Napping Like a Cat and What We Could Learn

Don’t be afraid to take advice from the furry nap masters

Have you ever been jealous of your cats and how they can just fall asleep anywhere? From the rays of light shining through the window, your clean laundry basket, or even right on top of your head! Our cats don’t just take naps, but they learn how to perfect them. In an article by PetMD, they note that on average, “Cats sleep between 12–16 hours a day”. To us, that may seem like they just snooze away, but cats have truly claimed the art of the purrfect nap. I think cats are onto something with this behavior that maybe we could benefit from.

As humans, most of us see resting as a reward, where we earn the ability to lie down when we check off our to-do list. In today's fast-paced and never-ending cycle of something that needs to be done, we tend to lose out on relaxing. Cats, on the other hand, make rest a priority. Cats don’t feel guilty for curling up in a ball for the 5^th today; they listen to their bodies and find the comfort they need to recharge without hesitating.

There’s a lesson to be taken here. Cats remind us that slowing down and prioritizing rest isn’t just being lazy. By protecting their rest, they ultimately protect their peace. A better energy, mood, and overall well-being just by prioritizing rest. They teach us here that we don’t need fancy spa days or to constantly be planning the next vacation for a break. Sometimes we just need to start prioritizing the actual sleep/rest that our bodies truly need to keep us functioning better in every way.

One of my favorite things to do is take a cat nap alongside my kitty. The next time your cat comes curling up beside you, maybe take this as a sign that you can prioritize sleep and get a great cuddle sesh while at it! Let yourself enjoy the time with your cozy kitty and listen to their mesmerizing purring, letting them guide you to calmness.

While I know most of us are not able to nap for upwards of 16 hours a day like our fellow felines, we can take a valuable lesson from them about our intentions with getting our beauty sleep. Life isn’t always about being on the go constantly, and our cats remind us that even slowing down for moments can still fulfill us in ways we didn’t realize we even needed.

Find ways to elevate your “purrfect nap spot.” Whether it’s a big soft blanket, a cozy chair, or a warm spot in the sun, give yourself the time to get in a good cat nap.

 References:

Zittritsch, Nicole. “Why Do Cats Sleep so Much?” PetMD, www.petmd.com/cat/behavior/why-do-cats-sleep-so-much. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025. 

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