Dogs and cats are pets that sleep a lot. In a day, besides eating, playing, and accompanying their owners, the remaining time is used for sleeping. Like humans, poor sleep affects their mental state and physical health. How to help dogs and cats have good sleep? The editor shares some tips!~

Poodle

　　First, understand how long dogs and cats need to sleep each day?

　　Adult dogs can sleep about 15 hours a day. Their sleep is not at fixed times and can happen anytime in 24 hours. Usually, when you’re tired from playing or busy and have no time for them, they will lie down beside you and find a warm little corner to start sleeping! Newborn puppies can sleep at least 22 hours a day.

　　Cats are also animals that sleep a lot. Adult cats spend 14 to 18 hours a day sleeping. The remaining time is spent eating, using the litter box, playing, grooming, patrolling territory, entertaining the owner, and meditating. Kittens need more sleep, requiring 20 to 22 hours of sleep daily to ensure healthy growth.

　　Why do dogs and cats need to sleep so long?

　　Observing sleeping dogs and cats closely, you will notice they wake up at the slightest sound. This is because their sleep includes light sleep and deep sleep stages. Most of the time, dogs and cats are in light sleep; while appearing asleep, they remain highly alert.

　　During light sleep, dogs and cats do not get full rest, similar to humans taking a nap. Only when they are truly relaxed will they enter deep sleep, during which they usually adopt very comfortable postures.

　　Dogs and cats spend a long time in light sleep each day, so the actual restful and relaxed time is not that long; typically only 5 to 6 hours of real deep sleep per day.

Pet Cat

　　How to ensure the sleep quality of dogs and cats?

　　1. Make dogs and cats sleep securely: Puppies and kittens generally prefer to sleep next to their owners to feel secure, or allow them to sleep with their little companions; adult dogs and cats can be given more relaxed standards, just letting them know you are in the room is enough. This helps dogs and cats have a good mindset to fall asleep.

　　2. Avoid disturbing as much as possible: Many owners may have encountered this: seeing their dog or cat sleeping cutely, they can’t resist touching them, but as soon as contact is made, the pet immediately raises its head. This is the most common example of sleep being disturbed. Due to their nature, dogs and cats remain highly alert even when sleeping, so owners should try to avoid disturbing their sleep.

　　3. Provide comfortable bedding for dogs and cats: Depending on temperature and climate, appropriate bedding should be prepared. Dogs and cats do not need pillows, so a flat bed is their most comfortable environment. When temperatures are low, add warming measures suitably. When temperatures are high, dogs and cats can sleep in more ventilated areas of the house, such as balconies.

Dogs and Cats

　　Fun fact: Do dogs and cats dream when they sleep?

　　According to British canine expert Piero Scanziani in the book "World Famous Dogs Encyclopedia," dogs do dream like humans. Puppies twitch their ears and move their limbs while dreaming; adult dogs may get excited, bark, or even howl. When dogs wake from dreams, their eyes look confused, similar to humans, needing some time to be fully awake. Dogs experience a world completely different from reality during dreaming.

　　It can be confirmed that cats also dream. Numerous EEG studies of cats in REM sleep prove this. During REM sleep, cats show dreaming behaviors: sudden twitches, partial body tremors, sometimes quickly opening and closing their jaw as if biting something, and some cats even talk in their sleep. Some say cats dream in black and white because they are naturally colorblind. Hopefully, one day there will be comprehensive answers for cat lovers on these matters.

　　After reading this article, do you have a deeper understanding of dogs’ and cats’ sleep? Dogs and cats are good companions to humans; if you love them, ensure they have quality sleep. ~