How Long Do Kittens Sleep?

Why do kittens sleep so much?

Growth is exhausting work. Kittens are growing rapidly, developing their nervous system, building muscle, strengthening bones, and maturing their immune system, all of which require enormous energy. Growth hormone (somatotropin) is primarily released during deep sleep, which means sleeping isn't just rest; it's an active growth period. The brain is also doing critical developmental work during REM sleep, forming and strengthening neural connections that the kitten will use for the rest of their life.

What does normal kitten sleep look like?

Newborn kittens (0 to 2 weeks) sleep nearly 22 hours a day, waking only to nurse. As they grow, sleep gradually decreases: 3 to 8 week old kittens sleep about 18 to 20 hours, 2 to 6 month old kittens sleep about 16 to 20 hours, and adolescent cats (6 to 12 months) begin approaching the adult range of 12 to 16 hours. Kitten sleep is polyphasic, meaning they take many short naps throughout the day rather than sleeping in one long block.

Should I wake a sleeping kitten?

No. Let sleeping kittens sleep. The developmental processes happening during sleep are too important to interrupt for convenience. If you need to establish a schedule (like feeding times), your kitten will naturally wake for meals and play, then sleep again. Trying to force a kitten to stay awake longer than their body wants disrupts the natural growth cycle and can make them cranky and overstimulated.

When is too much sleep a concern?

Since kittens already sleep most of the day, it can be hard to tell when sleep is excessive. The warning signs are a kitten that seems difficult to wake, shows no interest in food when awake, is lethargic and weak during waking hours, or has stopped playing entirely. A healthy kitten should have bursts of intense energy and playfulness between naps. If those bursts disappear and the kitten seems to only sleep, a vet visit is warranted to rule out illness, anemia, or parasites.