Rethink The "Lazy" Stereotype: Your Cat Shouldn't Sleep All Day

Just because cats do sleep all day, doesn’t mean that they should.

Cats love to sleep. Based on studies and trends, we know they need more than the eight hours we strive for on a good day. However, the massive range of "normal" sleep hours you find in a quick search can leave you with more questions than answers.

What we know for sure is that our homes rarely provide the same level of enrichment and excitement that the outdoor world offers. That lack of opportunity for fun and activity leads to chronically bored, under-enriched cats expressing their needs in ways we deem “bad”. While age plays a big role in how much shut-eye a cat requires, we shouldn't let that become an excuse for a sedentary lifestyle.

The Danger of the "Lazy" Lifestyle

This idea that cats naturally sleep “all day” is actually quite harmful to them. It gives us humans an excuse or misleads us into thinking that a “lazy” cat is normal.

This mindset can be dangerous because it causes us to miss warning signs of illness. When we assume a cat is just sleepy, we often overlook lethargy, which is a common sign that they feel unwell. By thinking that excess sleep is the norm, we may not notice when it’s actually a health crisis.

Remember: Cats are more than just decorations or pieces of furniture. They are tiny apex predators that need activities to feed their instincts and their souls every single day.

How to Help Your Cat Thrive

So, how can we bridge the gap between a sleepy house cat and a thriving feline?

• Provide an Exciting Environment: Keep the curtains of their favorite window open during the day to provide "Cat TV". Build a vertical world of shelves and trees they can explore, and try moving furniture or toys around to add a sense of novelty. If it’s safe and possible, a catio is can be a game-changer.
• Don’t Skip Brain Games: Set up puzzle feeders before you leave for work or feed their meals from them. You can also create "foraging boxes" filled with new objects or start a daily treasure hunt by hiding treats around the house.
• Partake in the Fun: Your cat wants daily connection with you. Aim for at least one 1-on-1 interactive play session a day. Engage their brains with clicker training. If your cat is adventurous and comfortable, you can even go on leashed walks.

Don’t get too comfortable or complacent in the idea that your cat is content to sleep away the day. A cat who truly thrives is one that is given the opportunity to fully enjoy their home in ways that go far beyond a peaceful nap.