Why do cats sleep so much?

Wild cats hunt by stalking and pouncing, an activity that uses a great deal of energy in brief explosive bursts. To stay ready for these efforts, cats spend most of their time resting, with adults sleeping about 12 to 16 hours a day and kittens and seniors even more. Cats are also crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk, when their prey is active, so they doze through much of the day and night. Much of their sleep is light dozing, allowing them to wake instantly if they sense danger or prey. Pet cats keep this pattern even though their food now comes in a bowl.