It might be more than just cold-weather sloth if you’ve observed your kitty companion napping more recently (which we could relate to). Cats are already nocturnal creatures, sleeping up to 16 to 20 hours in a 24-hour span.
An average cat may sleep anywhere from 12 to 16 hours per day and even up to 20 hours per day. They may sleep even longer than usual during the winter months due to lower daylight hours or changes in your pattern, such as an earlier bedtime.
This is owing to their primordial urge to sleep during the day and hunt at night and for energy saving. However, if your cat has been cuddling up in bed more frequently recently, it might be due to the colder weather.
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Cat Sleeping More Than Normal In Winter
Cats are likely to sleep more than expected in the winter months.
The severe winter environment impacts cats, maybe echoing our shifts and moods.
The winter months have a subtle effect on us. The lack of sunshine and the chilly weather tend to lower our activity level and lower our mood. The environment of deep winter impacts our cats, maybe echoing our changes.
And, like us, they may become agitated and bored. A new behavior problem or two may arise due to cabin fever. Fortunately, you may use your resources and inventiveness to protect yourself and your pet from the darkness.
Indoors is the safest place for cats all year. Even if you spend part of your day outside, the exterior door may be shut to keep the winter chill at bay. Even in January, if your cat is used to being outside, it should be OK to let her out for short amounts of time.
Instead of letting her out and waiting for her to return on her own, it’s a good idea to call her after a few minutes to ensure she hasn’t wandered too far from home, especially if the weather is about to turn nasty.
Wind and precipitation are the most dangerous aspects of cold weather; as long as you avoid days with below-freezing temperatures and offer enough protection, your seasoned yard dweller will likely enjoy some time outside and be able to handle it on her own for short periods.
Make sure, though, that you only let her out when you are also letting her in. She might become chilly, or a sudden storm could erupt. Don’t leave anything to chance!
Must Read: How Cold Can Cats Survive Outside?
Do Cats Sleep More When It’s Cold?
Yes, cats sleep more when it’s cold outside.
A complex mix of environmental and hormonal factors regulates sleep. The quantity of light and even the temperature in the room can affect sleep patterns.
The instinct to save energy during low food may be driving the extra time for dozing in the winter. Cats do not hibernate like some mammals, despite how often you see them cuddled up on the sofa.
If your cat seems to be sleeping more this winter, it might be due to a decline in sleep quality.
According to studies, when the temperature drops, times of alertness during REM cycles increase, reducing the overall restorative properties of feline sleep. Cats may adapt by sleeping more to compensate for the disturbances.
This appears to be exacerbated by age; older cats, in particular, will sleep more to compensate for the lower quality of sleep they are obtaining during the colder months.
Those extra hours of sleep might make it appear as if your cat is depressed. Seasonal depression is a typical cause of mood fluctuations in humans that has been widely explored and recorded.
Alternatively, there has been virtually little research on cats’ seasonal behavior or mood variations.
We can deduce that because cats and humans have comparable brain chemistry, we may also produce mood-regulating chemicals like serotonin and melatonin at similar times of the year.
Researchers now assume that cats do not suffer from SAD (seasonal affective disorder) in the same way humans do.
However, it’s likely that as the weather cools and the light dims, we transfer our own gloomier emotions onto our cats.
Also, read about Do Cats Eat More In The Winter?
Do Indoor Cats Sleep More In The Winter?
Indoor cats will extend their sleep during winter.
When the cats detect shorter days and colder nights, they may go into torpor mode naturally.
Some cats may awaken from their nap to eat, drink, and even mate. On the other hand, other cats may become engrossed in that peaceful state of being. At these times, it’s critical to keep an eye on your cat and make sure it’s properly nourished.
You may need to reduce the cat’s propensity for torpor in some circumstances. You can keep your cat lively and joyful just by keeping the lights on and warming up the cat house.
About a quarter of Americans suffer from seasonal affective disorder, or the “winter blues,” as it’s often known. People may have symptoms comparable to depression towards the end of the summer.
Interesting Read: Do Cats Get Cold In The Winter?
According to several animal behavior specialists, Cats may feel the same way in the winter.
Instead of the warmth of spring and summer, there are cooler surfaces everywhere. The dwindling daylight and dwindling sunspots where reclining were delightful.
Finally, with the arrival of winter, the changes that occur around the house are unavoidable, from the heaters to the Christmas season’s frenzy.
Cats would react to seasonal sadness in the same way, they would to any other nuisance. They go to bed and sleep it off.
The sudden loss of body heat in a cat is problematic and disturbing. When the environment becomes too chilly, the cat becomes sluggish, lethargic, and sleeps.
Hypothermia is a dangerous illness, not a natural beauty sleep to recharge. If your cat is shivering and feels chilly when you hold it, cover it in a blanket and take it to the veterinarian straight away.
Cats might develop a cold in the winter and then sleep it off. Other health problems may cause them to coil up and try to recover.
The cat’s guardian should step in and help them get the medical attention they need. The essential thing is to recognize the difference between natural sleep and illness.
This may be difficult, especially if the cat isn’t showing any obvious disease indications. That’s why it’s so important to see your veterinarian regularly.
Interesting Read: How Do Stray Cats Survive Winter?
Do Cats Get Lazier In Winter?
Yes, cats will get lazier in winter.
You don’t have to be concerned about lengthy cat naps during the winter.
If your cat is extremely sluggish, skipping meals, refusing to play as normal, or displaying indications of sickness, such as a dirty coat, you should call your veterinarian. There may be more going on than just additional winter sleep.
We can’t always tell what’s going on emotionally with our cats, but in the winter, you could notice your cat is less interested, sleeping more, and even seeming melancholy.
Maybe they’re down because they don’t get as much sun as they used to. Maybe they’re reacting to our winter doldrums.
Cats are extremely sensitive to our emotions, and they may reflect your restlessness or listlessness in the winter.
You might like to read about Do Cats Get A Winter Coat?
Why Is My Cat Sleeping More In The Winter?
Cats sleep more in the winter because of their inner primal instinct, which is hardwired to sleep during the day, hunt at night, and conserve energy.
Cats might feel melancholy due to the low weather, short days, and increased prevalence of numerous ailments in the winter. When the light levels drop, and we’re forced to stay indoors, many of us experience seasonal sadness.
According to some veterinarians, seasonal sadness can also affect our feline companions. Consider how much your kitty’s everyday routine can be disrupted by the arrival of winter.
Due to early nightfall, their late afternoon sunbathing sessions in the bay window are canceled, and their previously pleasant home becomes chilly and maybe crowded with holiday houseguests. The roaring furnace scares them every time it starts on.
Depression in cats, like depression in people, can lead to increased time spent sleeping.
These points could indicate that cats’ natural processes, like sleeping, could affect the winter season.
Cats that are bored or agitated may sleep longer than the typical 12-16 hours. If you leave your cat alone at home while you go to work, don’t be shocked if he sleeps for most of the time you’re gone.
To keep your cat from being bored, try to create a more engaging atmosphere at home. You may offer him scratch posts and toys to play with. Play with your cat for at least 10 minutes every time you get the opportunity.
Obesity is a highly likely cause of your cat’s excessive sleeping. Obesity in cats can be caused by various factors, including an uneven diet and a lack of activity.
A cat should be given three to four little meals each day on average. Feed him a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet.
Some cats left alone for most of the day with unlimited food are more prone to gain weight. If you must be gone for an extended amount of time, use portion-controlled feeders to prevent your cat from overeating.
If your cat is an indoor cat, figure out how to get him some exercise. This may necessitate leash training or the provision of engaging toys for your cat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has my cat started sleeping a lot?
Cats are known for sleeping for up to 16 hours every day. However, this sleep is a typical element of the rest, hunt, eat, groom, and sleep cycle. If your cat sleeps more than usual throughout the day, it may want extra play/hunting stimulus.
Do cats stay indoors more in the winter?
Your cat would most likely want to spend more time indoors as the weather grows cooler. Please provide them with various intriguing toys and activities to play with to keep them occupied while getting enough physical and mental activity.
Do cats get sad in winter?
According to a study, one-third of cat owners stated their cat’s attitudes seemed gloomy or unhappy during the winter, and their cat’s hunger increased while their activity levels declined. People probably suffer from SAD all year, not just during the winter.
Final Words
During the winter, cats sleep more. According to the ASPCA, cats sleep anywhere from 12 to 20 hours every day. They may sleep even longer in the cold.
Your cat may be picking up on and mirroring your changes inhabit, such as if you go to bed sooner or if the daytime hours are shorter.
Ask your questions in the comments section below.
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