Why do Pets Spend so Much Time Sleeping?
Whether you have a snoozing pup or a napping cat, chances are, you’ve seen your pet at rest more than at play – and for hours at a time! This may seem like a lot of rest for any creature, but there are many reasons as to why pets sleep so much.
Your friends at Leon Valley are here to answer the question, “Why do pets spend so much time sleeping?”
Slumbering Canines
Did you know that ruff-ly 50% of your dog’s life is spent sleeping? That’s right! But not every dog requires the same amount of sleep. In fact, the amount of sleep a dog may need depends a lot on age, sex, health, breed, temperament, and even time spent alone.
Canine companions sleep an average of 12-14 hours each day, which makes for a lot of dream time. Beyond deep sleep, many dogs will spend an additional 4 (or more) hours simply relaxing. This doesn’t leave much time for exercise, but it certainly reminds us as to why those daily walks, games of fetch, and play sessions are so important.
Cat Napping Kitties
Cats are crepuscular predators, meaning they’re most active between dusk and dawn. And when cats are active, they are very active, expending a lot of energy in shorts bursts (a talent that aids them in hunting).
Felines typically sleep 12-16 hours each day. So while they have a reputation for being the ultimate nappers, cats actually sleep the equivalent number of hours as dogs. They just use their active time when most of us are in our own dreamlands.
Another interesting thing about our cat companions is that they spend the majority of time in a lighter state of sleep. This is a mechanism of evolution, since cats are obligate carnivores and rely on opportunity rather than scavenging. Being in a light sleeper allows them to still be attuned to any movement around them (like a tasty mouse).
Similar to humans, both cats and dogs experience REM sleep and even dream. You may notice the telltale twitching of whiskers and paws and other signs of dreaming in your pet.
Sleep Patterns
As cats and dogs have evolved alongside us, they’ve learned to adapt in many ways to the lifestyles of their human caretakers. While some cats are still hardwired to go full-on Cat Rambo in the middle of the night, others may decide to just curl up and get their Zzz’s alongside their favorite people.
Most dogs also adapt to pet owner schedules in this way, preferring to be at rest or asleep when we’re either gone for the day or getting our own beauty rest.
Why do Pets Spend so Much Time Sleeping and When to be Concerned?
If you’ve noticed your pet is suddenly sleeping more (or less) than before, it’s a good idea to discuss this with your veterinarian. Sudden changes to your pet’s routine can indicate pain, boredom, or an underlying illness. It may also be that your pet needs a bit more time and attention from you, as well as exercise.
If we can answer any additional questions, please contact us. Happy (cat) napping!