How Much Do Persian Cats Sleep? How Much Is Too Much?

Pampered Persian cats have the life- meals delivered with one “meow”, comfortable laps to sit in, and endless hours to cat-nap. It may seem like your Persian is constantly napping. While we might be jealous of all that beauty sleep, it may seem as if they are sleeping too much. 

How much do Persian cats sleep? Persian cats sleep anywhere from 12 to 16 hours a day. Life stage also plays a part in how much rest your cat gets. A Persian kitten can sleep up to 20 hours a day. As they mature, that number decreases until they become a senior. Older cats require more hours of sleep than cats in their prime. 

If you want to learn more about your Persian cat’s sleep schedule, then continue reading below. 

Why do Persian cats sleep so much?

Maybe Persian cats are so exhausted from a long, hard day of being cute. While it seems like the plausible answer, the truth is a bit more complex. 

Cats are hard-wired to require a lot of sleep. It is a trait that has developed over many years of evolution. In the wild, cats have to hunt to survive. They are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dusk and dawn.

These periods work best because there is enough light for them to see perfectly, but enough darkness to be well hidden. Also, their prey is most active during these hours. 

These prime hunting hours only last for a short duration of time. A cat on the prowl does not have a minute to waste. They must be fully rested to do their best. This means that downtime, which is a large majority of the day, gets spent sleeping to conserve precious energy. 

Your Persian probably does not have to lift a claw to get its meal, but its innate behavior will remain due to centuries of evolution. 

Fun facts about your cat’s sleep 

The different sleep habits of Persians are interesting. Learning about these sleep habits can help you better understand your cat. 

• Cats prefer naps over long sleep periods. Cats don’t sleep in large chunks of time as humans do. It is safer for them to sleep frequently over short periods of time. They can fall asleep much faster than humans can. They enter a slow-wave sleep, then enter a REM cycle that only lasts for a few minutes.
• Cats are often highly alert while they sleep. Cats need to be alert at a moment’s notice. Even if your cat has entered REM sleep, it will be able to spring into action immediately. 
• Some cats snore. It is completely normal for cats to snore while sleeping. Often it is due to a slight airway obstruction caused by its sleep position. Persian cats are very likely to snore due to their face shape. 
• Cats have dreams. During REM sleep, cats dream. Indicators that your cat is dreaming includes twitching eyelids, paws, and whiskers. Dreaming cats also wrap their tails or arms tightly around their heads. Now if only we knew what cats dreamt about… 
• Weather affects how much your cat sleeps. Humans aren’t the only ones who feel more tired when the weather isn’t great. Your cat will sleep more if it’s a cold or rainy day. 
• Cats have a reason for sleeping on all of your stuff. Have you ever put out a pair of pants, a book, or a bag only to find your cat sleeping on it the second you turn your head? You cat isn’t doing this to annoy you. Cats love to sleep on their owners’ belongings because these items harbor our scents. Your scent makes your cat feel safe. Next time you find your cat snoozing on your belongings instead of its pet bed, know it is because your cat loves you. 
• Domestic cats adjust their sleep schedules to their humans’. While it is hard to fight instinct, domestic cats usually work their sleep schedules around you. They tend to sleep more when you sleep or when you are out. They want to be awake when you’re awake to get attention. 

Abnormal sleep behavior in Persian cats

Your cat’s sleep can tell you a lot about its health. If your Persian displays any abnormal sleep behaviors, it’s best to get it checked out right away. Below you’ll find some common issues related to sleep. 

Your cat is sleeping too much. 

We know that adult cats sleep an average of 12 to 16 hours a day. If your cat sleeps for more than 16 hours, something could be wrong. It is difficult to pinpoint why your cat is oversleeping because it can be caused by many issues.

Sometimes cats oversleep because they ate too much. They also tend to oversleep if they are bored or depressed. If your cat seems sluggish while awake and starts sleeping more than usual, it can be a sign of illness. 

Whatever the reason, it is important to seek help for your furry friend.

Your cat is not sleeping enough.

If your cat that used to sleep through the night suddenly becomes restless, monitor it. Sometimes cats exhibit this type of behavior because of a lifestyle change such as an addition to the family or a move. If this is the case, try to find a way to reduce your cat’s stress. 

It can also be a sign of illness. Your cat may wander around often accompanied by moaning. This is common with older cats. However, at any age, this can mean your cat is not feeling its best. 

Your cat has sleep apnea

If you notice your cat snoring too often, pausing for a long time between breaths, or gasping during sleep, it may have sleep apnea. Persians are high risk for this disorder due to their face shape. It also affects overweight cats. 

It is important to identify and control this issue. Sleep apnea means restless sleep for your cat. In extreme cases, it can be fatal. 

Your cat has hyperthyroidism 

If your middle-aged or senior cat has an irregular sleep schedule accompanied by weight loss, it could be a sign of hyperthyroidism. Other symptoms include yowling, a decline in coat quality, and an appetite change. 

There are many treatment options for this illness. If you think your cat may have hyperthyroidism, get to the vet as soon as possible. 

Wrap-Up 

Your Persian will spend roughly two-thirds of its life asleep. It seems like a lot because it is! Luckily we can enjoy cats while they are awake and asleep. Give your cat lots of love and attention while it’s awake.

Monitor sleep patterns too but don’t forget to take the time to admire your fluffy feline. 

Related Questions

Do Persian cats like being held? Persians are known for their friendly and laid-back personalities. Naturally, they enjoy being held. They will even purr while lying in your arms. This docile breed will usually have no issue when strangers try to hold them as well. 

Are Persian cats intelligent? These cats are of average intelligence when compared to other feline breeds. They aren’t the first to learn tricks and aren’t known for their hunting skills. What these stunning cats might lack in intelligence, they make up for with exceptionally loving personalities.