We’re always being reminded to get enough sleep, but have you ever wondered how much your pets are snoozing? If you live with a furry friend, you’ve probably walked past them sprawled out on the couch for the fifth time that day and thought, How are they so tired? They’ve been at home chilling all day!
But behind all that nap-time laziness is some fascinating sleep science. Our pets’ rest patterns are wildly different from ours, and understanding them can help us keep them healthier and happier.
Why is sleep such a big deal?
Sleep is just as big a deal for your pets, just as it is for us. Not only is it vital for their physical health, but it’s also important for their cognitive function and emotional well-being.
While your pet is sleeping, their body is working harder than it looks. For dogs, they use sleep to repair muscles and lock in their training (you know that paw trick you have taught them, they’re rehearsing it over and over in their sleep), and for cats, their long, marathon naps are an energy strategy left from wild ancestors who needed to hunt in short bursts.
Just like us, if we don’t get enough sleep, our mood is affected. With no sleep, we are more likely to feel cranky and think of every option to get out of doing any housework or work in general. If your pet misses their nap, they often bark more, hide or act out (kind of like a tired toddler).
How much sleep is normal for our furry companions?
While humans need an average of 7-9 hours of sleep per night, your pets need way more than us. I know, don’t get too jealous…
For puppies, they sleep for 18-20 hours per day, essentially eating, pooing, sleeping and repeating, while adult dogs need around 12-14 hours of sleep, and senior dogs need more depending on their health. Your cats, on average, need between 13-16 hours, like they’re working a full-time job, and older cats can sleep up to 18 hours without feeling guilty about it!
You may notice that their sleep patterns vary from cats and dogs:
Cats are crepuscular sleepers, meaning they’re most active at dawn and dusk. In the wild, those twilight hours were prime hunting times, so their internal clocks are still wired around peak prey availability.
Dogs, on the other hand, are diurnal, which means they’re naturally more active during the day. Their sleep patterns also tend to sync with yours over time. So when you’re at work, they’re probably curled up napping, and when you head to bed, they’re usually settling in for a full night’s sleep right next to you.
How travel can disturb pet sleep cycle
Travelling is a whole different scene for cats and dogs. It introduces a whole load of new stimuli (including smells, noises and different sensations) which can all affect their daily routines they’re used to, leading to their sleep being affected.
Stress and anxiety
Unfamiliar environments and travel can be extremely stressful for pets, making it hard for them to settle down and slip into deep, restorative sleep. All the new scents, sounds, and surroundings can trigger their natural “fight or flight” response, keeping them on high alert instead of allowing their bodies to relax. Even confident pets may pace, pant, or stay unusually vigilant when they’re somewhere new. Over time, this lack of quality sleep can leave them more irritable, anxious, or clingy. Creating a sense of familiarity, like bringing their favourite blanket, bed, or toy, can help them feel secure enough to rest properly, even when the environment isn’t their usual safe space.
Loss of security
Leading on from stress and anxiety, your pet feels its safest and stress-free in your home, and in its natural environment. A new place that lacks their scent markers and usual sleeping spots can make them feel very vulnerable and less likely to enter a deep sleep, like they would back at home.
Circadian Rhythm Disruption (also known as”Pet Jet Lag”)
Just like with us, when pets are crossing time zones, it confuses their internal body clock, which regulates feeding and sleeping times. A dog or cat that’s used to having their breakfast at 7 am may feel disorientated when that time comes a lot earlier or later in the day in their new location.
Environmental changes
If you’re travelling from a colder climate, like the chilly, rain-soaked UK, where air-conditioning is practically unheard of, to a place that’s warm most of the year and where every home has AC set to different temperatures, your pet may struggle to adjust. Sudden environmental changes, whether it’s heat, humidity, or simply unfamiliar indoor temperatures, can disrupt their comfort and sleep.
Even something as small as switching to a new bed that isn’t as cosy as their old one can make it harder for them to settle. All these factors can contribute to poorer sleep quality, leaving your pet restless and overtired.
You can help your pet get enough sleep in new environments by keeping their routine as consistent as possible and bringing comfort items that smell like home, such as their favourite toys, blankets, or bed. Make sure they get plenty of exercise so they can release any nervous energy and feel more settled when it’s time to rest. And most importantly, remember that adjustment doesn’t happen overnight. Give your pet the time and space they need to feel comfortable in their new surroundings and sleeping quarters. A little patience goes a long way.