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Glam Ledger

How many hours does an old cat sleep?

Author

David Mack

Published Apr 23, 2026

Anywhere from 16 to 20 hours a day, typically. For very young and very old cats, it's near the upper end of the range, and newborns sleep almost 24/7. While cats do spend at least two-thirds of their lives asleep, they're not "asleep" in quite the same way humans are.

Simply so, do cats sleep more as they age?

Normal Aging Changes In Cats Your adult cat is considered a senior when she reaches around 11 years of age. It's also perfectly normal for an older cat to sleep more of the day away — up to 20 hours, in fact, just as she may have done when she was a small kitten.

One may also ask, how many hours does a 10 year old cat sleep? While younger cats and kittens require close to 20 hours or more a day of sleep, adult cats 3 to 10 years in age average around 13 to 16 hours of sleep a day. Of course this is an average, and just as there are people who need more or less beauty sleep, some felines will snooze less and others more.

Hereof, is it normal for a cat to sleep all day?

Changes in sleeping habits The average adult cat may spend 16 to 18 hours per day sleeping. This is normal, but much of that sleeping is "catnapping." A cat should respond quickly to usual stimuli, such as the owner walking into the room or cat food being prepared.

What are the signs of a cat dying of old age?

Signs Your Cat is Nearing End-of-Life

  • Loss of Appetite/Thirst. For all animals, illness often culminates in a lack of interest in food or water.
  • Extreme Weakness.
  • Lower Body Temperature.
  • Appearance Changes.
  • Hiding.
  • Clinginess/Odd Social Behavior.

Related Question Answers

How can I fatten up my old cat?

Most cats simply need more meals per day and/or free access to dry food in order to gain weight. Cats prefer to 'graze' or eat small meals throughout the day so having food available all day long can make all the difference. Be sure to check with your vet to see if this would be a good option for your cat.

At what age is a cat considered old?

In recent years, feline ages and life-stages have been redefined, cats are considered to be elderly once they reach 11 years with senior cats defined as those aged between 11-14 years and super-senior cats 15 years and upwards. When caring for older cats it sometimes helps to appreciate their age in human terms.

How old is a 17 year old cat in human years?

Cat Years to Human Years Converter
Cat Years (cat's age according to the calendar) Human Years (cat's age in equivalent human years, based on stage of development/aging)
16 80
17 84
18 88
19 92

How can you tell if your cat is happy?

Here are signs of a happy cat:
  • Vocal clues. Cats can be very vocal, especially when they're happy.
  • A healthy appearance. If cats feel good, they will keep themselves well groomed.
  • A relaxed posture.
  • Eyes and Ears.
  • Social sleeping.
  • Playful behaviour.
  • A good appetite.

Why is my old cat getting skinny?

Well-recognized causes of weight loss in old cats include chronic renal disease, diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and dental problems. Dental disease can contribute to weight loss in senior cats.

Is 17 years old for a cat?

In recent years, feline ages and life-stages have been redefined, cats are considered to be elderly once they reach 11 years with senior cats defined as those aged between 11-14 years and super-senior cats 15 years and upwards.

What Should I Feed My old cat?

Royal Canin Aging 12+ Thin Slices in Gravy Canned Cat Food Formulated especially for older senior cats 12 years old and up, this wet diet is designed to provide a balance of protein, fat and carbohydrates.

Do cats get jealous?

Just like some people, cats can become jealous when they feel they're being excluded or their environment has changed drastically or suddenly. Cats may show signs of jealousy when you pay more attention to an object, person, or another animal.

How can you tell if your cat is sad?

Body language: Sometimes your cat's body language can clue you in on their unhappiness and there are many eye, ear, fur, and body positions that can indicate this. Ears held back, tail tucked, hair standing on end, and other body signs are all forms of silent communication that your cat may be sad.

Should I be worried if my cat sleeps a lot?

If your cat begins to sleep a lot more or a lot less than is usual for him/her there may be a health issue, it's time to visit your vet. Cats who begin to sleep more than usual could be ill or experiencing pain.

Should you let your cat sleep with you?

Sharing a bed is a sign of closeness, both for your cat and for you. And as contact with your pet reduces stress and slows your heart rate, it can even do you good. However, some advice should be followed before you both settle down for the night.

What does it mean when your cat sleeps on you?

Cats are very vulnerable when they are sleeping and like to find a place, or person, that they trust to sleep on. When they sleep with their owner they are confirming to you that they trust you. While your cat does trust you they also want to keep warm and they love the heat from their humans.

Can cats sleep all night?

In their natural habitats, cats are nocturnal creatures. They sleep almost all day and play or hunt all night. It may not be getting enough stimulation, enrichment, and exercise during its active periods, so while you're starting to fall asleep, your cat may be fully awake and looking to play.

Why is my cat more tired than usual?

If your cat is sleeping more than usual or has discomfort laying down and getting up, this may be a sign of underlying disease. Contrary to popular belief, most cats are not "finicky" eaters. Increased water intake can be an early indicator of thyroid problems, kidney disease, diabetes or other conditions.

How do you know if your cat has anxiety?

Signs and symptoms of cat anxiety Cat anxiety frequently causes the development of destructive behaviours that your cat may not have exhibited before: this can include furniture scratching and clawing at curtains. Other signs and symptoms of cat anxiety can include: Failing to use the litter tray. Change in mood.

Why is my cat sleeping in weird places?

Your cat is just doing what comes naturally. Cats also will change their preferred sleeping spot depending on the temperature. When it's colder, they like a warm, cosy spot. On hot days, they might pick the bathroom sink as their primary place or favourite napping spot.

Why do cats like to sleep next to you?

Why Do Cats Like To Sleep With Their Owners? When they sleep with their owner they are confirming to you that they trust you. While your cat does trust you they also want to keep warm and they love the heat from their humans. They also love your duvet and blanket that provide extra warmth.

Do cats get lonely?

Although cats have a reputation as solitary animals, they are social creatures and can thrive on forming close bonds with other creatures. Certain changes in behavior, such as irregular sleeping, eating, or grooming habits, may indicate that a cat is lonely and could benefit from some feline companionship.

What is the average life expectancy of an indoor cat?

13 to 17 years

When should you put your cat down?

Persistent and incurable inability to eat, vomiting, signs of pain, distress or discomfort, or difficulty in breathing are all indications that euthanasia should be considered. You and your family know your cat better than anyone else, so try to make a reasoned judgement on quality of life.

Is 12 years old old for a cat?

Many cats begin to encounter age-related physical changes between seven and ten years of age, and most do so by the time they are 12. Using this formula, a ten-year-old cat is similar age wise to a 53-year-old person, a 12-year-old cat to a 61-year-old person, and a 15-year-old cat to a person of 73.

Where should Cats sleep?

Whether it is on the sofa, under the bed, or on the windowsill, your cat will likely continue sleeping wherever she sees fit, even if there is a snuggly pet bed for her somewhere else. Pay attention to your cat's favorite places to nap, and first try place cat beds there.

Is a 10 year old cat old?

Some cats begin showing age-related physical signs as early as age seven, while others are still friskier than kittens at ten. A general rule of thumb is that a cat is classified as "senior" if she's over 11 years of age.

Do cats get bored?

Boredom Busters for Cats But just like other animals, cats can get bored if they are not given sufficient stimulation. A bored cat can turn into a destructive cat, which can result in anxious behaviour and may even cause a cat to attack its owner!

Do cats fart?

The discretion, or lack of audible farts, is probably due to the fact that cats don't gulp their food like dogs do, leading to less air accumulating in their digestive tract. So, yes, cats do fart. But they do it with the same grace and stealth they use to approach everything else.

Is it OK to let my cat die naturally?

Letting a pet dienaturally” is not really natural. In some cases, it may happen rapidly and more or less painlessly. This is what many people hope for.

Do cats purr when they are dying?

“All cats are different, some never purr and some will purr constantly,” she says. “I've witnessed a lot of cats purring when they're dying, and when they're being put to sleep. The vet will say something like 'They were purring right up until the end', and people assume they're happy when they're purring.

What are the symptoms of a cat dying of kidney failure?

Signs of uremia include: Increased thirst, apathy, depression, listlessness, reddened eyes, skin problems, excessive or no urine production (depending on the stage of the disease), dehydration, pain, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, emaciation, bad breath, mouth ulcers, discolored tongue, muscle twitching, coma,

Do cats twitch before they die?

Your cat will be asleep in a very short time and their breathing and heartbeat will stop a few seconds later. As your cat loses consciousness, they may take a deep breath, or gasp and occasionally there may be a brief involuntary twitching or spasm of muscles after death has occurred.

What do you do when your cat dies at home?

If you believe that once a pet has passed away the body is just a shell, you can call your local animal control. They usually have low cost (or no cost) services to dispose of deceased pets. You can also call your veterinarian. You will need to bring your pet to the clinic but then they can arrange for disposal.

Why is my 15 year old cat so skinny?

Well-recognized causes of weight loss in old cats include chronic renal disease, diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and dental problems. Most are readily suspected and confirmed based on physical examination and routine laboratory testing.