Cats love their sleep. That goes without saying, since most sleep 12 to 16 hours each day. Why do they do that?

Instead of sleeping for long uninterrupted periods, most cats take frequent naps lasting up to half an hour. Light versus deep sleep allows them to react quicker to environmental changes. Cats are hunters by nature and that takes lots of energy. They need plenty of restorative rest to stay alert — even if they’re only playing or exploring. Cats tend to be most active at dusk and dawn, and nighttime shenanigans can make them sleepy during the day.

Still, some cats sleep more for abnormal reasons. They may be bored, stressed, sore or just not feeling well. If your cat is sleeping more than usual, it may be time to check in with your veterinarian.