Signs of Poor Sleep in Cats & How to Fix It (With Vet-Approved Solutions)
In this article
<h1>😿 Signs of Poor Sleep in Cats & How to Fix It (With Vet-Approved Solutions)</h1>
<p>Cats need restful, high-quality sleep to stay healthy — and when they’re not sleeping well, their entire body and mood suffer. The problem? <strong>Cats hide discomfort extremely well</strong>, and most sleep issues go unnoticed. 🛏️</p>
<p>This article explores the <strong>subtle signs of disrupted sleep in cats</strong>, what causes it, and <strong>vet-approved solutions</strong> to support better feline rest and wellbeing.</p>
<hr>
<h2>⏰ How Much Sleep Should a Cat Get?</h2>
<p>Healthy adult cats sleep between <strong>12–16 hours a day</strong>, often in polyphasic bursts — short naps throughout a 24-hour cycle<sup>[1]</sup>. Kittens and seniors may sleep even more — up to 20 hours.</p>
<p>⚠️ Cats who feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or unwell may spend lots of time lying down but aren’t achieving restful, deep sleep (REM cycles).</p>
<hr>
<h2>🚩 Signs Your Cat Isn’t Sleeping Well</h2>
<h3>1. Restlessness</h3>
<p>Frequent repositioning, short naps, or “fake” sleep may signal pain, stress, or discomfort.</p>
<h3>2. Avoiding Their Bed</h3>
<p>Cats avoiding their designated bed may find it unstable, too hot/cold, or not aligned with their natural preferences (e.g. open vs. enclosed)<sup>[2]</sup>.</p>
<h3>3. Nighttime Activity</h3>
<p>Excessive vocalization or zoomies at night can point to unmet enrichment needs or sleep dysregulation — particularly in indoor cats<sup>[3]</sup>.</p>
<h3>4. Behavioral Shifts</h3>
<p>Increased hiding, irritability, or aggression may be pain-related, and poor sleep is often a secondary symptom<sup>[4]</sup>.</p>
<hr>
<h2>❌ Common Causes of Poor Cat Sleep</h2>
<ul>
<li>Uncomfortable bedding (too soft or wobbly)</li>
<li>Bright lights or noise pollution</li>
<li>Joint discomfort or undiagnosed medical conditions</li>
<li>Stress, anxiety, or territory insecurity</li>
<li>Lack of daytime activity or structure</li>
</ul>
<hr>
<h2>✅ How to Improve Cat Sleep (Backed by Vets)</h2>
<h3>1. Choose the Right Bed</h3>
<p>Matching your cat’s sleep style improves sleep time and quality. For example:</p>
<ul>
<li>🌀 Curler? → <a href="https://purrz.com/products/uluru-felt-cat-cave">Uluru Felt Cave</a></li>
<li>🛋️ Sprawler? → <a href="https://purrz.com/products/xl-felt-pad">XL Felt Pad</a></li>
<li>🔁 Shape-shifter? → <a href="https://purrz.com/products/3-in-1-cat-cube-cave">3-in-1 Cube Cave</a></li>
</ul>
<p>Wool-blend felt provides structured support and temperature regulation for deep, uninterrupted sleep<sup>[5]</sup>.</p>
<h3>2. Improve Bed Location</h3>
<ul>
<li>Choose quiet, low-traffic areas</li>
<li>Use natural light to support circadian rhythms</li>
<li>Avoid drafts and appliance vibrations</li>
</ul>
<h3>3. Add Comfort & Warmth</h3>
<ul>
<li>Layer a heating pad (vet-approved) under senior beds</li>
<li>Use enclosed beds for cats needing security</li>
<li>Add their own scent (blankets or toys) to the bed</li>
</ul>
<h3>4. Enrich Their Routine</h3>
<ul>
<li>Interactive toys and wand play before bed can help expend energy<sup>[6]</sup></li>
<li>Maintain consistent feeding and light schedules</li>
</ul>
<hr>
<h2>💬 From Our Vet: Dr. Duncan Houston, BVSc</h2>
<blockquote>
"Poor sleep is one of the most underdiagnosed causes of behavior issues in cats. A stable bed and a calming space can restore REM cycles and improve your cat’s physical and emotional health."
</blockquote>
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<h2>🛒 Purrz Vet-Recommended Beds</h2>
<ul>
<li>🛏️ <a href="https://purrz.com/products/3-in-1-cat-cube-cave">3-in-1 Cube Cave</a></li>
<li>🧺 <a href="https://purrz.com/products/uluru-felt-cat-cave">Uluru Felt Cave</a></li>
<li>☀️ <a href="https://purrz.com/products/xl-felt-pad">XL Felt Pad</a></li>
</ul>
<p>😴 <strong><a href="https://purrz.com/collections/felt-caves">Shop the Purrz Sleep Collection Now</a></strong></p>
<hr>
<h2>📚 Cited References</h2>
<ol>
<li>National Library of Medicine. "Polyphasic Sleep in Domestic Cats." https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1470655/</li>
<li>American Association of Feline Practitioners. "Environmental Needs Guidelines for Cats." https://catvets.com</li>
<li>Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. “Activity Patterns and Sleep in Domestic Cats.” https://journals.sagepub.com/home/jfms</li>
<li>Merck Veterinary Manual. “Pain Recognition in Cats.” https://www.merckvetmanual.com</li>
<li>VCA Animal Hospitals. “How to Choose a Bed for Your Cat.” https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet</li>
<li>International Cat Care. “How to Improve Sleep and Enrichment for Indoor Cats.” https://icatcare.org</li>
</ol>
