Thursday, March 28, 2024

Why Do Cats And Dogs Sleep So Much

Don't Miss

Encouraging Your Cat To Sleep In Her Own Bed

Why Do Dogs Sleep SO Much?

If sharing your bed with a cat isnt so appealing, you could always encourage her to sleep in her own. This may not be easy though if shes used to sleeping with you.

However, you can get some very cosy cat beds including those with heated pads. You dont need to put the bed in another room, but on the floor next to you.

While some cats take to a new bed straight away, chances are shell need encouragement. This can be achieved by placing a few favorite treats or toys inside the bed.

If your cat is used to sleeping on the bed youll need to give it time and have a lot of patience. Cats always please themselves and cant be made to do anything they dont want.

Making your cats bed as cosy and inviting as possible will certainly help. Even then, she may still decide to come for a cuddle during the night!

Always praise your cat for good behavior, but dont yell at her if she prefers your bed. It can take time to train a cat.

Shouting will scare your cat and wont serve any purpose. In fact it could damage the bond.

Always talk quietly and calmly and praise your kitty if she stays in the bed. Also, remember, there has to be an incentive whether a few treats or toy to distract her.

While cats have their own agenda, its still possible to train them just as youd train dogs. The only difference is dogs are eager to please whereas cats need plenty of treats and dont care to please!

Why Do Dogs Like Sleeping With Humans

Dogs love sleeping near or with their human packmates because it gives them a good sense of belonging, of community, of pack. But Bed must be an earned privilege granted to a *non-dominant* dog. If there is any question, then dog sleeps on the floor, at a lower level, either in dogbed, crate or on tiedown.

Recent Posts

What Is A Cat Nap

Cats like to snooze. They may sit there with their eyes barely shut, rolled back into the head, or they may sit and stare in a daze. This type of light napping allows them to spring up at any moment. It is thought that cats experience deep sleep only for short busts, and through the rest of the day, they tend to doze. Their depth of sleep is quite similar to that of humansthey waiver between light and deep sleep.

If your cat gives kitty kisses, it means her or she loves you back!

Also Check: What Is A Cat’s Normal Heart Rate

Do Cats Sleep More As They Age

It is well noticed that cats become more yowly and vocal as they age, and often more demanding! As cats become older, they also sleep more. This includes any sleeping, from deep sleep to cat naps to dozing. Older cats go out less, explore less and generally do less, giving them more time to rest and sleep.

How Many Hours Do Dogs Sleep

Why Do Cat Sleep So Much

Most adult dogs sleep from about 8 to 13.5 hours per day , with 10.8 hours per day being average. Compare that to humans, who only need 7 to 9 hours per day. Dogs certainly sleep more than we do, although there are animals who sleep even longer, such as armadillos and koalas.

Over the course of a 24-hour day, dogs spend most of their time sleeping at night, and about 3 hours napping during the day. A dog’s sleep needs change as they age, just like a human’s sleep needs evolve over the course of a lifetime.

You May Like: How Much Should A Cat Eat Daily

Dogs Also Enjoy Lounging

In addition to the 50% of their day spent sleeping, dogs will then spend another 30% of their awake hours doing what I call loafing.

Loafing is when a dog is awake but really not doing much of anythingjust hanging out. Typically, loafing time is spent lying down, watching the world go by, and generally enjoying being lazy.

So, that comes out to a whopping 80% of the doggy day being spent not doing much of anything at all.

Is A Cat Always In Deep Sleep

While its known that cats spend two-thirds of their lives asleep, they arent always in a deep sleep the way we are. Oftentimes, they are just snoozing and this light sleeping makes up about three-fourths of their sleeping time. Cats take light naps, what we like to call cat naps, so that they can get the rest they need while still being alert and ready to pounce. Megan McCorkel, DVM, cVMA, veterinarian, and cat blogger says, Compared to humans, cats are much more alert while they sleep. Youve probably noticed your cat relaxing and sleeping with their eyes partially open. This goes back to their wild instinct, which requires them to stay alert!

Also Check: How Long Can A Cat Live With Pectus Excavatum

Do Cats Have Different Types Of Sleep

Two different types of sleep, a light dose, and a deep sleep are part of cat sleep patterns. Your cat remains conscious of her environment during light sleep. Her ears stay upright, and in the atmosphere, they may also turn or angle to sounds. A light-dorming cat may watch for something suspicious with one eye half-open and you can find your cat swinging smoothly from side to side. In any situation, cats that sleep lightly are willing to wake up. A cat typically stays 15-30 minutes a day in light sleep.

A lot shorter bursts of deep sleep for cats take place around 5 minutes per session. Your cat is comfortable and harder to wake up in this sort of sleep. You can see the paw twitching or you might see a cat paddling deep sleep unconsciously with its paws.

Does Your Cat Sleep On Your Head

Why Cats Sleep So Much

If youve ever woken up and found your cat asleep on your head it can be alarming! As funny as it sounds its not an unusual occurrence.

The reason for this is odd behavior is warmth. As previously mentioned, cats are avid heat seekers, and your head is where most of your body heat is lost.

This is why many people wear wooly hats on cold days. Keeping your head warm helps keep the rest of your body warm.

Also, its quite possible your cat likes the smell of your hair. With so many hair products on the market its likely youve used one with a scent your kitty likes.

A familiar scent could give a sense of comfort just as it would a child. As Ive often mentioned, cats have an extraordinary sense of smell thats fourteen times greater than ours.

Another plausible theory is your pillow provides a soft cosy place to sleep. Cuddling up against your head makes the ideal spot for warmth and security.

Don’t Miss: How Many Calories To Feed Cat

How Long Do Senior Cats Sleep

Its not just kittens that spend a lot of time sleeping, but senior cats snooze a lot too usually up to 20 hours a day. This increased amount of sleep is because just like with humans, when cats get older, they tire more quickly. However, if this change has come on suddenly, its best to seek advice from your vet.

What Does It Mean When Your Dog Always Lays On You

Since dogs consider their owners a part of their family and pack, they want to lay on top of them to show them that and to provide them with comfort and security as well as receive it in the process. Laying close to their owner is also their way of protecting what they love, even if there is no real threat or danger.

Don’t Miss: How Long Can A Cat Live With Pectus Excavatum

How Much Do Cats Sleep

Theres no precise answer to the question how many hours do cats sleep. On average, cats sleep about 12 to 15 hours every day, but the exact amount depends on other factors. PetMD claims that young kittens and older cats sleep more, on average, than adult cats. How active your cat is also makes a difference: The more active the cat is, the more sleep it will need, explains Daniel Rotman, CEO of PrettyLitter.

Though you might see some cats sleep for up to 20 hours a day, Jodi Ziskin, healthy pet coach and Director of Communications for Treatibles, warns that cats that sleep more than 15 hours a day may be doing so out of boredom and might need a bit more playtime. You should also be on the lookout for these subtle signs your cat could be depressed.

Why Do Cats Sleep So Much Reasons You Need To Know

Why Does My Dog Sleep So Much?

Everyone needs a good cat nap.

Cat naps have been a part of human life since the ancient Egyptians decided to emulate their revered pets behavior and grab a quick snooze. They were on to something, too.. Cat naps, which NASA says ideally should be between 10 to 20 minutes, can increase alertness, lower stress and improve memory, and give you a better boost than a cup of coffee at least for humans.

For cats, laziness is a way of life. When cats arent eating, scratching, or asking to be scratched, they are usually catching 40 winksor 60 winks or maybe 80 winks. Cats are very good at staying well rested. In fact, according to Animal Planets website, Cats are among the top sleepers in the animal kingdom. Cats average around 16 to 20 hours of sleep a day, with older cats and newborns sleeping significantly more. Indoor cats tend to sleep more than outdoor cats, too, because there is less to do and less to worry about.

Read Also: Name Of Hp Lovecraft’s Cat

How To Make Your Dogs Day More Exciting

Since most dogs dont go to work or school, its common for them to be bored and alone all day. Pair a long, lonely day with the hours that their human is asleep, and thats a long time for your dog to spend sleeping every day! If it feels like your dog is sleeping his life away, consider what else hes got to do with his time.

The best way to help your dog stay awake and active during the day is by using puzzle toys. Ranging from the super-easy to the high-tech , puzzle toys help keep your dog active during the day. Checking in on your dog using a dog camera can help you check to see if shes playing with the puzzle toys or ignoring them.

You can also spice up your dogs day with midday dog walks and more prolonged bouts of exercise in the morning and evening.

If you notice that your dog is sleeping even when theres something better to do, it might be time to get help.

The Spruce / Charlotte Engelsen

Cats Have A Different Sleep Schedule

Cats have a unique sleep schedule compared to humans. Technically they’re crepuscular, which means they’re most active during the dusk and dawn hours.1 This is their natural sleep rhythm because these are the best times for hunting.

If you want your cat to sleep when you do, here’s a trick: try playing with your cat right before you go to bed, followed by a little snack. This can help tire your cat so she sleeps more while you’re asleep. A heated bed placed near your bed can also tempt her to sleep when you do. Your cat might even adjust her sleep schedule to yours just because she likes lying on you while you’re both asleep.

Recommended Reading: Why Do Cats Roll On The Ground

How Many Hours Do Cats Sleep

Cats sleep 13 to 16 hours a day on average. Some sleepy felines fit into their everyday routine for up to 20 hours.

Your cats age will affect how sleepy she is. The kittens are more likely to sleep than older cats, and they often sleep. You can feel her becoming busier and sleeping less time during the day as your kitten develops into a young cat.

An aging cat will begin to slow and sleep longer. Senior cats also sleep more often and sleep for longer periods when they stop to rest.

What To Do If Your Cats Fight

Why Do Cats Sleep So Much?

Solution: Diffuse the situation by separating areas to eat, sleep, and use the litter box. Give each cat plenty of individual attention and find ways to distract them so they have something to do other than fight. Try various cat toys, such as the Bergen TurboScratcher, springs, or whatever types of toys your cats are most interested in.

Also Check: Keeping Cats Off Cars

The Benefits Of Cat Naps

Learning that your cat spends up to 20 hours a day sleeping may be shocking, or even jealousy-inducing to you. But, once you understand the reasoning behind it, it makes a lot of sense.

Cats spend their time in light sleep, both so that they are aware of their surroundings, and have saved the energy required to catch their prey

While some may consider felines lazy, cats are just using their downtime strategically!

Nothing in this article should be construed as financial, legal or veterinary advice. Please consult your own advisors for questions relating to your and your pets specific circumstances.

1PetFirst Healthcare, LLC is the program administrator authorized to offer and administer pet health insurance policies underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company, a Delaware insurance company, with its main office at 485 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10022, or New Hampshire Insurance Company or The Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania, each with its main administrative office at 500 West Madison Street, Suite 3000 Chicago, IL 60661. For costs, complete details of coverage, and a listing of approved states, please contact PetFirst Healthcare, LLC.

2Like most insurance policies, insurance policies offered by PetFirst Healthcare, LLC contain certain exclusions, exceptions, reductions, limitations, and terms for keeping them in force.

Maybe You Need To Sleep More And Your Cats Sleep Patterns Are Normal

Sleeping helps cats recharge. Proper sleep is important for the immune system and overall health. Cats, unlike us, seem to know that sleep is inherently valuable and invest the time to recharge. Your cat might not be sleeping too much you might be sleeping too little!

Sleeping and resting up to 20 hours a day is normal for your cat. If he is feeling well, his life is enriched, and he is healthy, just go with it. Maybe you could use a nap too!

You May Like: How To Get Matts Out Of Cat Hair

Discovery Of Rem Sleep In Cats

In 1958, William Dement discovered REM sleep in cats. Around the same time, French physiologist Michael Jouvet ushered in what has been called the “golden age” of sleep research. Jouvet called REM sleep paradoxical sleep. Jouvet chose the term “paradoxical” because during this phase of sleep animals showed biological signs similar to those of an awake animal. It was theorized that perhaps they were acting out their dreams in their sleep.

Cats are most active at daybreak and sundown. That’s why kitties seem to love playing at these times and can pester tired owners with wake-up calls and bouts of activity. But they typically adapt to the humans they love, sleeping on the owner’s schedule. That way, they sleep when you are gone and spend more awake time when you are home.

  • Peever, John. Fuller, Patrick M. The Biology of REM Sleep. Current Biology, Volume 27, Issue 22, Pages R1237-R1248, 2017. doi:10.1016/j.cub.2017.10.026

  • What Does It Mean When Your Dog Always Sleeps With You

    Why Do Cats Like to Sleep So Much?

    Its when they feel most secure and comfortable. No wonder they try to replicate that feeling of warmth and coziness with you even after they grow up! Your dog wanting to sleep next to you is also a sign of affection and closeness. It means they like your company and consider you a member of the pack.

    Don’t Miss: How To Stop Cat From Scratching Door

    How Much Do Cats Usually Sleep

    Generally, cats sleep as much as they feel they need to. Kittens and senior cats tend to sleep more than adolescent and adult cats. According to Sleep.org, cats are known to sleep up to 15 or 20 hours each day.8

    Adolescent cats may have erratic sleep patterns due to their abundance of energy. These youngsters commonly spend lots of time playing and being active, sometimes to a level that becomes bothersome. Kittens experience energy bursts when they eat, but will quickly tire and return to sleep in between feedings. Kittens need more sleep than an adult cat because their body is working hard to build strong bones and muscles. The NREM sleep phase is vital to this process. As cats age, the number of hours they are awake will begin to normalize. Once cats mature into adults, around 18 months old, their energy tends to level out. Sleep cycles normalize around this age, and your cats sleeping patterns become much more predictable. As cats continue to grow older and transition into their senior stages, they will often sleep more than they used to. This is due to lower energy levels and decreased mobility.

    Cats sleep to conserve energy

    According to PetMD, one of the reasons why cats sleep so many hours each day is to conserve their energy.9

    Cats are predators, which means they must hunt their food. Since hunting requires intense bursts of exertion, cats tend to rest in between hunting sessions so they have sufficient energy reserves for when they need it most.

    The Advantages Of Kitty Zzs

    Allowing your cat to sleep with you on the bed can also have benefits for you and your meow mate. It.

    • Reduces stress Petting a sleeping cat has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce anxiety, depression, and stress.
    • Strengthens the bond Cats who sleep with their humans are closer to them. This comfortable snuggle helps them feel more trust and safety with their owners.
    • Its warm For those who get cold easily, a cat in the bed is the perfect feet warmer.
    • Good company Whenever you are lonely, having a cat as a companion is the perfect feel-good friendship.

    Also Check: How To Tell If A Nursing Cat Is Pregnant Again

    More articles

    Popular Articles

    Wet Cat Food For Kidney Disease

    Brands Of Wet Cat Food