Q Why do cats sleep so much?

A On average, cats sleep about 16 hours a day, which equates to about two-thirds of their life. In fact, cats get more sleep than virtually any other animal, about twice as much as most mammals. Thus, sleeping is simply a normal behavior for cats. Just how much a particular cat will sleep, however, can depend upon many factors, including their age, their degree of hunger, their sense of security, the temperature and the weather.

hanges in sleep patterns, however, may require you to contact your veterinarian. Hyperthyroidism can cause a cat, particularly an older cat, to sleep less. If you notice that your cat is sleeping more or appears depressed when awake, this may be a sign of illness and should be checked by your vet.