Gina Johnson
Kittens sleep a lot when they are young, with newborn kittens requiring around 22 hours of sleep per day. By the time they are three months old, this will have reduced to around 18 hours per day. So, how much sleep do 10-week-old kittens need? At this age, kittens are very active and social and will still spend more than half the day napping. They will also be eating solid food, exploring their surroundings, and playing with littermates.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep duration | More than half the day |
| Sleep habits | Nap throughout the day and night |
| Sleep location | A cosy, snug bed or blanket, placed somewhere they can sleep undisturbed |
| Sleep independence | Kittens can sleep alone, but they might sleep better if they sleep close to you |
| Sleep and play | Sleep is vital for development and growth functions, so avoid interrupting their sleep |
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What You'll Learn
- Kittens sleep for around 22 hours per day in their first two weeks
- By three months old, they'll sleep for around 18 hours
- Adult cats sleep for around 16 hours per day
- Kittens need a cosy, snug bed to sleep in
- Kittens are active at dusk and dawn, napping throughout the day and night; they may need a heating pad or blanket to stay warm
Kittens sleep for around 22 hours per day in their first two weeks
Kittens sleep a lot! In their first two weeks, they need to sleep for around 22 hours per day, waking only to feed. They will sleep most of the time during their first week, requiring round-the-clock care. They should be fed every two hours during this time, and they should be fed on their stomachs, not their backs like human babies. After feeding, you will need to burp the kitten by gently patting them on their stomach or while they are on your shoulder.
Newborn kittens will have their eyes closed, their ears folded, and their umbilical cord attached. Their nose and paws may be pink, and they cannot hear or see; they can only navigate their surroundings through scent and by seeking warmth and comfort. Their temperature will be low at 95-97 degrees, but it will increase to 100 degrees over the course of the first week. During this critical period, it is vital to provide a gentle heat source to keep them warm and stable. Their environment should be maintained at a temperature between 85 and 90 degrees.
Once kittens are older than 10 days, they can eat every three to four hours. Dehydration is a significant risk for kittens, along with chilling. Signs of dehydration include lethargy, unresponsiveness, and sunken eyes. You can check for dehydration by gently pulling up the skin at the scruff of the neck when the kitten is standing. If the skin does not return to its resting position quickly, the kitten is dehydrated.
When your kitten is asleep, you might be tempted to wake them up for a play or a cuddle. However, it is important to let them sleep, as vital developmental and growth functions occur during sleep. Interrupted sleep or a lack of sleep can be harmful to kittens. If your kitten is lively when awake and eating, drinking, and going to the toilet regularly, they are likely doing well.
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By three months old, they'll sleep for around 18 hours
Kittens sleep a lot—from birth until they are about two weeks old, they sleep for around 22 hours a day, waking only to feed. As they get older, they become more curious about their surroundings and start to sleep less. By the time they are ten weeks old, they will be very active and social, and napping will take up slightly more than half of their day. At this age, they will be running, climbing, and jumping off furniture with confidence.
However, by three months old, they will still need to sleep for around 18 hours a day. This is only slightly more than the sleep requirements of adult cats, which average around 16 hours per day. Kittens' sleep patterns are different from those of adult cats, as they nap throughout the day and night, always ready for hunting.
It is important to let your kitten sleep for as long as they need to. While they are asleep, vital developmental and growth functions take place, and interrupted or lack of sleep can be harmful to them. If your kitten is lively when awake and is eating, drinking, and going to the toilet regularly, they are probably fine.
To help your kitten sleep, provide a cosy, snug bed or blanket, placed somewhere they can sleep undisturbed. You can also give them a microwavable heat pad (used with appropriate covers to prevent burns) or a teddy to snuggle up against. If you want your kitten to sleep close to you, you could sleep on a floor-level bed, as it may be unsafe to bring them onto your usual bed.
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Adult cats sleep for around 16 hours per day
Kittens require round-the-clock care for the first four weeks of their lives. During this time, they sleep for around 22 hours per day, only waking to feed. By the time they are three months old, they will only need to sleep for about 18 hours. This is not far from the sleep requirements of adult cats, which average around 16 hours per day.
Cats have a polyphasic sleep pattern, meaning they sleep multiple times a day rather than in one long period. These cat naps average 78 minutes in length, ranging from 50 to 113 minutes. Cats cycle through different stages of sleep, including non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.
Cats are most active at dusk and dawn, and they nap throughout the day and night to be ready for hunting. They are adapted to prey on diurnal birds during the day and nocturnal rodents at night. Their eyes are more adapted to night vision, allowing them to observe movement more clearly in low light.
The amount of sleep a cat needs can depend on various factors, including age, breed, personality, diet, and lifestyle. Senior cats, for example, may sleep more due to health issues or reduced mobility. Cats may also sleep more if they are bored, stressed, or anxious, or if they are experiencing certain illnesses or injuries.
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Kittens need a cosy, snug bed to sleep in
Kittens sleep a lot, especially when they are very young. Newborns to four-week-old kittens require round-the-clock care and sleep for around 22 hours a day, waking only to feed. By the time they are three months old, they will sleep for around 18 hours a day, which is not far off the sleep requirements of an adult cat, which averages around 16 hours per day.
Kittens like to feel secure and snug. You can help them feel more secure by placing their bed in a quiet room, particularly if there are other pets or children in the home. It is also a good idea to give them a familiar scent, such as a blanket or towel from their previous owner, to help them feel more secure. Kittens often hide in tight spaces, such as under beds, when they feel overwhelmed by noise or an unfamiliar environment.
Kittens also like to feel closed in and secure, so they may prefer a small bed that they can snuggle into. You can also get them a microwavable heat pad (used with appropriate covers to prevent burns) or a teddy to snuggle up against. Choose a soft bed made from a natural fabric, like cotton or wool, and make sure it is big enough for them to turn and stretch in.
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Kittens are active at dusk and dawn, napping throughout the day and night; they may need a heating pad or blanket to stay warm
Kittens are naturally curious and playful, and they go through several changes in their first few weeks of life. By the time they are 10 weeks old, kittens are likely to be energetic and independent, with their agility and coordination nearly fully developed. They will be eating kitten food and may be ready for litter box training.
However, they still need plenty of sleep. Kittens sleep for around 22 hours per day when they are newborn, and by the time they are three months old, they will need around 18 hours of sleep, spread throughout the day and night. This is not far off the sleep requirements of adult cats, which average around 16 hours per day.
Kittens are most active at dusk and dawn, and they will nap throughout the day and night, always ready for hunting. They may be lively and meowing at night and during the early morning, which is perfectly normal.
To ensure your kitten gets the best sleep, provide a cosy, snug bed or blanket, placed somewhere they can sleep undisturbed. A small cardboard box or cat igloo will give your kitten somewhere to hide and feel secure. Kittens can be curious and may get stuck in small spaces, so it is best to confine them to one room when they are small. You can also create a 'kitten home' inside a large puppy crate, especially if there are other pets or children in the home.
Kittens can self-regulate their body temperature from around six weeks old, but they may need a heating pad or blanket to stay warm.
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Frequently asked questions
By the time they are 10 weeks old, kittens will be sleeping for around 18 hours a day, spread throughout the day and night.
Kittens sleep best when they have a cosy, snug bed or blanket, placed somewhere they can sleep undisturbed. You can also get your kitten a microwavable heat pad or a teddy to snuggle up against.
Kittens should sleep in a low-down, confined space, such as a puppy crate or one room in the house. This is because they are curious and can get stuck in small spaces.
