Ever watched your furry friend snoozing and wondered if their sleeping habits are normal? Cats spend up to 16 hours a day sleeping, making their slumber patterns important windows into their overall health.
Strange changes in how, where, or when your cat sleeps often signal underlying problems that might otherwise go unnoticed.
1. Excessive Sleeping Beyond Normal Hours
When your typically active kitty suddenly transforms into a perpetual sleeper, something might be off. Cats naturally sleep 12-16 hours daily, but sleeping significantly more could indicate depression, illness, or pain.
Senior cats often sleep more as they age, but a dramatic increase in any cat deserves attention. Monitor if your cat still engages in daily activities between naps.
2. Restless Tossing And Turning
Constant repositioning during sleep isn’t just annoying for you—it’s uncomfortable for your cat too. Arthritis, urinary tract infections, and digestive issues often manifest as an inability to get comfortable.
Healthy cats typically settle quickly and remain in one position. Watch for other signs like limping or difficulty jumping that might accompany this restless behavior.
3. Sleeping In Unusual Positions
Found your cat sleeping with their head pressed against the wall? This unusual position can indicate serious neurological problems requiring immediate veterinary care.
Similarly, cats who suddenly sleep stretched out instead of curled up might be experiencing overheating or respiratory distress. Cats typically adjust their sleeping positions for comfort and temperature regulation.
4. Loud Snoring Or Breathing Changes
Occasional soft snores are normal, but new or loud snoring often signals respiratory issues. Flat-faced breeds naturally snore more, but sudden changes warrant investigation.
Listen for wheezing, labored breathing, or unusual pauses during sleep. These could indicate allergies, infections, or more serious conditions like asthma or heart problems that affect your cat’s breathing during rest.
5. Refusing To Sleep In Favorite Spots
Cats are creatures of habit who typically have preferred sleeping locations. Abandoning a favorite bed or perch for unusual places like under furniture might signal pain or anxiety.
A cat seeking cooler surfaces like tile floors could be overheated or feverish. Notice if your cat chooses higher or lower surfaces than usual, as joint pain often affects climbing ability.
6. Twitching Or Seizure-Like Movements
Small paw twitches during dream states are completely normal—your cat is probably chasing dream mice! However, violent jerking, whole-body tremors, or paddling movements may indicate seizures.
Record these episodes on your phone to show your vet. Pay attention to whether your cat seems confused or disoriented upon waking, which could suggest neurological issues requiring medical attention.
7. Sleeping With Eyes Partially Open
Catching sight of your cat sleeping with half-open eyes can be startling! While some cats naturally sleep this way occasionally, consistent half-open eyes might indicate eye problems or neurological issues.
Check if the third eyelid (a pinkish membrane) is visible during sleep. Its prominence can signal dehydration, illness, or wasting diseases that require prompt veterinary evaluation.
8. Suddenly Sleeping Near Water Sources
Has your water-avoiding feline started camping out by the water bowl? This behavior often indicates kidney disease or diabetes, conditions causing increased thirst.
Cats with these conditions may wake frequently to drink, then return to sleep near the water source. Track water consumption alongside this behavior change—increased drinking plus sleeping near water is a red flag requiring veterinary attention.
9. Insomnia Or Reduced Sleep
Midnight zoomies are normal cat behavior, but a cat who genuinely seems unable to settle down might have hyperthyroidism or high blood pressure. These conditions can cause restlessness and hyperactivity even when tired.
Older cats particularly may develop sleep-wake cycle disruptions similar to human dementia. Watch for confused meowing, pacing, or inability to settle despite appearing exhausted.
10. Excessive Daytime Alertness
Cats naturally alternate between deep sleep and light dozing throughout the day. A cat who seems constantly alert, even during typical nap times, might be experiencing pain or anxiety.
Hyperthyroidism can also cause this hypervigilant state. Look for accompanying symptoms like weight loss despite increased appetite, or heightened reactivity to normal household sounds that never bothered them before.
11. Frequent Startling From Sleep
Jumping awake repeatedly isn’t just a sign your cat’s having bad dreams. This behavior can indicate pain that intensifies when relaxing muscles during sleep, or anxiety disorders affecting rest quality.
High blood pressure can cause similar symptoms, particularly in senior cats. If your cat seems unable to achieve restful sleep due to constantly waking with a start, consider tracking when these episodes occur to report to your veterinarian.