Kittens' Sleep Patterns: All-Day Naps Or Active?

Kittens sleep a lot. Newborns sleep for around 22 hours a day, and this reduces to 18 hours by the time they are three months old. Kittens are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dusk and dawn. This is because they are natural hunters, and hunting requires a lot of energy.

How much do kittens sleep?

Kittens sleep a lot!

A newborn kitten sleeps for around 22 hours a day, only waking to feed. From three weeks onwards, a kitten's eyes are fully open, and they will start to explore their environment more. By three months old, they'll need around 18 hours of sleep, and this won't be far off their sleep requirements as an adult cat, which is around 16 hours per day.

Kittens are crepuscular, which means they're most active at dusk and dawn. This is because, even if they're well-fed pets, they're still programmed to hunt for their food. Hunting requires a lot of energy, and cats need to be well-rested to be able to catch their next meal.

If your kitten is lively when they're awake and they're eating, drinking and going to the toilet regularly, they're probably fine. But if they seem tired or lack energy when they're awake, it's best to consult your vet to check everything is okay.

Why do kittens sleep so much?

Kittens sleep a lot! This is completely normal and essential for their development.

A newborn kitten sleeps for around 22 hours a day, only waking to feed. This is because they are growing and developing their organs, strengthening their muscles, bones, and immune system. As they get older, they will sleep less, but still a lot—around 16 to 20 hours a day for a six-month-old kitten.

Kittens are carnivores, and in nature, they would need to catch their prey. All that sleeping is their way of conserving energy for hunting. They may also be sleeping to aid their recovery from a bacterial or viral infection.

Kittens tend to sleep more during the winter or rainy months, and they may sleep more if they are bored or lacking nutritious food.

Kittens sleep a lot, but when they are awake, they should be lively and energetic. If your kitten seems lethargic and sleepy even after a long nap, it might be a good idea to consult your vet.

Is it normal for kittens to sleep all day?

Kittens are known to sleep a lot, and this is perfectly normal. A newborn kitten sleeps for about 22 hours a day, and as they grow older, their sleeping habits change. By the time they are three months old, they will need about 18 hours of sleep, spread throughout the day and night. This is not far from the sleep requirements of adult cats, who average around 16 hours per day.

Kittens are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dusk and dawn. These sleeping habits are programmed into cats, even if they are well-fed pets. Hunting requires a lot of effort, and cats need to be fully rested to have the best chance of catching their next meal.

If your kitten seems tired or lacks energy even after sleeping, it may be a good idea to consult your vet to ensure everything is as it should be.

How long do kittens sleep for?

Kittens sleep a lot. A newborn kitten sleeps for around 22 hours a day, only waking up to feed. As they get older, they start to explore their environment more and sleep less. By the time they're three months old, they'll be sleeping for around 18 hours a day.

Kittens are crepuscular, which means they're most active at dusk and dawn. This is because, even if they're well-fed pets, they're still programmed to hunt for their food. Hunting requires a lot of energy, so cats need to be well-rested to have the best chance of catching their next meal.

As your kitten grows, you'll see their sleeping habits gradually settle into this pattern. But when they first join your family, make sure they have a safe and cosy place to sleep. It's important to let your kitten sleep as much as they need to, as sleep is vital for their development and growth.

What is the sleeping pattern of a kitten?

Kittens are known to sleep a lot, and this is completely normal. In fact, newborn kittens sleep for about 22 hours a day, only waking up to feed.

As they grow older, their sleeping habits change, but they still spend most of the day sleeping. By the time they are three months old, they will need about 18 hours of sleep, spread throughout the day and night. This is not far from the sleep requirements of adult cats, who average around 16 hours per day.

Kittens are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dusk and dawn. These sleeping habits are programmed into cats, even if they are well-fed pets, as they were designed to hunt for their food. Hunting requires a lot of effort, and cats need to be fully rested to have the best chance of catching their next meal.

If your kitten is lively when awake and eating, drinking, and going to the toilet regularly, it is probably fine. However, if you are worried that your kitten is sleeping all day and still seems tired and lacking energy when it is awake, it is best to consult your vet.

Frequently asked questions