Should I Let My Cat Sleep All Day?
Should I Let My Cat Sleep All Day?
While cats can sleep for long hours, letting them sleep all day is not a good idea. Even if your cat does not sleep in a deep sleep all day, it may be a sign of a problem. If your cat suddenly starts sleeping long hours, you should consult your veterinarian.
Age
A cat's age is calculated differently from that of a dog. The age of a cat is equivalent to about fifteen years, while a dog's age is about seven years. A cat's life span varies based on its breed and environment, but generally, it will live about fifteen to twenty-five years. However, there are breeds that age more slowly.
Activity level
The activity level of a cat varies based on the time of year and the weather. During winter months, a cat's primary activities include eating and sleeping. Cold weather is conducive to inactivity and your cat might want to spend the day outside. However, it is important to provide stimulation during the day, so that your cat will be active at night. If possible, wake up your cat early in the afternoon and stimulate it during this time. This can be done by giving him/her a treat of catnip leaves or even a toy mouse to play with.
Depression
If your cat is depressed, the first step is to identify the sources of the depression. Stress may be the main culprit. It can also be the result of adding another pet into the household. Once you know what causes the cat's stress, you can take steps to alleviate the problem. A simple fix is to provide more vertical space for your cat.
Stress
Stress is a common side effect of letting your cat sleep all day. While we can't always stop a cat from sleeping, there are a number of ways to reduce this effect. First, try to avoid letting your cat sleep for more than a few hours a day. Cats may need extra time to get to sleep at night, so try to give them some extra stimulation before bedtime. This can be achieved by providing your cat with toys and activities to keep them entertained. Try to spend at least 10 minutes playing with your cat each day.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a common problem in cats, affecting nearly 40% of the population. It is often associated with age. By 12 years of age, 90% of cats will show signs of bone changes. This degeneration will cause adjacent bones to rub on one another, causing pain and inflammation. In addition, it will result in bone spurs (osteophytes), which can be extremely painful and restrict movement.
Pain
A healthy cat will sleep for at least eight hours during the day. However, there are some times when your cat may need more rest. Some cats may need to sleep as much as twenty hours in a day, so it's a good idea to offer plenty of activity during the day. During the day, you can also provide your cat with toys or walk it for a few minutes. If your cat does seem to be sleeping too much, make sure you see a veterinarian to discuss your cat's sleep schedule.
Favorite resting places
A cat's favorite resting places are usually places that are comfortable, quiet, and high off the ground. If you have multiple cats, you may want to provide separate resting areas for each of them. It's best to provide different places to your feline friends so that you can avoid disturbing them.
