How Many Hours Does a 17-Month-Old Cat Sleep in 24 Hours?
When Ginger, my ginger cat, tirelessly opens the conservatory windows and leaves, I often wonder how long he stays out. I remember vividly when a neighbor complained about hearing our ginger cat causing a cat 'scream' around 2 AM. Ginger also has a habit of taking afternoon naps with his neighbor’s cats, and I haven’t heard any objections from them.
However, the concept of a cat being ldquo;supposedrdquo; to sleep doesn't fit well with my observations. While experts state that cats sleep for about 18 hours a day, in my 60 years with cats, I've rarely observed them sleeping that much, usually between 12 to 14 hours daily. Large cats, which are naturally hunters, rely on extensive sleep to store energy for long, winding chases to catch prey for their meals. Interestingly, our domesticated cats retain this instinct, even though we take care of them fully.
Understanding your Cat's Sleep Patterns
Cats being individuals, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how many hours a 17-month-old cat sleeps in a 24-hour period. Nonetheless, there are general guidelines that most veterinarians agree upon.
Kittens and Sleeping Patterns
Kittens, typically, need around 16 hours of sleep per day, with 12 hours during the day and the remaining 4 at nighttime until they are approximately six months old. At that age, they can adjust to 8-hour sleep increments, but these should never be less than 6 hours at any time and no more than 10 hours in a 24-hour period. There should be no drastic changes in sleep intervals; adjustments should be made gradually through changes of two to four hours every couple of days until the desired sleep duration is reached.
Adult Cats and Sleeping Patterns
Adult cats need around 12 hours of sleep per day, often with 10 at night and 2 during the day if needed, not exceeding an additional 2 hours in a single 24-hour period. Similar to kittens, there should be no sudden changes in sleeping hour intervals. Gradual adjustments of one hour every two to three days are recommended until the desired amount of sleep is achieved.
Our little domestic cats are indeed remarkable; they show striking similarities in their instinctive behaviors, making it quite awe-inspiring to watch them. Cats are small but powerful machines, storing energy while sleeping and rapidly peaking into action with renewed energy. So, the next time you see your cat, remember they are preparing for their next adventure, ready to take on the world.
Curious about your cat's sleep patterns? Understanding the basics of feline behavior and sleep can help you ensure your feline companion is living a happy, healthy life. If you notice drastic changes in their behavior or sleep patterns, it may be wise to consult your veterinarian for further advice.
In conclusion, while the average is around 17 hours of sleep for a 17-month-old cat, it's important to respect their individuality and make any adjustments gradually to avoid strain on their health. Keep an eye on their behavior, be consistent with the recommended guidelines, and ensure your cat is getting all the rest they need to thrive in their environment.