Cats are animals that spend a large part of their day sleeping. This is essential not only for their well-being but also for their health. Thus, it is very important that cats have one or more suitable spaces to rest properly and peacefully.

In cats, sleep is punctuated by several cycles throughout the day with alternations between the following phases:

• Light sleep: it is a restful sleep, it corresponds to drowsiness. This sleep lasts about 15 to 30 minutes during which the cats remain ready to wake up at any time as needed. Thus, a cat is generally lying in the sphinx position when he is in a light sleep in order to be able to act quickly at the slightest noise or at the slightest smell;
• Deep sleep: it is shorter and lasts about 5 minutes before the cat resumes dozing. During deep sleep, the cat is usually lying on its side and completely relaxed. It is during this phase of sleep that REM sleep occurs where it is possible that the cat is dreaming. If you see your cat moving his whiskers or his paws while he is sleeping, he is probably dreaming.

A cat’s sleep time averages 15-16 hours a day. It can also be higher and get up to 20 hours of sleep in a day. This is particularly the case with kittens and elderly cats. In comparison, a dog’s average sleep time is 12 hours a day. The temperature and the weather outside are also to be taken into account. In fact, cats who have access to the outdoors will generally prefer to stay sleeping indoors when it is cold or raining. However, this duration of sleep is very variable from one cat to another but also depends on the breed. Some breeds are thus more active while others are sleepers. Finally, a cat’s sleep duration also varies depending on its state of health.

The goal of such a long time of sleep is to conserve energy for their activities, especially hunting. The majority of cats being animals with mainly nocturnal or twilight activity, they spend most of their sleep during the day when there is light. Moreover, many felids work with this same scheme. This is the case with lions who spend their day sleeping while they reserve the night for their hunting activity. For cats, night hunting can be about a toy, ball, or any other object that will catch their attention. This requires energy and it is his sleep that will allow him to perform all these activities. Nevertheless, many cats adapt to their master’s pace and sleep at night at the same time as them. Sleep also helps cats pass the time so they don’t get bored.

To promote restful sleep in your cat, it is recommended that you provide it with the following:

• A suitable space for his sleep: this is necessary for your cat to sleep peacefully. Thus, you can arrange a basket for him in a calm and secure place where there are few passages and little noise so as not to disturb him;
• A comfortable and pleasant basket: in this quiet place, place a comfortable basket for him so that he can be comfortable. However, most cats find on their own the most suitable places for their sleep, such as the laundry basket or the dressing room. These places are comfortable enough for him and he is sure not to be disturbed there. So don’t worry if your cat sulks the basket you have prepared for him;
• Peace of mind: it is important to leave your cat alone when he sleeps. No one likes to be disturbed during a nap, and so do cats. To promote restful sleep, your cat should not be disturbed when sleeping;
• Good hygiene: it is also important to regularly wash your cat’s basket or the place he has chosen to sleep so that this space remains clean;
• A pleasant room temperature: in general cats like to sleep near a source of heat. So do not hesitate to arrange an armchair for him near a heat source or in the light of the sun, always in a secure manner.

In addition, it is important to note that, like in humans, cats can suffer from sleep disorders. It is therefore necessary to contact your veterinarian for any question or abnormal situation relating to your cat’s sleep.