Kittens' Sleep Patterns: How Many Hours A Day?

Kittens are known for sleeping a lot—up to 22 hours a day when they are newborn to two weeks old. As they get older, they sleep less, but they still sleep a lot—between 16 to 20 hours a day when they are a few months old. Kittens are crepuscular, which means they are most active at dawn and dusk, and sleep for some of the night and take naps throughout the day. This sleep pattern allows them to hunt for prey when these species are most active.

How much do kittens sleep?

Kittens sleep a lot! A newborn kitten sleeps for around 22 hours a day, and this doesn't change much as they grow up. A six-month-old kitten will still sleep for about 16 to 20 hours a day.

Sleep is a vital part of a kitten's development. During sleep, cognitive and muscular development takes place. For example, a newborn kitten will double in size during the first couple of weeks of its life.

During the first two months of a kitten's life, they will be in the rapid eye movement (REM) phase of sleep. They will be easily woken up and may twitch, make facial expressions, and even make noises while sleeping. After this initial phase, they will transition into adult sleep and will seem more relaxed while resting.

Where should kittens sleep?

Kittens can sleep anywhere they feel safe and comfortable. Some kittens will choose to sleep in a closet or cabinet, while others may prefer a cat bed or their favourite blanket. It's important to provide a safe, quiet, and dark place for your kitten to sleep, especially when they are very young and still dependent on their mother for body heat.

Kittens are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dusk and dawn. This is because these are the best times for them to hunt for prey. As they grow into adults, their sleeping patterns may adjust to match yours.

If your kitten seems to be sleeping more than usual, it could be a sign of anemia. Anemia is a low red blood cell count, which is potentially dangerous for kittens. Other potential causes of oversleeping include urinary tract infections or urinary crystal formation. If you are concerned about your kitten's sleep habits, it is best to consult your veterinarian.

Why do kittens sleep so much?

Kittens sleep a lot, and this is completely normal. A newborn kitten sleeps for around 22 hours a day, and this doesn't change much as they grow into adulthood.

Sleep is a vital part of a kitten's development. During sleep, cognitive and muscular development takes place. For example, a newborn kitten will double in size during the first couple of weeks of its life.

Kittens are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dusk and dawn. This is an instinctual trait, as these twilight hours are the best times for cats to catch prey, like birds and mice.

Kittens also need a lot of sleep because they are growing and developing. Their little bodies are exerting a lot of energy. As they age, their sleep cycle will change, but they will still sleep a lot. On average, kittens 6 months or older, and adult cats, sleep for about 16 to 18 hours a day.

During the first 2 months of a kitten's life, they are easily woken up and may even appear to be awake while napping. They will twitch, make facial expressions, and even make noises while sleeping. This initial phase of sleeping, known as rapid eye movement (REM), allows vulnerable kittens to stay alert as their senses develop.

After a few weeks, kittens will start sleeping independently and will develop a new, slower sleep stage. At around 2 months old, they will transition into adult sleep and will become more active, sleeping around 18 hours a day.

Where do kittens sleep?

Kittens like to sleep somewhere cosy and snug, often in a closet or cabinet where they can curl up. They may also sleep in their litter box, which is usually caused by health or environmental factors.

It is important to provide a safe, quiet, and dark place for your kitten to sleep. You should also structure their day so they can get the best sleep possible. Play with them for at least 30 minutes over the course of the day, so they are tired out when it's bedtime.

Kittens may sleep near their owners because they feel safer sleeping close to another pet or human. If you want your kitten to sleep with you, try sleeping on a floor-level bed. You could also get them a microwavable heat pad or a teddy to snuggle up against.

It is important to never wake a kitten when they are sleeping. Interrupted sleep or a lack of sleep can be harmful to them.

Where should kittens sleep?

Kittens need to take a lot of naps during the day, and as they grow, their sleeping habits gradually settle into a pattern. When a kitten first joins your family, it is important to prepare their environment in advance. This will help them feel secure and adjust to their new home.

Kittens will sleep best if they have a cosy, snug bed or blanket, placed somewhere they can sleep undisturbed while life goes on around them. It is recommended to keep their beds low down, as adult cats like to climb and sleep on high perches, but young kittens are safer sleeping on the floor. Making a 'kitten home' inside a large puppy crate can work well for the early days or weeks, especially if there are other pets or children in the home. In addition to a comfortable bed, a small cardboard box or cat igloo will give your kitten somewhere to hide. You can place a litter tray, food and water bowls, and some kitten-safe toys inside the crate too. When you are able to supervise your kitten, you can leave the door open so that they can come out to explore when they are feeling confident.

If you don't have access to a crate, you can place all of your kitten's resources in one room, where you can close the door when you are unable to supervise. Kittens are curious and can hide or get stuck in small spaces, so it is best to confine them to one room when they are small. Before your kitten arrives, check the room at kitten's eye level to spot any potential hazards or places they could get trapped.

Kittens like to sleep in different places, such as on top of a cupboard, under a bed, or even in a cardboard box. They look for somewhere warm and cosy, in a spot where they feel secure and away from draughts. A bed with high sides placed on a stool can be a good option, as they can see what's going on around them while still feeling snug. You can also put a hot (not too hot) water bottle underneath their cushion, especially in winter.

Some pet owners allow their kittens to sleep on their bed. Kittens may want to snuggle up with you for warmth and comfort, as they are used to sleeping with their littermates. If you want to allow your kitten to sleep with you, it is recommended to sleep on a floor-level bed temporarily, as there is a chance you might accidentally squash them if they sleep on a higher bed. Kittens will soon be able to climb up and down by themselves, and then they can choose where they sleep.

To help your kitten feel more secure and snug if they are sleeping in their own bed, you can get them a microwaveable heat pad (always use with appropriate covers to prevent burns) or a teddy to snuggle up against. You can also leave a small blanket or towel with your kitten's previous owner, so that you can bring it back with them when you collect them. Having a familiar scent on their blanket can help your kitten to feel more secure when they come to live with you.

How can I help my kitten sleep through the night?

Kittens sleep a lot! Newborns sleep for around 22 hours a day, and this doesn't change much as they grow up. At six months old, they still sleep for about 16 to 20 hours a day.

Kittens are crepuscular, which means they're most active at dusk and dawn. This is because these are the best times for them to hunt for prey.

If you want to help your kitten sleep through the night, try to play with them for at least 30 minutes over the course of the day so they're tired out by bedtime. You could also try feeding them right before they go to sleep, as a full kitten is often a tired kitten. Make sure they have access to their water bowl, litter box, and some dry food for a snack if they get hungry during the night.

You could also try placing their bed close to you and talking calmly to them until they fall asleep. Toys that mimic a mother cat's heartbeat can also be soothing. If you put them to bed in a crate or a separate room, you could try bundling an old t-shirt in their bed so they're comforted by your scent.

Remember that sleep is vital for your kitten's development and growth, so never wake them up when they're sleeping.

Why is my kitten sleeping so much?

Kittens sleep a lot—and that's completely normal. In fact, a newborn kitten can sleep up to 22 hours a day, which is more than 90% of their day. This is because they're conserving energy for hunting and growing—they double in size during the first couple of weeks of their life.

During the first two months of a kitten's life, they'll be in the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep phase, which allows them to stay alert as their senses develop. They'll be easily woken up and may even appear awake while napping.

At around two months old, kittens will start to sleep like adults, averaging 16 to 18 hours of sleep a day. As they get older, they'll sleep even more, averaging 16 to 18 hours of sleep a day as adults.

Kittens are crepuscular, meaning they're most active at dawn and dusk. This is because these are the best times for them to hunt for their prey.

If you're worried that your kitten is sleeping too much, it's best to consult a vet. They'll be able to check that everything is as it should be.

Frequently asked questions