your cats circadian rhythm.
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All That Sleeping Is In Your Cats Genes
When answering the question, Why do cats sleep so much? lets first look at how long cats sleep. Cats can sleep as much as 16 hours a day, and older cats spend even more time at rest as much as 20 hours a day. That sleeping habit is a result of the cats evolution, nutritional habits and physiology. In the wild, cats have to hunt in order to eat, and the stalking, chasing and killing of prey burns a lot of energy. Sleeping helps cats conserve energy between meals.
Your Cat Might Be Stressed
Hiding and being less active are coping tools cats use when they’re scared or stressed. If your cat hides from the family, only engages with one family member, hides during storms or gets anxious when you are gone, he may be very stressed. Sleeping more may be his coping tool. Ask your primary care veterinarian about how stress affects your cat. She may refer you to a board-certified veterinary behaviorist. You can also learn more about cat stress and what you can do to reduce it in the book .
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Why Do Cats Sleep So Much
Cats sleep long hours in order to recharge for their next hunting spree. Although your domesticated cats existence couldnt be more different to the wild felines such as lions, the genetic programming is pretty much the same. Just like its big cat cousins, your fluffball instinctively conserves energy in case they have to chase down their next meal, which they do despite all the nice dinners they get at home, served in a timely fashion every day. Never mind the premium cat food the loving owner puts in front of them day in and day out, their innate instincts can easily take over despite the countless comforts of home life.
Here Is How A Cat Usually Sleeps In The Picture You Will Have A Clear Idea About It
It wouldnt generally be of immediate concern if a cat sleeps morethan usual. Our feline friends spend most of their life napping to keep theirbodies energized for when they are awake and ready to prowl, stalk, play, andhunt. As cats have different personalities and temperaments, sleeping habitsmay also vary. As the owner, you should be on the lookout for symptoms orchanges in sleeping habits that may mean that your cat is suffering from pain,stress, or an infectious disease.
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Cat Sleeping Flat On Side
Taken alone, side-sleeping does not mean a cat is sick. Quite the opposite, in fact. It usually suggests a cat is happy and relaxed. Despite this, sick cats will often lie on their side. This resolves several ailments:
- Breathing is easier if a cat struggles for air
- Muscular pain is avoided as no pressure is placed on the joints
- The exposure of soft skin regulates body temperature
Many cats will not sleep in this position if sick or unwell. This is primarily because sleeping on the side leaves a cat exposed. As established, sick cats feel vulnerable. This means the cat will avoid a defenseless pose. Look out for the following behaviors while your cat is awake, though:
- Limping
- Refusing to run, jump, or climb
- Trouble climbing in or out of litter tray
- Panting or noisy breathing
- Deep breaths
These symptoms suggest that your cat has arthritis, breathing difficulty, or both. In such instances, the cat will sleep on its side. This opens the lungs and keeps the joints free of pressure.
Is My Cat Really Asleep
Cats do sleep deeply but not always. Much like people, cats are often just snoozing. Light sleeping makes up about 3/4 of your cat’s sleep time, with just 1/4 of their sleep time being devoted to deep sleep.
When cats are snoozing lightly they get the rest they require but they’re still alert. When your cat is snoozing or napping you may notice that their eyes remain slightly open or that their ears still twitch and rotate towards noises.;
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Symptoms Of Lethargy In Cats
Lethargy is a symptom in itself and is characterized primarily by the following:
- General inactivity
- Lack of interest or response to surroundings
- Lack of energy
Other symptoms that commonly coincide with and are associated with causes of lethargy are:
- Weight gain
- Dull hair coat/loss of hair
- Behavioral changes, e.g. aggression
In addition, there may be specific symptoms present that are indicative of a specific medical disease or condition.
Causes Of Lethargy In Cats
Cats sleep a lot by nature, however, excessive sleep or inactivity could be a sign of illness. Rest is your cat’s natural response to not feeling well and could be a normal part of recovery from a minor condition or it could be an indicator of a more severe condition.
Common causes of lethargy:
- Hairballs
- Obesity
- Infection with a minor common virus such as cat flu
Other more serious conditions that are common in cats and cause lethargy are:
- Diabetes
- Viral infections such as feline immunodeficiency virus or feline leukemia virus
- Bacterial infection;
- Abscesses from bites by other cats
- Musculoskeletal injury
Less common but serious conditions that could cause lethargy in your cat are:
- Protozoal infection
- Cardiovascular disorder such as heart disease
- Respiratory problems resulting in low oxygen levels such as asthma
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Organ failure
- Poisoning
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Cat Sleeping With Another Cat
Cats often sleep alone, even if they share a home. This is due to the territorial nature of cats. A bed, or favored hiding spot, will be claimed by a rival feline.
Exceptions to this rule may include siblings or cats that grew up together. These cats will forge a bond that is not broken in adulthood.;Co-sleeping is relatively common, though.
If your cat starts sleeping with a fellow cat, watch its behavior while awake. Co-sleeping suggests that the cat is unwell. It is asking another cat to watch over it while dozing.
A cat will only do this if very unwell. The cat understands that it will relinquish all dominant status by asking another cat for help. In most instances, the cat would prefer to sleep with an owner.
Co-sleeping does occur in sick cats,though. Even felines that appear to fight all day may sleep together for thecommon good.
Train Your Cat To Be Quiet
If your cat inclines to caterwaul , its possible that at some stage your cat has learned that if it vocalises, you will provide food or attention. This type of caterwauling is a learned behaviour. You will need to train your cat by ignoring the behaviour when it takes place by offering rewards when the cat is quiet .
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Your Cat Might Be Sick Or Uncomfortable
Cats hide and are less active when they are sick or not feeling well. If your cat is spending most of this time under the bed or high up in the cat tree, he may be in pain or uncomfortable.
If your cat is overweight, he may not be able to move around very much and may rest because it’s painful to move. Obesity in cats is a serious problem that can lead to pain when moving or endocrine diseases that require lifelong treatment. If you can’t easily feel your cat’s ribs, make an appointment with your primary care veterinarian to have his overall health assessed.