One long-time Persian breeder has described them as "the laziest breed in the world." She even claims they sleep 20 hours a day! Perhaps a bit melodramatic, but any Persian owner knows the feeling.
But why is it that Persian cats sleep so much? Here are seven facts, and the point where sleepy becomes a concern.
1. Most cats sleep for over half of the day
The Persians aren't the only big sleepers. On average, cats sleep 12 to 16 hours per day, according to PetMD. Most adult cats sleep around 15 hours or a bit less, and calm Persians often sit at the high end of that. A Persian that naps the whole afternoon is simply a devoted feline.
2. The sleep comes from a hunter's body
Cats were designed to hunt. In the wild, a cat hunts in short, fast chases. In between the chases the body relaxes, so it's ready for the next pounce. Your Persian never had to hunt for dinner, but its body still works that way.
3. Persians have a low energy level
All cats sleep a great deal, but Persians take it further. They are laid-back and calm cats. The same breeder says even Persian kittens do not play very much.
4. Most of the "sleep" is light napping
A cat doesn't tend to sleep in one long stretch like you do. According to PetMD, it takes frequent naps of about 15 to 30 minutes. These are resting times, but the cat can react quickly if something happens. With eyes closed, your Persian is often half-listening to you.
5. They are awake when you are not
Cats are crepuscular. This means that they are most active around dawn and dusk. A Persian that seems sleepy all day could be quietly busy in the early morning or late evening, when you're asleep or busy.
6. Boredom can look like sleepiness
If there's one fact many owners overlook, it's this. If a cat has nothing to do, it will simply sleep. Boredom is one of the common reasons cats sleep extra, according to PetMD. Indoor Persians living in flats fall into this very easily. Some empty sleep can be turned into healthy activity with a window perch, a scratching post, a puzzle feeder and 10 minutes of playtime with a wand toy per day.
7. Stress also affects sleep
Cats can feel stress, and one way they may show it is through sleep. A new family member or a change in feeding time can make a cat sleep more than usual. If your Persian's naps got longer right after a change at home, the change might be to blame.
When Extra Sleep Is a Warning Sign
A Persian that has always gotten 15 hours of sleep is just fine. If one suddenly sleeps a great deal more, it is another matter.
Illness can make cats nap more. Sick cats may have less energy, hide more, or not play as much, says VCA. Some conditions linked with extra sleep include diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease and an overactive thyroid, according to PetMD. Pain from an injury or arthritis can also keep them lying down.
If the extra sleep comes with any of these, check with your veterinarian:
- Eating or drinking less than normal, or a lot more
- Weight loss
- Change in litter box usage
- Hiding or unusual crankiness
- Stiffness, limping or trouble jumping
Our guide on Persian cat care in India covers grooming, health and climate tips for this breed. If your cat's long coat keeps it too warm to settle, read about these hidden fur problems in long-haired cats.
How to Give Your Persian Better Sleep
Persians like calm, quiet places, ideally close to their people. A padded bed in a calm corner, away from a loud TV and busy doorways, is ideal for sleeping. For Indian summers, pick the coolest room.
Balance rest with 2 short play sessions per day. Read indoor vs outdoor cats in Indian cities if you are thinking about how much outdoor time to give your cat.
The Bottom Line
Your Persian sleeps so much because it is a cat, a placid breed and a light napper on its own time schedule. Look for sudden change, not large numbers! If a Persian is suddenly sleepier and shows less appetite or interest in play, it must be seen by a vet.
Comments (0)
Log in to share your thoughts or ask a question