How Much Do Cats Sleep More Than Dogs?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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However, kittens and elderly cats put in as much as 20 hours a day. When you think about the 8 hours humans need, that's almost double the snoozing! To compare with other animals, cats less than dogs (

12-14 hours

), about as long as sloths, and less than bats and possums (20 hours).

Are cats more relaxing than dogs?

Cats, as anyone who has one will tell you, are better than dogs in every conceivable way. They're softer, sweeter, and smarter.

They're quieter and cleaner

. They're masters of both the art of lazy lounging and the one of skillful hunting (of rodents).

How many hours per day do cats sleep?

12 – 16 hours

What pet sleeps the most?

  • Sleeper #1: the cat. 16 hours a day (kittens can go up to 22h) …
  • Sleeper # 2: ferret. 12h to 18h per day (depending on time you spend with him) …
  • Sleeper # 3: the dog. At least 12 hours a day (depending on your lifestyle) …
  • Sleepers # 4: the rabbit and hamster. About 10h/11h day.

Why cats shouldn't sleep in your bed?


Risk: Fleas and other parasites

When you share your bed with a cat sleeping, you're also sharing a bed with any parasites the cat is harboring. “If your cat goes outdoors, fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites pose a risk to you when your cat returns home and cuddles up with you at night,” Dr. DeWire warns.

Who sleeps more dog or cat?

When you think about the 8 hours humans need, that's almost double the snoozing! To compare with other animals,

cats sleep less than dogs

(12-14 hours), about as long as sloths, and less than bats and possums (20 hours).

Why are cats afraid of water?

One suggests that

because the species evolved in dry climates and had little exposure to rivers or lakes, water (except for drinking) is an element they are unfamiliar with and thus avoid

. More likely, however, cats don't like getting wet because of what water does to their fur.

Are cats smarter than dogs?

However, various studies have concluded that, overall,

cats are not smarter than dogs

. One study often cited is that of neurologist Suzana Herculano-Houzel, who has spent nearly 15 years analyzing cognitive function in humans and animals.

Are cats worse than dogs?

In general,

dogs are better pets than cats

. They walk, play fetch and interact with owners, whereas cats stalk around on their lonesome during night's dark hours. Although some may view dog's eager loyalty as a downside, companionship builds close relationships.

Should I let my cat sleep all day?


It is normal for cats to sleep a lot – up to 16 hours a day

. But, it is normal for this sleep to be part of the rest, hunt, eat, groom, sleep cycle. If your cat is sleeping more than is normal, he/she may need more play/hunting stimulation during the day. 2.

Do cats recognize their owners?


Cats don't recognize their owners by looking at them because their resting faces look the same

. Instead, cats tell the difference between humans based on sound and smell. Cats learn to recognize their owner's voice, and human skin carries a unique scent to a cat, regardless of whether they're wearing cologne.

Why do cats sleep a lot?

“Cats need a lot of sleep

so they can conserve energy for hunting activities such as stalking, chasing, pouncing, climbing, and running

,” she says. But cats can also sleep for a reason that's entirely relatable to humans: for boredom or mental health reasons.

Which animal can sleep for 3 years?


Snails

need moisture to survive; so if the weather is not cooperating, they can actually sleep up to three years. It has been reported that depending on geography, snails can shift into hibernation (which occurs in the winter), or estivation (also known as ‘summer sleep'), helping to escape warm climates.

What is the laziest animal?

  1. koala. Koalas are known for their laziness and sleeping abilities, spending only two to six hours awake every day.
  2. Sloth. …
  3. Opossum. …
  4. Hippopotamus. …
  5. Python. …
  6. Echidna. …
  7. Giant panda. …
  8. Nurse shark. …

Which animal spends 90% of its day sleep?

Koalas. Hats off to the (somewhat disputed) king of sleep: the

Koala bear

. They've been reported to sleep up to 22 hours a day in captivity, over 90% of their lives.

Do cats like to be petted while sleeping?

It…. Reduces stress –

Petting a sleeping cat has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce anxiety, depression, and stress

. Strengthens the bond – Cats who sleep with their humans are closer to them. This comfortable snuggle helps them feel more trust and safety with their owners.

Do cats sleep with you to protect you?


Sleeping with you provides them with security and an extra defense if a predator should launch a nighttime attack

. They sleep with you because they trust you, they know you're not a danger and you can also provide an extra layer of defense if needed.

Will I crush my cat in my sleep?

Some pet owners may worry about crushing their cat in their sleep, but that's

unlikely to occur

— though you might want to exercise caution with co-sleeping if you're raising newborn kittens.

How many naps does a cat take per day?

Cats are crepuscular

Therefore, it's not unusual for adult cats to have

between 15 and 20 hours

of sleep time per day. While cats may be crepuscular, that doesn't mean that a tiger – or house cat – can't change their cat sleeping ways. Felines are also quite sociable animals and their behavior is malleable.

How long does a cat sleep?

12 – 16 hours

Where do cats like to sleep?

Your cat may prefer

small, enclosed spaces

too, particularly when asleep. Again this comes from the need to feel protected. Many cats love to sleep in cardboard boxes that are enclosed on all sides as this means that they only have one point of entry to keep a sleepy eye on, reducing their vulnerability.

Why do cats hate belly rubs?

Why do some cats dislike belly rubs?

Hair follicles on the belly and tail area are hypersensitive to touch, so petting there can be overstimulating

, Provoost says. “Cats prefer to be pet and scratched on the head, specifically under their chin and cheeks,” where they have scent glands, Provoost says.

Do cats like milk?

So it turns out that,

yes, cats actually do like milk

, but it's because of the yummy fat content, not because they need it. Just like humans, kittens drink their mother's milk but then lose the ability to digest lactose as they get older. In other words, most cats are lactose intolerant.

Do cats blink to say I love you?

Go for the Slow Blink

You can say “I love you” to your cat by looking at them with relaxed eyes and slowly lowering your eyelids.

Your cat may offer a slow blink in return, letting you know they love you, too!

Do cats know their names?

So, do cats know their names?

Yes, they do

! In April 2019, an article was published in the journal Nature about this very subject. This study took place in Japan and investigated 78 cats and if they could distinguish their names from other random words spoken to them.

Do cats understand words?

Cats lack the cognitive skills to interpret human language, but

they recognize when you talk to them

. To put it another way, cats comprehend human language in the same way that we understand meowing.

Which makes a better pet a dog or a cat?


If you're looking for a companion that will sit by your side, then a dog might be your best bet

. Cats can be quite affectionate and attentive, but only up to a point. They tend to become bored or overstimulated much more easily than dogs, and at that point they want to escape for a while.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.