As autumn settles in and daylight hours become shorter, you may notice your cat spending even more time curled up asleep.
Cats are already experts when it comes to napping, but changes in daylight, temperature and routine can all affect how active they are throughout the day.
So is it normal for cats to sleep more during autumn and winter?
Cats naturally sleep a lot
Most cats spend a large part of every day sleeping or resting.
Unlike us, cats do not usually have one long period of sleep followed by a full day of activity. Instead, they tend to alternate between naps, periods of alertness, eating, grooming and bursts of activity.
Age makes a difference too. Kittens and older cats will often sleep for longer than healthy young adults.
Shorter days can change their routine
As the mornings become darker and evenings draw in earlier, your cat's daily pattern may change slightly.
Outdoor cats may spend less time outside when the weather is cold, wet or windy, while indoor cats can also become less active when there is less going on around windows and gardens.
If there is less activity to investigate, sleeping becomes an increasingly attractive option.
Warm places become much more appealing
Cats are very good at finding the warmest place in the house.
As temperatures drop, you might find yours moving from their usual summer spots to blankets, beds, sunny windowsills, radiators or, inevitably, whichever chair you were planning to sit on.
A warm, comfortable sleeping area is particularly important for older cats, who may be more sensitive to colder temperatures.
Encourage a little activity during the day
Extra sleep is not usually a problem, but it is still a good idea to encourage regular activity.
Short play sessions can help keep indoor cats physically active and mentally stimulated, particularly during the colder months.
Try rotating toys rather than leaving everything available all the time. A toy that disappears for a week or two can suddenly become interesting again when it returns.
You can also encourage natural behaviours such as chasing, climbing, scratching and searching for treats.
Give indoor cats something to watch
Windows can provide surprisingly good entertainment for cats.
A comfortable spot where they can safely watch birds, people or activity outside can help make quieter autumn days more interesting.
Cardboard boxes, tunnels, climbing areas and cosy hideaways can also give them different places to explore and rest.
When should you be concerned?
Sleeping more during autumn can be completely normal, particularly if your cat is otherwise behaving as usual.
However, a noticeable change in behaviour is worth paying attention to.
If your cat suddenly becomes much less active, stops playing, loses interest in food, hides more than usual or seems uncomfortable, it is sensible to speak to your vet rather than assuming it is simply because the weather has changed.
Let them enjoy those autumn naps
For many cats, autumn simply means more time spent somewhere warm and comfortable.
As long as they are eating normally, interacting with you and still showing periods of their usual activity, a few extra naps are generally nothing to worry about.
And when you consider the choice between a cold, wet October afternoon and a warm blanket on the sofa, it is difficult to argue with them.
