How Long Do Kittens Sleep?

We’ve all heard the phrase ‘cat nap’, but kittens sometimes seem to take this to a new level! Sleep is vital for kittens to grow and develop, which is why they need to nap more than adult cats. And although sleep cycles can vary with age, different personalities, and breeds, most kittens spend a surprising amount of time snoozing. In fact, when they’re first born, kittens can sleep for up to 22 hours every day, but as they get older, their awake time starts to increase. Eventually, by the time they’re fully grown, they’ll spend around 15 to 17 hours sleeping each day.

But, exactly why do kittens sleep a lot, and how many hours do kittens sleep for? In this blog, we’ll answer key questions you need to know as a new cat owner, including how long do kittens sleep at each age and stage, how often do kittens sleep during the daytime, and how much do kittens sleep when they come to their new home.

How long do kittens sleep for?

If you’re wondering: ‘how long do kittens sleep?’ - the answer very much depends on their age. Newborn kittens will sleep for most of the day, averaging only around three hours awake per day, but this quickly starts to increase as they get older. By the time they’re around three to four months old, and are fully weaned and ready to leave their mother, kittens do sleep a lot still - but they’ll be snoozing for closer to 16 to 18 hours on average, more like an adult cat will.

Sleep patterns and amounts can vary a lot with individual kittens, and more active kittens may need more sleep. Their environment, background noise, activity levels, health and wellbeing, stress, and nutrition can also affect their sleep.

Why do kittens sleep a lot?

Kittens have a lot of rapid growing, learning, and developing to do, which is why they need more sleep than adult cats. After all, it takes time to hone their natural cat instincts and learn how to grow into a grown-up cat. As well as supporting their developing brains, muscles, and bones, sleep helps kittens stay safe from predators in the wild as well as conserve much-needed energy. Because of this, it’s very normal for kittens to have energetic bursts of activity between their naps.

Although young kittens can sleep for up to 22 hours a day, too much sleep may indicate a health issue. You should expect a kitten to wake up refreshed and ready to feed or play, but if they seem very groggy, it’s best to take them to your vet for a checkup.

How often do kittens sleep?

Kittens usually sleep for around one to two hours at a time, on average. They experience ‘polyphasic’ sleep patterns, where they nap frequently through the day and night. These sleep cycles are interspersed with short times of activity when awake, initially just to feed, but with more play time as they get older.

If you’re wanting to know how much kittens sleep during the night, this can also vary depending on how active they are in the daytime, their overall health, and what’s going on around them. Don’t expect them to sleep through the night, though, as a kitten’s short sleep cycle continues around the clock. They may wake at night and then go back to sleep, just like they do in the daytime.

What to do if your kitten sleeps too much or too little

Very sleepy kittens, who don’t appear to wake up refreshed after their naps, could need a little bit of support. If they’re not sleeping enough, be sure to rule out any injuries, parasites, malnutrition, distractions, or discomforts that may be interrupting their natural sleep cycles. Remember, though, that it can be normal for kittens to sleep more or less when they first come to their new home. Unusual sounds, smells, and stress can temporarily disrupt their sleep patterns. You can encourage better sleep habits by providing a warm, safe space for them to sleep, giving them a familiar blanket or cushion with their scent on, and making sure there are calm, quiet times in the home when they won’t be distracted.

If you’re concerned about how much kittens sleep, and they appear to be snoozing more than expected, they may need more stimulation when they’re awake, such as toys and play time. For weaning kittens, it may be worth boosting their nutritional needs with a high quality cat food tailored to their age. If you’re worried about how many hours your kitten sleeps, it’s always best to consult your vet to rule out any health concerns.

The role of sleep in kitten growth

Young kittens experience continuous, rapid growth and development after they’re born. They’ve also got a huge amount to learn about becoming adult cats! From learning to stand, walk, play, and explore, to hunting, using the toilet, and discovering new foods and games - this rapid physical and mental change needs a lot of energy. Sleep helps kittens to rest, grow, and for their muscles to repair. It also helps kittens to conserve energy for important things, as well as supporting their immune system development, brain function, and overall wellbeing.

Age-related changes in sleep patterns

New cat owners can sometimes be surprised that kittens do sleep a lot when they’re young! Their sleep patterns will evolve as they mature into young adult cats, and they can regress and change from day to day, depending on what else is going on in the house. Building work, new people, or other changes may mean they sleep more or less than usual as they adapt to their new surroundings, but they’ll likely soon return to a more regular pattern.

The answer to how many hours do kittens sleep usually depends on their age, but on average, most kittens need:

• Newborn to two weeks old: 22 hours of sleep per day.
• Two weeks to three months old: 20 to 22 hours of sleep per day.
• Three to six months old: 18 to 20 hours of sleep per day.
• Six months to adulthood: 15 to 18 hours of sleep per day.

Misconceptions about kitten sleep needs

One of the common misconceptions when it comes to how long kittens sleep is that they’ll be up all night after sleeping all day. In reality, cats aren’t nocturnal but crepuscular, which means they’re more likely to be awake and active around dusk and dawn. Another misconception is that a kitten sleeps all day long, but actually, their sleep cycles will mean they have active periods in between naps.

Although a popular question from pet owners is: ‘How often do kittens sleep?’ The answer can vary hugely between individual cats. It can be perfectly normal for some kittens to start sleeping for extended periods, as it may be that they’re experiencing a growth spurt, or they’ve learned a new skill which has tired them out. Although kittens sleeping more, or appearing lethargic can sometimes signify illness, it’s important to observe their overall behaviour when awake and seek help from your vet if you’re worried.

How Long Do Kittens Sleep? FAQs

How long does a 3 month old kitten sleep?

Wondering ‘How much do kittens sleep when they’re three months old?’ On average, they’ll need to nap for around 18 to 20 hours per day. At three months old, kittens rapidly grow and develop, and will experience periods of sleep with active awake times in between.

Do kittens ever sleep through the night?

Most kittens won’t sleep all the way through from evening to the next morning, as their usual sleep cycle patterns involve frequent napping and waking up, to play or feed, before they next nod off. Cats are also naturally more active at dawn and dusk time.

Should I wake up a sleeping kitten?

It’s best not to wake a sleeping kitten unless you absolutely have to. Sleep is vitally important to their development and wellbeing, and waking them suddenly can cause them stress. They’re likely to be irritable or mistrusting if they’re suddenly woken, so it’s best to let sleeping kittens lie.

How long to play with a kitten before bed?

Experts recommend short, fun games with your kitten for around 15 minutes at a time, which should be long enough to maintain their attention. It’s important for kittens to be active when they’re awake, as it helps them learn and explore, and tires them out before their next nap.