How Much Sleep Do Cats and Dogs Really Need? A Complete Guide

How Much Sleep Do Cats and Dogs Actually Need?

These numbers often surprise new pet owners, since they amount to roughly half to two-thirds of a full day. For cats and dogs, this is entirely normal and reflects their natural biology rather than laziness or boredom.

Why Cats and Dogs Sleep So Much

Both species descend from ancestors who relied on short bursts of intense energy, for hunting or for covering distance, followed by extended rest to recover.

Cats, in particular, are considered crepuscular, meaning they tend to be most active around dawn and dusk, with long stretches of sleep in between. Dogs generally follow a more flexible pattern, often adapting their sleep schedule to align with their household's routine.

In both cases, sleep plays a role in energy conservation, physical recovery, and normal development, particularly in puppies and kittens.

How Sleep Needs Change With Age

Kittens and Puppies

Young animals often sleep even more than adults, sometimes reaching close to 18 to 20 hours a day, since sleep supports the rapid growth and development happening during this stage.

Adult Cats and Dogs

Most healthy adults settle into the ranges mentioned earlier, generally 12 to 16 hours for cats and 12 to 14 hours for dogs, though individual variation is common.

Senior Pets

Older cats and dogs frequently sleep more again, similar to the increased rest seen in early life, often reflecting lower energy levels and, in some cases, age-related joint discomfort.

Do Breed and Size Affect Sleep?

Breed and size can influence sleep patterns to some degree, though individual temperament often plays just as large a role.

Larger Dog Breeds

Larger breeds are often reported to sleep slightly more than smaller ones, which some sources associate with the physical demands of a larger body.

High-Energy Breeds

Working and herding breeds, when well exercised, may sleep more deeply between activity periods, since they tend to expend more energy during their waking hours.

Flat-Faced (Brachycephalic) Breeds

Some flat-faced breeds, in both cats and dogs, may experience lower-quality sleep due to breathing-related factors, which is a topic best discussed with a veterinarian familiar with the breed.

Understanding a Pet's Sleep Cycle

Not all of a cat or dog's sleep is deep sleep. Much of it consists of light dozing, from which they wake easily, interspersed with shorter periods of deeper rest.

Twitching paws, soft vocalizations, or rapid eye movement during sleep are generally considered normal and are often associated with a dreaming-like state, similar to what is observed in humans during REM sleep.

Signs of Healthy, Restful Sleep

A pet that sleeps well typically shows the same relaxed body language when awake. For a closer look at what that looks like in practice, see our guide to reading a dog's body language.

• Settles into sleep without noticeable difficulty
• Wakes easily and appears alert shortly after
• Maintains a fairly consistent daily sleep pattern
• Shows normal energy and appetite during waking hours
• Occasional twitching or soft sounds during sleep, without signs of distress

When a Change in Sleep Is Worth Noting

Occasional variation in sleep is normal, particularly around changes in routine, weather, or activity level. Certain patterns, however, are worth mentioning to a veterinarian.

• A sudden, significant increase or decrease in total sleep time
• Restlessness or difficulty settling that appears out of character
• Sleep changes paired with reduced appetite, energy, or mobility
• Excessive daytime sleepiness in a young, otherwise healthy pet

Organizations such as the ASPCA, PetMD, and the American Kennel Club are well-positioned to provide further guidance, and a licensed veterinarian remains the best resource for any sudden or concerning change.

Cats vs. Dogs: Sleep Side by Side

Quick Reference Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours a day do cats sleep?

Adult cats typically sleep between 12 and 16 hours a day, with kittens often sleeping closer to 18 to 20 hours.

How many hours a day do dogs sleep?

Adult dogs typically sleep between 12 and 14 hours a day, though this can vary by breed, size, and activity level.

Is it normal for a cat or dog to twitch while sleeping?

Yes. Twitching paws, soft sounds, or rapid eye movement during sleep are generally considered normal and are often associated with a dreaming-like sleep state.

Do older pets sleep more?

Often, yes. Senior cats and dogs frequently sleep more than they did in mid-adulthood, similar to the higher sleep needs seen in kittens and puppies.

When should I be concerned about my pet's sleep?

A sudden, significant change in sleep duration, especially alongside reduced appetite, energy, or mobility, is worth discussing with a veterinarian.

Do cats sleep more than dogs?

Cats generally sleep slightly more than dogs on average, though the ranges overlap considerably and vary by individual.

Final Thoughts

A cat or dog asleep for most of the day is not a sign of boredom or neglect. It is, in most cases, simply biology at work.

Knowing the typical ranges, and the signs that occasionally warrant a closer look, makes it easier to tell the difference between an ordinary nap and something worth mentioning to a veterinarian.

This guide was brought to you by PETYZE, as part of an ongoing series on understanding and supporting everyday pet well-being.