Pet sleep: how much do cats and dogs sleep, and when to worry

Consulting veterinarian · September 27, 2026

A cat and dog sleeping together — pet sleep

Cats sleep most of the day, while dogs sleep less — and both are normal. Here's how much sleep a pet needs and what changes signal a problem.

Owners sometimes worry that a pet 'sleeps too much', though for cats and dogs long sleep is a natural norm, not a sign of illness.

How much sleep a cat and dog need

Cats sleep 12-16 hours a day — this conserves energy for short but intense bursts of hunting activity. Dogs sleep a bit less, usually 12-14 hours, with puppies and older dogs sleeping more.

What affects a pet's sleep quality

A stable feeding and walking schedule.
A calm, quiet resting spot away from drafts.
Daytime activity level — a lack of movement can disrupt sleep quality.

When to be concerned

A sudden increase in sleep, nighttime restlessness, whining, or pacing before sleep in older animals is sometimes linked to age-related changes or discomfort. In that case, it's better to consult a veterinarian rather than blame it all on age.

We've written about supporting activity and wellbeing in older pets in "Caring for an older dog", and about AcuLife — the version of LifeWave's technology for animals — in "AcuLife: what pet owners should know".

Questions and answers

How many hours a day does a cat normally sleep?

On average 12-16 hours, and even more for older cats and kittens. This is a physiological norm, not a sign of a problem.

How much does an adult dog sleep?

Usually 12-14 hours a day, but it depends on breed, age, and activity level.

When are changes in a pet's sleep a reason for concern?

A sudden increase or decrease in sleep, restless sleep, unusual sounds during sleep, or changed daytime behavior are reasons to have the pet checked by a vet.