Herbie Murray
Kittens sleep a lot—up to 22 hours a day during their first two weeks of life. This is because they are growing and developing extremely fast during this time, and sleep is vital for their cognitive and muscular development. Kittens also sleep a lot because they are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk, which is the best time for them to hunt for prey. As your kitten gets older, it will sleep less and less, and by the time it is three months old, it will only need around 18 hours of sleep a day. If your kitten is lively when it's awake and eating, drinking, and going to the toilet regularly, it is probably fine. However, if it seems tired or lacks energy, you should take it to the vet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep hours | 18-22 hours per day |
| Sleep cycle | REM sleep and deep-phase sleep |
| Sleep habits | Polyphasic sleep (short bursts of sleep throughout the day and night) |
| Active hours | Most active at dusk and dawn |
| Sleep environment | Quiet, safe, and comfortable |
| Sleep aids | Bed, box, or blanket |
| Feeding | Wet food half an hour before bedtime |
| Playtime | At least 30 minutes during the day |
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What You'll Learn
Kittens need lots of sleep for growth and development
Kittens are born deaf and blind and need all the rest they can get to develop these senses. Sleep also plays a part in keeping their immune system strong. Kittens grow extremely fast during their first weeks, nearly doubling in size during their first week. This amount of sleep is essential to support their growing bodies.
Kittens also need plenty of healthy calories in their early weeks to build up extra strength. An imbalanced diet may cause lethargy and drowsiness, so it's important to ensure they are getting the nutrients they need. Animal protein is the primary energy source for cats because they are hard-wired carnivores.
As your kitten grows, their sleeping habits will gradually settle into a pattern. By the time they are three months old, they will only need to sleep for about 18 hours, spread throughout the day and night. This is not far from the sleep requirements of adult cats, who average around 16 to 18 hours per day.
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A kitten's sleeping environment should be quiet and safe
Kittens sleep a lot—newborns can sleep for around 22 hours a day, and this is essential for their development. As they grow older, they will start to sleep less and will become more active. By the time they are three months old, they will only need to sleep for about 18 hours, similar to adult cats.
Kittens also need a consistent bedtime routine and a quiet, safe, and dark place to sleep. Some kittens will pick a spot in a closet or cabinet where they can curl up. You should also place a cat bed or their favourite blanket in a room without much foot traffic where they can get away from it all. A comfortable bed, a small cardboard box, or a cat igloo will give your kitten somewhere to hide.
It's important to kitten-proof the area by removing any hazardous objects or potential dangers. You can also make a 'kitten home' inside a large puppy crate, which can work very well for the early days or weeks, especially if there are other pets or children in the home.
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Kittens are crepuscular, most active at dawn and dusk
Kittens require a lot of sleep, especially in their first few weeks of life. A newborn kitten can sleep for around 22 hours a day, or 90% of the time. This is essential for their development and growth, as vital functions take place during sleep. As the kitten gets older, it will start sleeping less and will become more active. By the time they are three months old, they will only need to sleep for about 18 hours, which is similar to the sleep requirements of adult cats.
Kittens are crepuscular, which means they are most active at dawn and dusk. This is an instinctual behaviour, as these twilight hours are the best times for cats to catch prey, such as birds and mice. The crepuscular habit may also reduce predation pressure and offer better foraging opportunities. During the night, kittens may be more active than adult cats, but this is normal and they will soon learn to fit in with your sleep schedule.
It is important to provide your kitten with a safe, quiet, and comfortable place to sleep, such as a cosy bed or blanket. This will give them the security they need to get good rest and allow them to take plenty of time to rest properly. You can also structure your kitten's day with playtime and meals to help them get the best sleep possible.
If your kitten is lively when awake and is eating, drinking, and going to the toilet regularly, they are likely getting enough sleep. However, if they are sleeping all day and still seem tired or lack energy when awake, it may be a sign of a health issue, such as anaemia, and you should consult your vet.
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Play and feed your kitten to encourage good sleep
Kittens need a lot of sleep during their first few weeks of life. Newborns sleep for around 22 hours a day, and this gradually decreases as they get older. By the time they are three months old, they will only need to sleep for about 18 hours a day, which is similar to the sleep requirements of an adult cat.
As a kitten gets older, it will become more active and playful. Playing with your kitten is an important part of its development and will help it bond with you and build confidence around people. Kittens of this age are extremely playful, so plan to spend lots of time playing with them. You can encourage play with toys and games, and spend at least two hours a day playing with them. This can be all at once or broken up into smaller play sessions.
At three weeks old, your kitten will still be drinking formula or milk, and you should be feeding them every 5-6 hours. You can start to introduce wet food to your kitten by mixing it with kitten formula. You can either let the kitten eat the mixture from a dish or feed it to them with a kitten-specific bottle. If feeding with a bottle, feed kittens on their stomachs and tilt the bottle. After they are done eating, you need to burp them.
You can also use food as a tool to socialize your kitten. When you feed your kitten wet food, stay in the room so they associate you with food and start to trust you. Over time, move the food plate closer to your body until the plate is in your lap and the kitten is comfortable crawling on you to get to it. You can also call your kitten by its name when feeding it to help it learn its name.
Kittens also tend to sleep better after a meal. You can plan a meal just before they go to sleep, and leave some food out for your kitten to snack on during the night. This will prevent your kitten from waking you up during the night.
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Consult a vet if you're concerned about your kitten's sleep
Kittens are known for their playful and energetic nature, but they also spend a lot of time sleeping. It is perfectly normal for kittens to sleep all day. They need a lot of rest to support their rapid growth and development. During sleep, a kitten's body releases growth hormones that help them grow big and strong.
However, if you notice any of the following signs, it is important to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues:
- Constant and sudden oversleeping: This could be a sign of anaemia, which can be very dangerous for kittens as it means their bodies do not have enough red blood cells. Check your kitten's gums – if they are pale, take them to the vet as soon as possible.
- Lack of appetite or lethargy: If your kitten is sleeping excessively and showing signs of illness, such as a lack of appetite or lethargy, it could indicate an underlying health issue.
- Sleeping in unusual places: If your kitten is sleeping in unusual places, such as a litter box, it could be due to a urinary tract infection or urinary crystal formation. These are potentially serious medical concerns, and you should consult a veterinarian immediately.
- Sleeping more than their littermates: If your kitten is sleeping more than its littermates and displaying other signs of illness, it is important to seek veterinary advice to rule out any underlying health issues.
- Changes in eating habits: If your kitten is not eating as much as usual or appears to be lacking interest in normal activities, it is best to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
Remember, if you have any concerns about your kitten's sleeping habits or overall health, it is always best to consult a veterinarian for personalised advice. They can provide valuable insight and guidance to help you better care for your pet.
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Frequently asked questions
Kittens sleep a lot during their first few weeks, up to 22 hours a day. They will sleep less as they grow older, develop their senses, and become more active. If your kitten seems tired or lacks energy when they are awake, you should contact your vet.
Kittens tend to sleep better after a meal, so try feeding your kitten half an hour before bedtime. You should also provide a safe, quiet, and dark place for your kitten to sleep. A dedicated bed with high sides or a dome-shaped "cave bed" can make kittens feel safe.
Kittens need a lot of sleep during their first few weeks, up to 22 hours a day. 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 16-18 hours per day.
