My cats love to snooze, but especially in the winter, when it seems that every warm, sunny spot in my house suddenly has a napping feline. When I first paid attention to this, I was a little confused. After all, cats don’t hibernate. So are they really sleeping more, or am I imagining it?
Content:
- Do Cats Sleep More in Winter
- How Much Do Cats Sleep in Winter
- Can Cats Sleep Outside in Winter or Cold Weather
- Conclusion
Do Cats Sleep More in Winter
In most cases, as it turns out, yes, cats tend to nap longer and move less during colder months. One reason is daylight. Shorter days affect a cat’s internal clock, just like they do ours. Less daylight often means less activity.
Cold weather also plays a role. Staying warm takes energy, and sleep helps conserve it. That’s why cats seek cozy spots and spend more time resting instead of roaming. It’s like hibernation-lite. They’re still active, but they sleep as much as possible to conserve energy and stay warm.
Remember that cats sometimes drink less water in the winter, which can lead to issues like kidney or bladder problems. Flowing water can help encourage regular drinking when cats aren’t moving as much. A filtered fountain like Petcube Fountain keeps them drinking more year-round.
How Much Do Cats Sleep in Winter
Cats already sleep a lot, usually 12 to 16 hours a day. In winter, that number can creep closer to the higher end, especially for older cats or indoor cats with fewer daylight cues.
Many owners notice clear seasonal patterns. As one Reddit user shared:
“My two cats are indoor/outdoor cats and I barely see them in the summer, they’re just hanging around the garden day and night. In the cold winter months though they just sleep all day either in my bed or on top of a radiator.” — via reddit.
Research supports what many parents experience. According to Dr. Marine Parker, seasonal light changes strongly influence cat activity:
“Cats tend to move less in winter and more in spring and autumn. Changes in natural light help regulate their daily rhythms, leading to lower activity during darker months.” — Dr. Marine Parker.
In simple terms: less daylight tells a cat’s body it’s time to rest more. Because these changes happen gradually, they’re easy to miss. That’s where pet monitoring can help. A camera like the Petcube Cam lets you keep an eye on your cat’s daily habits, so you can spot changes in sleep, activity, or behavior over time.
Can Cats Sleep Outside in Winter or Cold Weather
Some cats can tolerate cold weather better than others, especially outdoor or indoor/outdoor cats with thick coats. Think of breeds that come from cold areas like the Norwegian Forest Cat. However, sleeping outside in winter isn’t always safe.
Cold temperatures, wind, and damp conditions can still lead to hypothermia or illness. If cats are outdoors in winter, they should always have access to a warm, dry shelter. Whenever possible, bringing cats indoors during cold nights is the safest option.
Conclusion
Cats often sleep more in winter, and it’s usually completely normal. Shorter days, colder weather, and natural biological rhythms all play a role and are nature's signal for them to rest more.
As long as your cat is eating, drinking, and behaving normally when awake, extra winter naps are nothing to worry about.
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