Understanding Your Pet’s Sleep Habits

Sleep is more than “downtime” for pets—it’s when bodies repair, brains file away memories, and moods reset. When you understand what normal sleep looks like (and what it doesn’t), you can spot problems early and set up routines that help your pet feel safe, rested, and happy.

Below, we’ll walk through how much sleep is typical, what common sleep behaviors mean, simple ways to create a sleep-friendly home, and when to call your veterinarian.

How Much Sleep Do Pets Need?

Every pet is different, but these ranges help you gauge what’s typical.

• Puppies: 18–20 hours a day, often in short bursts. Their brains and bodies are growing fast.
• Adult dogs: 12–14 hours in a 24-hour period. Working breeds or very active dogs may need a bit more.
• Senior dogs: 14–18 hours, with more napping and deeper sleep, plus occasional restless nights.
• Kittens: 18–20 hours, with lots of REM sleep (dreaming) as their brains develop.
• Adult cats: 13–17 hours, usually in multiple naps. Cats are crepuscular—most active at dawn and dusk.
• Senior cats: 16–20 hours, often with longer daytime naps.

Quick notes on other pets:

• Rabbits and guinea pigs: Crepuscular; they nap throughout the day and may sleep with eyes partially open.
• Birds: Many species do best with 10–12 hours of darkness and quiet at night.
• Reptiles: Sleep patterns are closely tied to light cycles and temperature.

If your pet consistently falls far outside these ranges or there’s a sudden change, take note—it’s worth a chat with your vet.

What Normal Sleep Looks Like

Sleep stages and dreaming

Pets cycle through deep (non-REM) sleep and REM sleep. During REM, you may see:

• Twitching whiskers, paws, or ears
• Soft vocalizations or “running” motions
• Rapid eye movements behind closed lids

These are usually normal and brief. If movements are intense, prolonged, or happen while your pet is awake, or if your pet is hard to rouse after an episode, record a video and talk to your vet.

Common sleep positions and what they can mean

• Curled like a donut: Conserves heat, feels secure. Very common in cooler rooms or new environments.
• Side sprawl: Signals comfort and relaxation. Many dogs and cats enter deeper sleep this way.
• Froggy legs (dogs) or loaf (cats): Often light rest; easy to spring up.
• Back sleeping with belly exposed: Feels safe and comfortable; may help cool down.

Use positions as clues, not hard rules. A dog that suddenly avoids side-sleeping and only curls tightly may be seeking comfort due to pain or chill.

Snoring and noises

• Occasional snoring can be normal, especially in short-nosed breeds (pugs, bulldogs) and some cats.
• Red flags: Loud new snoring, gagging, choking sounds, pauses in breathing, or restless sleep paired with daytime lethargy. These can hint at airway issues, allergies, or obesity-related problems.

Setting Up a Sleep-Friendly Home

Think of your pet’s sleep space as their “den”—quiet, predictable, and comfortable.

• Choose a quiet spot: Away from household traffic, doors, and noisy appliances. Many pets sleep better in the same place each night.
• Keep it comfortable: A supportive bed that fits your pet’s size and joints. For seniors, consider orthopedic padding and easy access (no high jumps).
• Mind the temperature: Cool, well-ventilated spaces suit most dogs; cats love a warm nook. Avoid drafts.
• Dim the lights: Darkness cues sleep. For cats and anxious pets, a small night light can help them navigate comfortably.
• Manage sound: White noise or a fan can buffer fireworks, storms, or street noise.
• Respect preferences: Some dogs settle best in a covered crate; many cats prefer high perches or a quiet closet. Offer options and let your pet choose.
• Multi-pet households: Provide separate sleep zones to reduce resource guarding and nighttime tension.

Practical extras:

• Dogs: Last potty trip right before bed, and water available (unless your vet advises otherwise for a specific medical reason).
• Cats: Litter box nearby and clean, plus water and a familiar resting spot.

Routines That Help Pets Sleep Well

Pets love predictability. A steady rhythm makes sleep easier.

• Exercise earlier in the day: Aim for a good chunk of physical activity and mental enrichment by late afternoon or early evening, not right before bedtime.
• Feed on schedule: Many pets sleep better with predictable mealtimes. For dogs, avoid large, late-night meals. For cats who wake you at 4 a.m. to eat, a timed feeder can shift the expectation away from you.
• Create a wind-down ritual: A short walk, gentle play, grooming, then lights down. Use a calm cue like “bedtime” as you lead them to their sleeping spot.
• Keep bedtime and wake time consistent: Even on weekends. Small changes are okay; big swings can cause restlessness or early wake-ups.
• Don’t reward wake-ups: Nighttime attention or feeding can quickly become a pattern. If you must take a puppy out, keep it all-business—quiet, no play, back to bed.

Common Sleep Hiccups (and What to Do)

Puppies and kittens who can’t settle

• Expect 1–2 nighttime potty breaks early on.
• Stick to a predictable pre-bed routine.
• Use a crate or safe pen with a cozy bed and a worn T-shirt for comfort.
• White noise and a covered crate can soothe. Gentle, calm check-ins—not full playtime.

Dogs who whine or bark at night

• Rule out needs first: Potty, pain, too hot/cold, noisy environment.
• Increase daytime enrichment: Puzzle feeders, sniffy walks, training games.
• Teach independence: Reward calm when they settle on their bed; gradually increase distance and duration.
• For separation anxiety, seek guidance early. A step-by-step plan and, sometimes, medication from your vet can be life-changing.

Cats who zoom at midnight or wake you at dawn

• Lean into their nature: Active play before bed with a feather wand or chase toy; follow with a small snack to mimic “hunt-eat-sleep.”
• Replace you with a timer: An automatic feeder for early breakfast helps break the “wake the human” habit.
• Block the reward: Don’t get up and feed when they meow at 4 a.m. It may take a few nights of earplugs and resolve.
• Enrich daylight hours: Window perches, puzzle feeders, and short play sessions reduce boredom naps and nighttime antics.

Senior pets who pace or seem confused

• Gentle evening exercise, a warm bed, and a consistent routine help.
• Night lights and easy access to water, litter box, or the yard reduce anxiety.
• Cognitive changes are common with age. Night restlessness, house soiling, or vocalizing are signs to discuss with your vet; supplements, diets, and medications may help.

Noise-sensitive pets

• Prepare for storms or fireworks: White noise, curtains closed, safe hideaway ready.
• Desensitization training and calming wraps can help; talk with your vet about additional options if needed.

When Sleep Signals a Health Problem

Call your veterinarian if you notice:

• A sudden change in sleep duration or pattern (much more or less sleep without a clear reason)
• Restlessness, pacing, panting, or inability to get comfortable at night
• Loud new snoring, gasping, or pauses in breathing
• Excessive daytime sleepiness paired with low interest in favorite activities
• Nighttime accidents, increased thirst/urination, or coughing that disrupts sleep
• Itching, licking, or skin discomfort that keeps your pet awake
• Stiffness or limping that affects settling and getting up
• Episodes that look like seizures (stiffening, paddling, drooling) or that leave your pet disoriented

Trust your instincts. If your normally playful Lab now sleeps all day and skips fetch, or your social cat hides and naps in the closet, it’s worth a checkup.

Simple Tools to Understand Your Pet’s Sleep

A little observation goes a long way.

• Keep a sleep diary for a week:
  • When they nap and for how long
  • Nighttime wake-ups and what you do
  • Exercise, meals, and any stressful events
  • Snoring, twitching, or unusual movements
• Capture short videos: Helpful for your vet to see exactly what’s happening.
• Try small changes one at a time: Adjust bedtime, add a pre-bed play session, or tweak the sleep spot. Give each change a few days before judging.

Notes for Other Pets

• Rabbits and guinea pigs: Offer a quiet, dim space from late evening through morning. Provide a hidey house. Many nap with eyes open—don’t assume they’re awake. Handle gently during their rest periods to avoid stress.
• Birds: Aim for 10–12 hours of darkness and quiet. A separate sleep room or cage cover can help. Sudden lights or disruptions can fragment sleep and cause mood or health issues.
• Reptiles: Stable day-night light cycles and correct temperatures are essential for normal rest. If your reptile is unusually lethargic or not following normal basking/rest patterns, check your habitat settings and consult a reptile-savvy vet.

Travel, Guests, and Schedule Changes

Life happens. If you’re shifting routines:

• Adjust in small steps: Move feeding and bedtime by 15–30 minutes each day.
• Bring familiar scents: Your pet’s bed or blanket helps in new places.
• Keep key rituals: A quick training game, the same bedtime word, a short walk.
• Provide a safe retreat: A crate, covered bed, or quiet room where your pet can decompress.

Myths and Real Talk

• “My dog sleeps all day—he must be fine.” Not always. Oversleeping can mean boredom, low mood, or health issues. Balance rest with enrichment.
• “If my cat wakes me early, I should feed her right away.” You can, but it teaches her to keep doing it. Try shifting feed times and using an auto-feeder instead.
• “Co-sleeping is bad.” Not necessarily. If everyone sleeps well and it’s safe, it’s okay. If anyone is restless, snores loudly, or has resource guarding issues, provide a separate comfy spot.

A Gentle Wrap-Up

Sleep is a window into your pet’s wellbeing. When you notice their rhythms—how much they snooze, where they settle, what helps them unwind—you can shape a routine that supports their body and mind. Start with a calm environment, consistent cues, and the right amount of daytime activity. If something feels off, write it down, capture a short video, and call your vet. You know your companion best, and with a few thoughtful tweaks, better sleep is within reach for both of you.