Why Is My Cat Sleeping More Than Usual

What Changes Should I Look For In Appetite Or Thirst

Since sick cats may eat less or eat more, or may have more or less thirst than usual, any change in appetite or thirst may be of concern. Cats with dental disease may seem to be picky about their food. Cats that have some metabolic diseases such as hyperthyroidism or diabetes mellitus may have a hearty appetite and increased thirst. Cats with liver or kidney problems often lose their appetite, but usually have increased thirst.

“If your cat has not eaten properly for 24 hours, seek immediate veterinary attention.”

If your cat has not eaten properly for 24 hours, seek immediate veterinary attention. Cats that have not eaten are prone to developing a condition called hepatic lipidosis or fatty liver disease , in which the cats appetite becomes completely suppressed for weeks. If fatty liver syndrome develops, your cat will require extensive medical management for several weeks to months before things get back to normal.

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.

Is My Cat Sleeping Too Much

If youre a first time cat owner its natural to be concerned about how much your cat sleeps. Well explain what can be considered as normal behaviour for your own peace of mind.

The difference between napping and sleeping

Cats can sleep from 12-20 hours a day, but this is divided between napping and sleeping. Your cats sleeping positions can be a good indication of what kind of sleep theyre experiencing.

Cats take plenty of naps during the day. The key difference between napping and sleeping is that when cats are napping they are simply resting rather than actually being asleep. This means that if something like food or a threat is presented, your cat will be ready and awake to handle what comes towards them. This means that when cats are napping, theyll likely be in a position in which they can get up and move easier than when theyre in a deep sleep. These naps usually last between 15-30 minutes.

Cats usually sleep properly during the night theyre more curled up than when theyre having a nap. Your cat will also switch between light sleep and deep sleep, much like the sleep cycle of humans. When cats are in a deep sleep, you may see them twitch and wiggle a bit as thats when they are dreaming. Deep sleep is vital, as it helps with good health and energy for the next day. Although this is more likely at night, it can also happen during the day which is just as normal.

Normal cat sleeping habits

Cats sleeping out of boredom

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Hibernation Torpor Or Something Else

Think back to your high school biology class, remember hibernation? Hibernation is that fantastic adaptation that some animals go through in the winter months. Bears are the posterchild for hibernation, but cats in the wild can go through a modified version of hibernation, called torpor, when times get tough during the winter. While its not true hibernation, these cats experience a drop in body temperature and metabolism during those hours of sleep and then return to normal once they wake up. They will also spend more hours sleeping per day during torpor in order to conserve even more energy. While your purry pal isnt necessarily going through harsh times when winter rolls around, he may enter a state of torpor to conserve energy like his wild relatives do.

Why Kittens Sleep So Much

As your furball venture deeper and deeper into Dreamland, its body remains hard at work. In fact, the natural development of the brain, as well as the central nervous system, relies on the regular naps. Besides that, as your kitten sleep, its muscles and bones would be strengthened which offers much-needed boosts to mobility. Additionally, frequent sleep allows the immune system of the felines to stay in top shape. Without enough shuteye, the pets shall be vulnerable to a variety of troublesome health issues.

Aside from the fact that cats have to sleep to stay healthy, the sleeping habit of your fluffy friend is also a product of evolution. The ancestors of modern-day cats sleep through most of the day then head out to hunt as night arrives. Though the domestication process succeeds at removing certain wild traits of the felines, some still remain including the sleep at day-hunt at night cycle. Because of that pattern, experts classify cats as nocturnal predators: they tend to become much more active once night comes.

All things considered, kittens have valid reasons to doze off multiple hours in a day. Your furball would crash virtually everywhere, on the stair, under the shelf, in the bathtub,… That is why it’s strongly recommended that you watch your step if you have a kitten in the house. Kittens may suffer severe injuries if people step on them.

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How Much Sleep Is Healthy For A Cat

Your cat can sleep from anywhere to 15 to 20 hours a day. Theres a reason why the phrase cat nap exists, after all!It sounds like a pretty sweet way to live. But its actually because domesticated cats evolved as predators in the wild. Ever noticed that lions on nature shows on TV are often shown lying around?

Thats because theyre saving their energy for chasing down those gazelles. Or probably small birds, mice and voles in your cats case. When you pair that with a cats crepuscular sleeping pattern , you can see why it might seem like your cat spends a lot of time in bed or on your favourite part of the sofa. Yet theres nothing unhealthy about that for them.Knowing your cat and their routine will be key here. The real important bit of knowledge youll need to figure out whether you have a lethargic cat on your hands is whether theyre sleeping more than usual.

Why Is My Cat Sleeping A Lot More Than Usual

catsleeping more than usual

. Subsequently, one may also ask, why is my cat sleeping so much lately?

The causes of sleep problems in cats can be due to boredom, obesity, age, heavy diet, feline depression and a lack of vitamins. Lastly, all cats are different and their sleeping patterns may be different than the norms just because of how they are and not due to an illness.

Also Know, what are the signs of a dying cat? Signs Your Cat is Nearing End-of-Life

• Loss of Appetite/Thirst. For all animals, illness often culminates in a lack of interest in food or water.
• Extreme Weakness.
• Clinginess/Odd Social Behavior.

Secondly, why is my cat so lethargic all of a sudden?

Dehydration, vomiting, and diarrhea: Often accompanied by lethargy in cats, such symptoms result in your pet not having the energy necessary to sustain routine activities. Heart disease: Cardiac issues can cause cats to become very lethargic, and to avoid exercise. It can also decrease a cat’s appetite.

Do cats sleep more during growth spurts?

Still very much a baby, but growing into a young adolescent, your kitten will start to sleep more during the day just like an adult cat does. Expect more than half the day to be filled with cat naps, so try to have a comfy cat bed in your kitten’s favorite spot.

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Reasons Why Your Cat Is Not Eating

Adrienne Kruzer, BS, RVT, LVT, has worked with a variety of animals for over 15 years, including birds of prey, reptiles, and small mammals.

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It’s common for a cat to suddenly decide it doesn’t want to eat a certain food or treat anymore. But sometimes a cat stops eating for a more serious reason. You should be aware of the potential causes and concerns for a cat’s food aversion. There may be things you can do at home to help your cat regain its appetite, but sometimes veterinary intervention is necessary.

Why Is My Cat Sleeping More Than Usual 11 Reasons

May 15, 2021 By MrBossCat Team

We all know that cats love to sleep, and catnapping is a huge part of their usual daily routine. Yet, sometimes cats seem even more lethargic and quieter than usual. If youve noticed your kitty getting a little more shut-eye than they typically do, you may be asking yourself Why is my cat sleeping more than usual?.

As increased lethargy can be a sign of illness, it is super important to know the answer to this question. This way, we know when we need to book an emergency appointment with the vet, and when not to worry and leave our kitties napping to their hearts content.

In this article, I will run through the 11 most common reasons why your cat is sleeping a lot. This will help you to understand whether their change in sleeping habits is a cause for concern or not. Understanding your cats behavior is key to giving them the correct care. So, lets get stuck in!

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Emergency Situations And Your Cat

Certain situations may be considered urgent. You shouldn’t wait for an appointment at your vet when your cat is experiencing an emergency. Keep information about after-hours veterinarians handy in case you need to rush to one. If you see the signs of an emergency, do not delay. Go to the closest open veterinarian immediately.

• Trauma
• Difficulty breathing
• Gums that are blue, white, or very pale
• Collapse, unconsciousness, or unresponsiveness
• Exposure to a poisonous substance
• Severe pain
• Body temperature over 104 or under 99
• Hasn’t eaten properly in 24 hours

If you notice anything else your cat does that worries you, it’s better to be safe than sorry. You can call your vet or the emergency vet if you need help deciding if something is an emergency.

What Do You Think About Cats Sleeping Patterns

Have you ever been in awe of how much your cat sleeps?

Ever wish you could sleep as much as a cat? Ever envied their ability to wake up at the drop of a pin, and then get back to sleep again like nobodys business? I know I have.

Let me know in the comments! And if youve ever had issues with a cat being lethargic or sleeping too much please do let me know how it turned out. Would love to hear your thoughts!

Dig KittyClysm? Check out all the other blogs I pen & photograph.

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One of the most frustrating problems Ive had to deal with as a pet parent is staying on top of my cats desire to play. While this is typically hard to do, toys like these that allow cats to play by themselves make the job one heck of a lot easier.

The hits in my household are ridiculously affordable: cat springs, ball track toys, & kick sticks. I have a slew scattered around the house, so when my cats get bored, even if Im busy or not even home, my furries are able to actively play.

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What Is The Normal Amount Of Sleep For A Cat

The number of hours that your cat needs to sleep and the typical sleeping pattern for your cat will change as they get older:

• Kittens will likely sleep most of the day, with a few brief bursts of energy between meals.
• Adolescent cats may have erratic sleep patterns combined with periods of intense playfulness.
• Adult cats tend to have more set sleeping schedules that average out at about 12 – 20 hours of sleep each day.
• Senior cats will tend to have less energy and reduced mobility which means they will sleep more than younger cats.

You will likely find that once your cat reaches adulthood they will begin to form a recognizable pattern of sleeping and wakefulness. For example, you may notice that your cat wakes just before you in the morning, enjoys an hour or two of eating and socializing with you, then returns to sleep while you get on with your busy day.

Boarding Or Pet Sitters

While you are away on vacation, your cat is left either in a kennel in a strange place surrounded by strange people, or in their own home being care for by someone else with a different schedule.

Cats are resilient creatures, but they also tend to be creatures of habit and changes in their environment or routine can cause changes in behavior and energy level.

Try to keep something familiar with your cat when you are away, perhaps an item of clothing or blanket that smells like you, their favorites toys or bedding, and make sure they are eating their normal diet.

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Cat Sleeping In Fetal Position

This pose helps a cat to retain body heat. Check the temperature of the cat and its surroundings while it is awake.

If the cat has a safe temperature, consider whether it could be injured. The purpose of the fetal position may be to protect parts of the anatomy. In the fetal position, a cat cannot be touched on the paws or belly.

When your cat wakes up, check how well it moves. If the cat refuses to allow you to touch its paws, injury or discomfort is a possibility. This could be something minor, such as dry and cracked paw pads.

If you find no obvious physical problem, it could be feeling vulnerable due to an illness. The fetal position helps a cat feel protected. The cat feels confident that it will not be disturbed as all delicate anatomy is protected.

What Eye Changes May Be Present In A Sick Cat

Droopy eyelids, discharges that are green, yellow, or white, squinting, pupils that are dilated or constricted, or anisocoria (one pupil dilated and the other constricted are all signs that something is amiss. Cats that are sick often have elevated third eyelids the third eyelid is located beneath the lower eyelid and in a sick cat it will cover part of the eyeball. Any abnormality with the eyes can result in blindness if in doubt at all, DO NOT DELAY – see your veterinarian.

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Why It’s A Problem If Your Cat Stops Eating

If your cat isn’t feeling well, it may stop eating because there’s something stuck in its stomach or intestines. Or, your cat might not like the food you’re offering. Your cat’s lack of eating can also be a symptom of a disease or problem that’s causing pain or discomfort. Regardless of the reason, it’s a major concern if your cat stops eating.

If you have an obese cat that’s stopped eating, it can quickly develop hepatic lipidosis by going without food for a few days. This disease is often referred to as fatty liver disease or fatty liver syndrome and it can be fatal if left untreated. This is the main reason why it’s so important to make sure your cat, especially if it’s overweight, keeps eating. With fatty liver disease, the liver is overwhelmed trying to convert fat to energy. The excess fat that’s stored around your cat’s liver exacerbates the situation. The liver is a critical organ and if it’s not working effectively, your cat can suffer without immediate treatment from your veterinarian.

My Cat Seems Fine Could There Be A Problem

Although cats are predators, in nature larger predators will prey upon them. Since sick or old animals make an easy target, any obvious sign of illness will alert other predators that the animal is ill. Therefore, cats have evolved to hide signs of illness and pain. This means that in the early stages of illness, often the only thing that a cat owner may notice is that the cat has become quiet and withdrawn. Unfortunately, this also means a cat may be very sick before the owner realizes something is wrong.

Through training and experience, veterinarians may pick up subtle signs that a cat is developing a health problem, which is one of the main reasons why the American Veterinary Medical Association and other veterinary experts recommend twice yearly wellness examinations for the average adult cat. Delaying your cats veterinary visit until there are obvious signs of illness may mean that heroic measures will be required to treat the problem. With some understanding of how cats show symptoms of illness, you will be able to recognize early warning signs and know what information you need to provide your veterinarian.

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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