Just like humans, felines naturally enjoy being in warm, cosy places. The warmth of the sun gives them a sense of security, replenishes their vitamin D for healthier bones and coat, and provides the ideal mating opportunities. And since they are genetically desert animals, their bodies are designed to tolerate hot temperatures more than humans.
While our furry companions love the heat, too much sunshine can also drain them out. So it should not be a surprise to see a sleepy cat during hot days. It may seem that they are too lazy to respond when you throw them their favorite toys. And oftentimes, your furkid can either hide in his favorite cool spot or spend the rest of the day on shaded areas to snooze.
And with the excessive amount of sleep, you might end up wondering if your four-legged companion is going through something serious.
So let’s clear the air to help you understand your kitty’s sleepy behavior.
Why do cats sleep more in summer
There is a good reason why your felines love napping during hot seasons. Cats seek ways to stay cool when it is scorching hot outside, ways that are so different from humans. And sweating or taking a cold shower is not one of them.
For a cat, extending sleep time is a great way to lower their body temperature and reserve energy for the evening. So when it gets too steamy, you might notice your cat dozing on your kitchen floor, bathtub, or other cooler areas in the house. For most owners, it might appear that their felines are too lazy during summer but this is not always true. Cats are just wise enough not to waste their energy when it’s too hot outside.
Do cats sleep a lot when it’s hot?
Yes, cats do spend more time napping during hot seasons. And that’s because they are somehow aware that the high temperature will only wear them down. Besides, even humans cannot stand the scorching heat of the sun!
Cats normally sleep a lot whatever the season may be. Sleeping between 12 to 15 hours is typical for a healthy, adult cat. Some felines can be more active and sleep less while the others can doze for up to 20 hours, especially senior cats. Don’t worry, this behavior is perfectly normal. If your furry companion is a long sleeper, expect extra hours of slumber when the summer arrives.
So don’t be alarmed if your four-legged friend dozes from morning until the afternoon. Unless he shows other worrying symptoms, your kitty is totally fine and just loves catnapping to have more energy in the evening.
What temperature is too hot for cats?
Cats cannot tolerate temperatures higher than 100°F since this can easily cause them to overheat. If your cat has been out playing on a hot, humid day and suddenly collapses, it is likely caused by exhaustion.
So never forget to help your cat cool down when the summer arrives. Always have a fresh bowl of clean water for them to stay hydrated. Turn on the air conditioning unit to help them chill, or prepare a comfy feline bed close to an open window (away from direct sunlight) for proper ventilation. Cool pads are also great to help your feline lower his body heat while staying comfy.
Does the heat make cats tired and lazy?
Would you rather chill inside your home and have cool refreshments when it is too hot outside? Just like you, your furry friend does not want to waste his energy when the day gets too steamy. For this reason, cats tend to become too lazy to play or do some adventures during summer.
But keep in mind that cats are light sleepers. You might still notice their tails moving even if they appear to be sleeping. That’s because felines are wired to stay alert like warriors, always ready to jump into action if they sense danger nearby.
Prepping for evening adventures
Cats in general are known for being crepuscular animals. That means our furry felines are more active from sunset until the wee hours of the morning. So throughout the day, expect your cat to sleep nonstop and briefly get up to use the litter box or eat and drink. The reason for this behavior comes down to the history of their ancestors.
Pre-domesticated cats are known as obligate carnivores and survive through hunting. They are inclined to catch their prey in the wee hours of the night when the small mammals and birds are plentiful. As solitary hunters, wild cats prefer hunting at night to avoid other predatory animals, hence less competition.
With all that said, it is important for them to keep their tank full before the sun sets. And sleep is an excellent way for most felines to recharge and conserve their energy for their hunting escapades later on.
So even if your furry friend has been domesticated and well provided with food, the instinct to hunt is still a huge influence in their behavior. They become active at night and their eyesight is sharp, but then go to slumber to replenish their energy while “instinctively” avoiding other predatory animals.
But don’t worry, you can still enjoy your furry friends during the day since they are highly adaptable and social animals. Rest assured your cats are willing to adjust their sleep schedules just to bond with their favorite human.
When to worry about excessive sleeping
Since cats normally spend a lot of hours sleeping, diagnosing health-related problems based on sleep habits alone can be challenging. New fur parents might need more time to familiarize their pet’s sleep patterns. But if your feline has been living under your roof for some time, then you probably know already if your furkid is a couch potato or not. But still, you will need to consider other factors before worrying about your cat’s extended sleep hours.
If your gut feeling tells you that something is off with your cat, try to monitor any changes with his sleep patterns along with other symptoms.
Is your cat easily woken up with sudden noise or when touched? Normally, cats stay alert of their surroundings even while napping. Their senses are designed to be highly sensitive to any changes in the environment so external stimulation should open their eyes right away.
However, if your cat sleeps deeply for at least 12 hours and does not respond with the outside noise or change his sleep position, then an underlying health condition might be the culprit. Cats are light sleepers and usually spend some waking periods doing their business such as grooming, eating, or changing locations to nap. If you recognize abnormal sleep patterns, then it’s extremely important to call your vet for proper diagnosis.
Wrapping it up
Cats tend to sleep more during hot days as part of their feline primal instincts. They are naturally wired to sleep at least 15 hours to replenish their energy levels for their night crazies. And for most felines, this nocturnal behavior is completely normal and should not cause a concern.
Monitor your cat’s behavioral changes if you think the sleep cycles are beyond their normal habits. Felines should still respond to their outside world even if their eyes are shut. Otherwise, a call to the vet should help you understand your kitty’s unusual sleep patterns.
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