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How Much Do Kittens Sleep?  

How Much Do Kittens Sleep?

Updated on January 24, 2023
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Reviewed by Dr. Whitney Miller
DVM, MBA, DACVPM

How many hours do kittens sleep?  | Will my kitten sleep through the night?  | When to talk to a veterinarian  | Where cats should sleep | Sleeping patterns 

kitten sleeping

A kitten’s snuggly little body and large eyes can turn anyone into a cat person immediately—and adopting one is almost irresistible. Once you bring them home, you can’t wait for all the kitten fun, growth and play that are sure to come.  

It’s normal to have questions about how much your kitty is sleeping when you’re a new pet parent. If your kitten curls up on your lap and sleeps and sleeps—and then sleeps some more—you may not know whether it’s normal. They might get up for meals, run around for a bit and then go right back into dreamland, leaving you wondering, “How much sleep is normal for kittens?” 

You may have heard cats spend a lot of time sleeping, but what are normal kitten sleeping patterns? Should they be sleeping all day? Could it be a sign of illness? Should you consult a veterinarian?  

It’s important for pet parents to know the normal routine of their cat so they can spot any potential red flags early and get them treated. Petco is here to help you decipher your kitten’s sleeping habits. 

How many hours a day does my kitten need to sleep? 

If it feels like your kitten is sleeping all the time, it’s probably because they are. 8-week-old kittens can sleep a whopping 18 to 20 hours a day. Their little bodies are growing, and that exerts a lot of energy.  

At their core, felines are carnivores. Though they can eat other foods, their preferred energy source is meat. In nature, obtaining meat means catching prey. A feline’s frequent catnaps are their way of conserving energy until their next hunt. You may have experienced times when your cat will be sitting calmly, then go tearing through the house for seemingly no reason like something is chasing them. They do this because they need to burn off some of that excess energy.  

It’s important to let your little cat get the snooze time they need. It’s a major key to their development and can even help them fend off illness later in life. As they age, your kitten’s sleep cycle will change—though they’ll still sleep a lot. On average, kittens 6 months or older and adult cats usually catch about 16 to 18 hours of shut-eye a day. You may also see your kitten matching their sleeping patterns more closely to yours. After all, they love you and want to hang out with you more often.  

Will my kitten sleep through the night? 

Every kitten is different, just like humans. However, if you notice your kitten sleeping all day, they may gravitate toward being awake during the night hours. Felines are usually most active around dawn and dusk. A young kitten may also wake up frequently through the night. They may be hungry, bored or missing their littermates.

When kittens wake up from their slumber, they’re full of energy and ready to expend it. Unfortunately, this is where the famous middle-of-the-night zoomies come in. Though it may be hard to resist, don’t get up and play with them. That just turns it into a nightly ritual in their mind. Instead, try to establish a consistent routine.  

Instead of playing with your kitten if they wake up at night, make sure they’re getting lots of exercise and play in the evening before bed. Try different cat toys or come up with fun games that allow them to hone their hunting skills—it can help get out a lot of that energy.  

When it comes to dinnertime, try feeding kitten food right before you retire for the night. Make sure they eat their fill, then take a quick trip to their litter box before tucking them into their cozy bed and petting them until they sleep. A full kitten is often a tired kitten—they may curl up and go out like a light. Make sure they have access to their water bowl, litter box and a little bit of dry food for a snack if they get hungry during the night. 

It can also help to position their bed close to you. This will allow you to talk calmly to them until they drift off to sleep. Toys that mimic their mom’s heartbeat also go a long way to help soothe them. You might even bundle an old, soft t-shirt in their bed, so they’re comforted by your scent at night.  

Some kittens feel more comfortable when they are elevated slightly off the floor. Try flipping over a laundry basket and placing their bed securely on top. That brings them closer to your level on the bed and may help them feel less alone.  

When helping your kitten sleep through the night, remember to be patient. It’s a whole new world for these little ones, and you are the center of that world. It’s natural for them to be up at night or early in the morning and want to spend their waking time with you. Being patient and using positive reinforcement will help deepen your bond.  

My kitten sleeps a lot and is not very active when they’re awake. Should I be worried?  

It’s definitely something you may want to get checked out by your veterinarian. Though cats sleep a lot, they’re typically on the go and ready to explore as soon as they open their eyes. If your cat is sleeping a lot and not playing when they’re awake, it could be a sign of a medical issue.  

However, keep in mind that our pets have personalities. You may have a kitty that is just a little lazy. Consult your vet just to be on the safe side—especially if you notice additional signs, such as not eating and drinking normally or any gastrointestinal issues.  

Does my kitten need to have their own bed? Can they sleep with me instead?  

It’s a good idea to give every pet their own space, especially when they’re young. Getting your kitten a cat bed is a great way to set up your nighttime routine. When you put them to bed at the same time each night, they’ll start to understand that it’s time to rest. The act of playing with them, feeding them and putting them to bed is important for a kitten’s sleep schedule and peace of mind. A consistent routine can help calm anxiety and alleviate fears—and ultimately achieve the goal of getting your kitten sleeping through the night.   

That being said, many cats are stubborn—even when they’re kittens. You may put them to bed and watch them fall asleep, but if they wake up, will they stay there? Maybe not. Most likely, you will wake up and find them snuggled up against you if given a chance. When a kitten is in low-energy mode, they may seek the companionship and warmth of their family—and that’s you.  

As your kitten grows up, they may naturally start sleeping with you during the night if you allow it. When they’re a small kitten, use caution if you’re having them sleep in your bed—especially if you’re a sound sleeper. If you happen to roll onto your little cat, they may not be able to maneuver out of the way.  

It’s also important to remember that kittens usually aren’t fully litter-trained when you adopt them. If they have an accident in their machine-washable bed, cleanup is pretty easy. Getting the pungent smell of cat urine out of your mattress, however, not so much. Even worse, if the smell lingers, they may think it’s an alternate place to go potty.  

When should I worry about my kitten’s sleeping patterns?  

Cats are usually consistent. They tend to sleep a little less as they get older, but when they’re awake, they should be pretty active. If you notice your cat isn’t engaging like they used to or seems lethargic, it’s time for a checkup with your veterinarian.  

If your cat isn’t sleeping enough, this could also indicate problems. Felines can suffer from sleep disorders, just like humans. A drastic shift in your kitten’s sleep habits could indicate an underlying medical issue or an increase in anxiety and stress. Anxiety can be dangerous for cats—it can make them more prone to infections and illness.  

As a pet parent, trust your instincts. If their behavior seems off, it’s best to consult your veterinarian. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.  

Petco offers a variety of services to make taking care of your pet easier. We offer in-store veterinary services, microchipping and an online cat pharmacy so you can get their medications shipped right to your door.  

We have everything you need to complete your New Kitten Checklist and to Kitty-Proof Your House. Our Cat Care Sheets are also a great resource. Come see us at your nearest neighborhood Petco Pet Care Center for all your feline needs.  

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