Herbie Murray
Kittens are known to sleep a lot—up to 22 hours a day when they are very young. This reduces to 18 hours by the time they are three months old and 16 hours as adults. Kittens are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. They may take a few nights to adjust to a new environment, and it is common for them to wake up frequently, especially when they are getting to know their new owners. Kittens need to sleep for their healthy development, and it is important to let them do so for as long as they need. If you are concerned about the amount of sleep your kitten is getting, it is a good idea to consult a veterinarian.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep duration | 16-20 hours |
| Sleep pattern | Polyphasic sleep |
| Active hours | Dawn and dusk |
| Sleep requirements | Cosy, snug bed or blanket |
| Sleep location | Away from where they eat, drink and go to the toilet |
| Sleep aids | Wet food half an hour before bedtime |
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What You'll Learn
- Kittens sleep a lot—up to 20 hours a day—and it's necessary for their development
- Cats are crepuscular, so they're most active at dawn and dusk
- Kittens need a cosy, snug bed or blanket, placed somewhere they can sleep undisturbed
- Kittens don't sleep through the night and are often active at night when they would naturally hunt
- Wet food before bedtime may help a kitten sleep with a fuller tummy
Kittens sleep a lot—up to 20 hours a day—and it's necessary for their development
Kittens are known to sleep a lot, and it is completely normal for them to snooze for up to 20 hours a day. They are in a critical stage of development, and sleep plays a vital role in their growth. From birth until about two weeks of age, kittens sleep for around 22 hours a day, waking up only to feed. As they grow older, they explore their surroundings more and sleep less, but they still need ample sleep.
Kittens are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. This behaviour is programmed into their biology as hunters, even if they are well-fed pets. Hunting requires a lot of energy, and sleep ensures they are well-rested to catch their next meal.
A kitten's sleep pattern may not always align with yours, and they may be active at night. This is normal, and you can help them adjust by providing a safe, cosy, and snug bed, placed in a quiet area. A dedicated bed with high sides or a dome-shaped 'cave bed' can make kittens feel secure and encourage longer sleep. Having a routine can also help, and it is beneficial to tire them out during the day with active play.
If you are concerned about your kitten's sleep habits, it is always best to consult a veterinarian. They can advise on creating a healthy sleep schedule and provide guidance on any potential issues.
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Cats are crepuscular, so they're most active at dawn and dusk
Kittens are known to sleep a lot, and it is normal for a kitten to sleep between 16 and 20 hours a day. From birth to around two weeks of age, kittens sleep for around 22 hours per day, only waking up to feed. By the time they are three months old, they will sleep for about 18 hours a day, which is not far off from the sleep requirements of an adult cat, which averages around 16 hours per day.
If your kitten is lively and meowing at night, this can be normal, especially if they have plenty of toys to play with. However, if you are concerned about your kitten's sleep habits, it is recommended to speak to a veterinarian.
Cats are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. These sleeping habits are programmed into cats, who, even if they are well-fed, were designed to hunt for their food. Hunting requires a lot of effort, and cats need to be well-rested to catch their next meal. As your kitten grows, their sleeping habits will gradually settle into this pattern.
Cats are crepuscular because they are hardwired to hunt during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. Their superior vision in low-light conditions makes them well-adapted to hunting small prey during these times. While cats are crepuscular, they are also adaptable and can adjust their activity levels to their surroundings. For example, indoor cats may become more active at night due to the presence of artificial lighting.
If you have an indoor cat that is active at night, there are ways to help them calm down. Dr. McCullough suggests providing a safe designated space for your cat to relax, such as a crate with toys, water, and a litter box. You can also try giving them a small nighttime meal using a timed feeder or food puzzle, or playing with them during the day to tire them out.
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Kittens need a cosy, snug bed or blanket, placed somewhere they can sleep undisturbed
Kittens are known to sleep a lot—up to 20 hours a day—and this is necessary for their proper development. They take naps throughout the day and night, which is called polyphasic sleep. This is because they are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dusk and dawn.
Kittens do not normally sleep through the night. They may be active at night, especially in a new environment. Their human bedtime is likely to be an active time for a kitten, and they may want to play when their owners are going to sleep. As they can sleep for up to 20 hours a day, expect short bursts of frantic energy between napping.
Older kittens over three months old are likely to exhibit boundless energy. Active play during the daytime is a great idea as it stimulates kittens mentally and physically, so they nap less when you are awake and sleep more at night.
If you are concerned about the amount of sleep your kitten is getting, it is wise to get a vet's opinion.
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Kittens don't sleep through the night and are often active at night when they would naturally hunt
Kittens are known to sleep a lot, and a nine-week-old kitten will likely sleep for around 18 hours a day. This sleep is spread throughout the day and night, and it is common for kittens not to sleep through the night.
Kittens are crepuscular, meaning they are naturally most active at dawn and dusk. This is because they would usually be hunting for food during these times. As a result, they sleep a lot during the day to rest up for hunting. While well-fed pet cats don't need to hunt, they still retain these sleeping habits.
If your kitten is lively at night, there are a few things you can try. Firstly, ensure they are getting enough social interaction and play during the day. This will help to expend their energy and meet their social needs earlier on. You can also try to provide plenty of kitten-safe toys for them to play with at night.
If your kitten is meowing a lot at night, you should check that they have enough food, water, and a clean litter tray. If you are concerned about their behaviour, speak to your vet.
To help your kitten sleep at night, you can try to tire them out during the day. You can also time their feeding so that they have a big meal later at night, as cats often fall asleep after eating.
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Wet food before bedtime may help a kitten sleep with a fuller tummy
Kittens are known to sleep a lot—up to 22 hours a day until they are two weeks old. From three weeks to two months old, they become more active as their senses develop. By three months old, they'll only need to sleep for about 18 hours a day.
Kittens are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dusk and dawn. Their sleeping habits are programmed into them, and even well-fed pet cats retain these hunting instincts.
If your kitten is lively and meowing at night, this can be normal, especially if they have plenty of toys to play with. However, if you are concerned about your kitten's sleeping habits, it is always best to consult a vet.
To help your kitten sleep through the night, you could try feeding them a later meal. Wet food before bedtime may help a kitten sleep with a fuller tummy. Wet food is a good option for kittens as it is rich in animal-based protein, lower in carbohydrates, and has a higher moisture content than dry food, ensuring your kitten stays well-hydrated. It can also be warmed up in the microwave to increase the aroma if your kitten has nasal congestion.
When choosing wet food, look for options that are nutritionally complete and balanced for kittens, with appropriate protein and fat levels for growth and development. The food's packaging should tell you how much your kitten will need at each meal. As a general rule, kittens need about twice as many calories per pound as adult cats. You can divide wet food into smaller portions and feed your kitten two to three times a day.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is normal for kittens to sleep a lot. Kittens are known to sleep for up to 20 hours a day, and they take naps throughout the day and night. This is called polyphasic sleep. As your kitten grows, you will notice that their sleeping habits gradually settle into a pattern.
Kittens do not normally sleep through the night, especially when they are in a new environment. However, feeding your kitten wet food half an hour before bedtime may encourage them to sleep with a fuller tummy. It is also a good idea to tire them out with active play during the day.
If you are concerned about the amount of sleep your kitten is getting, it is best to get a vet's opinion. If your kitten is lively when awake and is eating, drinking, and going to the toilet regularly, they are probably fine.
