Introduction
You know your pet spends a lot of time sleeping, but do you know exactly how much?
Turns out, it’s a lot. The average dog sleeps for 12-14 hours per day, while the average cat sleeps for 16-18 hours. However, averages are only one aspect of it. Pets of different breeds sleep different amounts, as do indoor and outdoor pets.
And then there are age differences. Puppies and kittens sleep more than adult dogs and cats, while senior pets sleep less.
So how much does your pet sleep? Keep reading to find out.
Average Hours of Sleep for Cats and Dogs
Dogs, on the other hand, sleep for around 12-14 hours every day. Now, this might seem like a lot to us, but remember that their day is spent doing a whole lot more than just sleeping.
As for cats, they sleep anywhere from 12-20 hours per day. Again, this depends on a variety of factors like age and activity level. But as a general rule, you can expect adult cats to sleep for around 12-18 hours each day.
The Influence of Age on Sleep
It’s no secret that cats and dogs sleep A LOT. In fact, cats famously spend up to 20 hours a day snoozing, while dogs clock in around 10-12. But what many pet owners don’t know is that this sleep schedule changes as our furry friends age.
Older dogs, for example, tend to sleep more during the day and less at night. This is because their energy needs change as they get older, and they often become more inactive. Puppies, on the other hand, sleep more during the night since they’re so busy exploring and learning during the day.
As you can see, the amount of sleep our pets get changes as they age—and it can be influenced by a variety of factors such as breed, size and lifestyle. Age is the biggest one, however, and it’s important to be aware of these changes so you can help your pet get the most out of their slumber.
What Kind of Sleeping Behaviors Are Common?
Dogs, on the other hand, sleep for about 10-12 hours a day. And though it might vary depending on their size, weight and age, smaller breeds of dogs seem to sleep more than larger ones.
Interestingly, puppies and kittens have about the same sleeping habits. They both sleep for around 18-20 hours a day. This may seem like a lot to us, but it’s necessary for their growth and development. As they get older, their sleeping habits will adjust somewhat, but they’ll still need plenty of shut-eye.
The Different Phases of Sleeping for Cats and Dogs
It’s important to note that the sleeping habits of cats and dogs are very different. Cats typically have a polyphasic sleep pattern while dogs have a monophasic sleep pattern. So what does this mean?
For cats, they alternate between deep and light sleep throughout the day. This means that they are never completely unconscious, as they will wake up frequently during the day to check their surroundings. Dogs, on the other hand, will enter into a deep sleep for a long period of time before waking up again.
Cats also have some fascinating behavioral tendencies when it comes to napping time. For example, cats often hide when they are sleepy and nap in high places that allow them to keep an eye out for potential threats. On the other hand, dogs tend to take naps out in the open where they feel safer and more secure – but only after making sure their surroundings are safe first!
What Is a “Power Nap” and Why Do Cats and Dogs Love Them?
Do you ever notice your cats and dogs taking short, 10-20 minute naps multiple times throughout the day? Well those are called “power naps” and they serve the same purpose as naps humans take. They’re not just for rest and recovery, but also to give a cat or dog a mental recharge.
So why are power naps so beneficial for cats and dogs? Research suggests that sleep boosts memory, cognitive skills, creativity, concentration, focus and energy levels. Plus, many people believe that pets who take regular power naps lead healthier lives overall because they can better protect themselves from illnesses.
The key takeaway here is that cats and dogs take regular “power naps” to maintain their cognitive health and mental wellbeing. So the next time you catch your pet in a peaceful snooze, remember it may be helping them stay sharper for longer!
Are Cats and Dogs “Dreaming” When They Sleep?
Have you ever wondered what your furry friends dream about? It’s a mystery, but probably not as mysterious as you think. In fact, cats and dogs are mammals just like us, so they experience the same REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep stage that we do.
During REM sleep, cats and dogs show signs of dreaming, such as pawing the air or twitching their ears. This is a common occurrence and should not be cause for alarm. Dreams occur during REM sleep, which is why it’s important to keep your pet in a comfortable sleeping environment.
If you want to check in on your pet while they’re sleeping to make sure they’re not having any nightmares, feel free to take a peek at them. Just make sure to be quiet and not disturb them too much! Cats and dogs need their beauty rest just like humans do – after all, a good night’s sleep will help keep them feeling happy and energetic throughout the day!
Conclusion
It’s interesting to know how much our cats and dogs sleep and to see how the numbers compare. It turns out that cats sleep quite a bit more than dogs! But both animals tend to take several naps during the day.
So the next time you’re wondering whether your cat or dog is sleeping too much, you can rest assured that they’re probably just following their natural tendencies!
