 Cats conserve energy by sleeping more than most animals , especially as they grow older . The daily duration of sleep varies , usually between 12 and 16 hours , with 13 and 14 being the average . Some cats can sleep as much as 20 hours . The term " cat nap " for a short rest refers to the cat 's tendency to fall asleep ( lightly ) for a brief period . While asleep , cats experience short periods of rapid eye movement sleep often accompanied by muscle twitches , which suggests they are dreaming . 
