Ashwin Lewis
Kittens are known for their boundless energy, but they need a lot of sleep too. In fact, newborn kittens sleep for 90% of the day, or around 22 hours. As they get older, they sleep less, but even at six months old, they still sleep for 16 to 20 hours a day. So, how much sleep does a kitten need, and how does this change as they grow up?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average sleep per day | 18-20 hours |
| Sleep at three months old | 18 hours |
| Sleep at five months old | 14 hours |
| Sleep at six months old | 16-20 hours |
| Sleep of adult cats | 16 hours |
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What You'll Learn
Kittens sleep for 18-20 hours per day
The amount of sleep a kitten needs depends on its age. Newborn kittens sleep for almost 22 hours a day, but by the time they're three months old, they'll only need to sleep for about 18 hours. This is spread throughout the day and night. By the time they're six months old, they'll sleep for about 16 to 20 hours a day.
If you think your kitten has suddenly changed its sleeping pattern and is napping more or less than usual, talk to your vet. It could be a sign of a treatable problem such as anaemia.
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The amount of sleep kittens need depends on their age
The amount of sleep a kitten needs depends on its age. A newborn kitten sleeps for around 22 hours a day, but as they mature, they will sleep less. By the time they are three months old, they will only need to sleep for about 18 hours a day, spread throughout the day and night. This is not far from the sleep requirements of adult cats, who average around 16 hours of sleep a day. Kittens do not usually sleep through the night, and it is common for them to wake up fairly regularly, especially when they are in a new environment. At six months old, kittens will still sleep for around 16 to 20 hours a day. A five-month-old kitten may sleep for around 14 hours a day, including 6-7 hours at night.
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Kittens don't sleep through the night
It is common for kittens to wake up fairly regularly, especially when they are in a new environment with unfamiliar surroundings. They are also getting to know their new pet parents. If you think your kitten has suddenly changed its sleeping pattern and is napping more or less than usual, talk to your veterinarian as it could be a sign of a treatable problem such as anaemia.
Kittens are like little tornadoes, running around, stealing shiny things, and leaving waves of destruction in their wake. They have a lot of energy and need to burn it off, so playing with them every day for an hour after lunch and before bed can help tire them out and encourage them to sleep through the night.
Interrupted sleep or a lack of sleep can be harmful to kittens as vital developmental and growth functions take place during sleep. It is important to let them sleep and not wake them up for a play or cuddle, or to meet a visitor.
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Kittens sleep less as they get older
The amount of sleep a kitten needs depends on their age. When a kitten's eyes open, they begin to explore their environment more and sleep less. Kittens do not normally sleep through the night. It is common for them to wake up fairly regularly, especially when they are in a new environment.
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Interrupted sleep can be harmful to kittens
Kittens sleep for 18-20 hours per day, although this depends on their age. Newborn kittens sleep for around 22 hours a day, and by the time they are three months old, they will only need to sleep for about 18 hours. Interrupted sleep can be harmful to kittens as lots of vital developmental and growth functions take place during sleep. Therefore, it is important to let your kitten sleep as much as they need to. If you think your kitten has suddenly changed its sleeping pattern, talk to your veterinarian as it could be a sign of a treatable problem such as anaemia.
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Frequently asked questions
Kittens sleep for 18-20 hours per day on average, although this depends on their age. Newborn kittens sleep for around 22 hours a day, and by the time they are three months old, they will only need to sleep for about 18 hours.
A 5-month-old kitten will sleep for around 14 hours a day.
Adult cats sleep for around 16 hours per day on average.
Lots of vital developmental and growth functions take place during sleep, and interrupted or lack of sleep can be harmful to kittens.
If your kitten is napping more or less than usual, you should talk to your veterinarian as it could be a sign of a treatable problem such as anaemia.
