Herbie Murray
Kittens are known to sleep a lot—up to 22 hours a day when they are newborn. As they grow older, they sleep less and become more active. By the time they are three months old, they will sleep for about 18 hours a day. So, do four-month-old kittens sleep a lot?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average sleep time for 4-month-old kittens | 18 hours per day |
| Sleep cycle | Split into sound sleep and REM sleep |
| Sound sleep duration | 20-25 minutes |
| REM sleep duration | 5 minutes |
| Reasons for excessive sleep | Conserving energy for hunting, developmental leaps, lack of nutritious food, overfeeding, weather, boredom, dehydration |
| Ways to improve sleep | Quiet spot, cosy bed, feeding wet food before bedtime, playing during the early part of the evening, leaving a piece of clothing in their bed |
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What You'll Learn
Kittens sleep a lot to conserve energy for hunting
Kittens sleep a lot because they are growing and developing, and sleep plays a crucial role in this process. A newborn kitten sleeps almost 22 hours a day, which gradually reduces as they get older. By the time they are three months old, they will be sleeping for about 18 hours a day.
The sleep that kittens get is not always deep sleep. They spend a lot of time in a state of rest, conserving energy, and remaining aware of their surroundings. This is typical of predator animals, and it is how they conserve energy between hunting.
Kittens also sleep a lot because they are going through specific growth and developmental spurts. Sleep allows for the development of the brain and central nervous system. It also tones and strengthens the muscles and bones, giving cats their well-known athleticism and grace. Sleep even keeps a kitten's immune system strong and healthy.
It is important to remember that every kitten is different. While some may sleep a lot, others may be more active and playful. As long as your kitten is eating, drinking, and going to the toilet regularly, they are likely fine. However, if you notice a sudden change in their sleeping habits or energy levels, it is important to consult a veterinarian.
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Kittens need more sleep when going through growth spurts
Kittens sleep a lot, and this is completely normal. Newborns can sleep for around 22 hours a day, and this remains the case for the first two weeks of their life. During this time, they will wake only to feed. After this, kittens will start to explore their environment and sleep less. By the time they are two months old, they will sleep for an average of 18 hours per day, similar to adult cats.
Kittens need more sleep when they are going through growth spurts. Kittens grow extremely fast during their first few weeks, nearly doubling in size during the first week. They also undergo significant teething between three and six months, with baby teeth falling out and adult teeth coming in. This period also sees changes in their physical appearance and social behaviours. Kittens need plenty of healthy calories during these early growth spurts to build up extra strength. An imbalanced diet may cause lethargy and drowsiness.
Kittens also need more sleep when they are learning new skills. During the first few months of a kitten's life, they develop social skills, learn to hunt, and explore their environment. All of this learning can be tiring, and kittens need sleep to consolidate what they have learned. Sleep also plays a vital role in keeping their immune system strong.
It is important to let kittens sleep as much as they need to. Many important processes take place during sleep, and a kitten's healthy development relies on getting enough of it. If your kitten is lively when they are awake and they are eating, drinking, and going to the toilet regularly, they are probably getting enough sleep. However, if they are constantly and suddenly sleeping more and seem sluggish when they are awake, this could be a sign of anaemia.
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Kittens sleep more when they haven't eaten nutritious food
Kittens, especially newborn ones, sleep a lot. They spend most of their day cycling between light and deep sleep, preserving their energy. A newborn kitten can sleep up to 22 hours a day, and this number gradually decreases as they grow older. A three-month-old kitten, for instance, will sleep for about 18 hours a day. Kittens also tend to wake up more at night than adult cats.
Kittens need plenty of healthy calories in their early weeks of life to build up extra strength. An imbalanced diet may cause lethargy and drowsiness. Kittens require a high-quality diet with proper nutrition in their first year of life to develop into strong, happy, and resilient felines. Their diet should be based on animal protein, as they are hard-wired carnivores. Grains, sugar, vegetables, and fruits should be avoided as they contain useless carbs for kittens. Empty calories can contribute to lethargy and weight gain.
Wet food can increase the amount of water in a kitten's diet, ensuring they stay well-hydrated. It is also useful for mixing supplements like fish oil and probiotic powders into their diet. On the other hand, dry food is helpful for dental health as it helps remove plaque and tartar buildup. However, dry food has zero moisture and can lead to dehydration, UTIs, and kidney infections if given in excess.
To ensure your kitten gets adequate rest, provide them with a cosy, snug bed or blanket, placed somewhere quiet and low to the ground. You can also place a small cardboard box or cat igloo next to their bed, giving them somewhere to hide.
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Kittens sleep more during winter or rainy seasons
Kittens sleep a lot—up to 20 hours in a 24-hour period. From birth until about two weeks of age, kittens sleep for around 22 hours per day, waking up only to feed. By the time they are three months old, they will sleep for about 18 hours a day, which is similar to adult cats. Kittens need all the rest they can get to develop their senses, as well as their brain, central nervous system, bones, and muscles. Sleep also helps keep their immune system strong.
Kittens sleep more during the winter and rainy seasons. During the winter, cats may sleep more to conserve energy and maintain their body heat. Curling up in a cosy spot helps them stay warm and comfortable. They may also sleep more due to reduced daylight hours and lower temperatures. In the wild, some cat species reduce their activity during the colder months when prey is scarcer, and domestic cats may do the same, even if they have a consistent food source.
Rainy weather may also cause cats to be less active and sleep more. Cats may sleep more on rainy days when their evolutionary instincts tell them that hunting will be difficult. A heavy downpour can make their fur waterlogged, causing them to feel uncomfortable and cold. The coat gets heavy, slowing down their reactions and agility. Additionally, cats generally dislike getting wet and will choose to stay indoors during rainy weather, reducing their opportunities for exercise and play.
To ensure your kitten gets enough sleep, provide a cosy and snug bed or blanket in a quiet spot. This will allow them to sleep undisturbed while life goes on around them. It is best to keep their bed low to the ground, as kittens may not be steady enough to climb yet. You can also create a ""kitten home" inside a large puppy crate, especially if there are other pets or children in the home.
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Kittens sleep more if they're bored or have nothing to do
Kittens sleep a lot—up to 22 hours a day—and this is completely normal. They need a lot of rest to grow and develop properly. As they grow older, their sleeping habits change, and they spend less time sleeping and more time playing and exploring. By the time they are three months old, they will sleep for about 18 hours a day, which is similar to adult cats.
Kittens sleep more than adult cats because they are still growing and developing. They also need to conserve energy for hunting and exploring, which require a lot of energy. As predators, cats need more rest than humans to stay alert and focused.
Kittens may sleep more during the winter or rainy months, and this is perfectly normal. They may also sleep more if they are bored or have nothing to do. Boredom in cats can lead to other problematic behaviours, such as destruction, constant meowing, and over-grooming. To prevent boredom, cats need stimulation throughout the day in the form of vertical territory (cat trees, scratching posts, and cat shelves), puzzle feeders, and regular playtime with the family. Another cat can also be a good companion.
If your kitten is sleeping a lot and always seems exhausted, you should look into it immediately to prevent severe problems. Lethargy in kittens can be a sign of a serious health condition, so don't hesitate to visit your vet and ask for a professional opinion.
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Frequently asked questions
Kittens sleep a lot, and by the time they are 3 months old, they will sleep for about 18 hours a day. This is spread throughout the day and night.
Kittens tend to be more active at night, but you can help them sleep through the night by feeding them a larger meal before bedtime and leaving some food out for them to snack on. You should also provide them with toys to play with so they can entertain themselves without waking you up.
Kittens sleep a lot to conserve energy for hunting and to support their rapid growth. Sleep also helps to keep their immune system strong.
Kittens sleep best in a quiet, cosy spot away from where they eat, drink and go to the toilet. You can also give them a piece of your clothing to help them feel secure and lengthen their sleep.
