Have you ever caught your cat sleeping for what feels like the entire day? You’re not imagining it. Cats are expert nappers — and there's science behind every stretch, snore, and blink.
In this guide, we explore why cats sleep so much, what their sleep cycles look like, and how to choose a cat bed that enhances their rest and overall health.
How Long Do Cats Sleep?
On average, cats sleep 12 to 16 hours a day. Senior cats and kittens can snooze up to 20 hours! Unlike humans, cats are polyphasic sleepers — they sleep in multiple short bursts throughout the day and night.
Each nap plays a crucial role in:
- Tissue repair
- Memory processing
- Immune regulation
- Stress recovery
Understanding Cat Sleep Cycles
Cats cycle between two sleep phases:
1. Light Sleep (Catnapping)
- Lasts 15–30 minutes
- The body is resting, the brain stays alert
- Ears twitch, tail flicks — ready to wake at any sound
2. Deep REM Sleep
- Shorter, but more critical
- This is where real healing and dreaming happen
- Usually occurs when your cat feels 100% safe
A high-quality, secure bed helps cats spend more time in REM sleep, improving mood, mobility, and immunity.
How to Create the Ideal Cat Sleeping Environment
Cats are particular — they don’t want to nap just anywhere. To support better, deeper sleep:
- Provide enclosed or structured beds for safety (like a felt cave)
- Place beds in warm, quiet zones with natural light
- Keep their bed clean and free from odors or pet hair buildup
- Rotate locations occasionally to keep things interesting
Vet tip: Senior cats benefit from low-entry beds and warmth-retaining felt to ease joint pain and stiffness.
Best Cat Beds to Improve Sleep Quality
- 3-In-1 Cave – transforms to match every sleeping style
- Felt caves – enclosed and calming, perfect for deep REM naps
- Flat felt pad – best for open sleepers and sunny window lounges
- Felt houses – add personality to any nap zone
All PURRZ beds are vet-designed and durable, and the caves are made from felt — one of the best materials for restful sleep.
From Our Vet, Dr Duncan Houston
“Cats sleep more than any other domestic animal. The right bed isn’t a luxury — it’s critical to long-term health. Comfort, structure, and warmth help promote longer REM cycles, which in turn support everything from mood to muscle repair.”
— Dr Duncan Houston
Cat Sleep = Cat Health
When you invest in a better bed, you’re doing more than spoiling your cat. You’re supporting:
- Brain development (especially in kittens)
- Joint & muscle recovery (for seniors)
- Stress reduction (for anxious cats)
- Bonding — because well-rested cats are happy cats
Shop Cat Beds Now
Your cat deserves more than a corner of the couch. Browse the full PURRZ collection and find a bed or cave designed for how your cat really lives — and sleeps.
- 3-In-1 Cave
- Felt caves
- Flat felt pad
Shop the PURRZ Felt Collection Here
Coming Soon in the Series:
- Best Cat Beds for Kittens (and Their Wild Sleep Habits)
- Beds for Senior Cats: What to Look For at Every Age
- How to Know If Your Cat Isn’t Sleeping Well
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