Sleep is just as important for our animal companions as it is for us. While most pet owners focus on diet, exercise, and regular vet check-ups, sleep often gets overlooked as a crucial aspect of animal welfare. Understanding your pet's sleep needs is essential for providing them with the best care possible.
How different pets sleep: Species-specific patterns
Dogs: The polyphasic nappers
Dogs are "polyphasic sleepers" – they take multiple naps throughout the day rather than one long sleep. Most dogs need about 12-14 hours of sleep daily, though this varies with age, breed, and activity level. Puppies and senior dogs typically require more rest.
A dog's activity levels, routine changes, social interactions, and emotional experiences all affect sleep quality. Unlike humans who spend about 25% of sleep in REM (dream) sleep, dogs only spend about 10% in this restorative phase, making quality sleep time crucial for their wellbeing.
Cats: The professional sleepers
If you've ever envied your cat's ability to nap anywhere, anytime, there's good reason! Cats sleep between 12-16 hours daily, with some sleeping up to 20 hours. They're most active at dawn and dusk, explaining those early morning wake-up calls.
Cats need safe, comfortable sleeping spots – preferably with options at different heights, as many cats feel more secure when elevated. Multiple sleeping locations throughout your home will help your feline friend get the rest they need.
Horses: Standing sleepers
Horses have fascinating sleep patterns reflecting their evolution as prey animals. They need only 5-7 hours of rest consisting of 2-3 hours of total sleep daily and can sleep standing up thanks to a special "stay apparatus" in their legs.
However, horses must lie down to achieve REM (deep) sleep, which typically only accounts for about 30 minutes of their daily rest. Without this crucial REM sleep, horses can develop serious welfare issues, including sudden episodes of collapse. Sleep deprivation risks increase when horses travel long distances or stay overnight at events without proper rest opportunities.
Rabbits: Eyes-open snoozers
As prey animals, rabbits are crepuscular, meaning they're most active during dawn and dusk, typically sleeping during midday and deep night. Unlike most pets, rabbits can sleep with their eyes open – an evolutionary adaptation that helps them stay alert to danger. They'll only close their eyes when feeling completely safe.
Rabbits sleep 6-8 hours daily in many short naps rather than one continuous period. They also enter a "dozing" state where they rest while remaining somewhat alert. During true sleep, a rabbit's nose stops twitching – a rare sight indicating deep relaxation.
Why quality of sleep matters for pet health
Good sleep isn't just about preventing grumpiness – it's essential for:
Physical health: Sleep is when the body repairs itself and grows
Immune function: Well-rested pets can fight illness better
Brain health: Sleep helps animals process new information and skills
Emotional wellbeing: Sleep-deprived pets tend to be more anxious or irritable
Pain management: Poor sleep can increase sensitivity to pain
Safety: Sleep deprivation can lead to problematic behaviours that can be unsafe for humans and other animals
Warning signs: Is your pet sleeping poorly?
Dogs and cats:
Increased irritability or unusual aggression
Seeming disoriented or confused
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Increased vocalisation at night
Changes in appetite
Horses:
Dropping to their knees momentarily
Unexplained injuries that might have occurred during collapse
Excessive daytime drowsiness
Reluctance to lie down
Rabbits:
Decreased activity or lethargy
Teeth grinding (different from gentle purring)
Hunched posture
Changes in eating habits
Reduced grooming behavior
Increased hiding behavior
Creating sleep-friendly environments for your pets
Dogs
Provide a quiet, comfortable bed away from household traffic
Maintain a consistent daily routine
Ensure adequate daytime exercise
Consider crate training if it helps your dog feel secure
Keep their sleeping area at an appropriate temperature
Cats
Offer multiple sleeping spots, including some elevated options
Provide both hidden/enclosed beds and open sleeping areas
Keep their sleeping areas away from litter boxes
Consider your cat's preference for soft vs. firm sleeping surfaces
Respect your cat's natural activity patterns rather than trying to force them into human schedules
Horses
If stabled, ensure there is enough space to allow the horse to lie down safely and provide comfortable bedding or mats that encourage lying down
Maintain stable social groups when possible
Consider 24-hour turnout if suitable for your horse
Schedule human activities to avoid disrupting rest periods
Monitor for signs of sleep deprivation regularly
Rabbits
Provide a quiet, draft-free sleeping area
Include hiding spaces like tunnels or covered areas where they can feel secure
Use soft bedding that supports their delicate feet (avoid wire-bottom cages)
Respect their crepuscular nature by avoiding disturbances during their main sleep periods
Ensure they have a companion if possible, as rabbits are social animals that feel safer with a buddy
Keep sleeping areas clean, as rabbits are naturally tidy animals
When to seek veterinary help
If you notice persistent changes in your pet's sleep patterns or any warning signs mentioned above, consult your veterinarian. Sleep problems can indicate underlying health issues like arthritis, respiratory problems, or anxiety that require treatment.
The Companion Animals approach to quality pet sleep
Sleep is not a luxury for our companion animals – it's an essential biological need that directly impacts their quality of life. By understanding and accommodating the unique sleep requirements of different pets, we can help ensure they lead happy, healthy lives.
At Companion Animals New Zealand, we believe that responsible pet care extends beyond the basics of food and shelter to understanding all aspects of animal wellbeing – including the importance of quality sleep. By making small adjustments to your pet's environment and routine, and monitoring their behaviour, you can help them get the rest they need to thrive.
Key References
Zanghi, B.M. (2010). Importance of sleep: Performance, cognition and canine models of ageing. Nestlé Purina Companion Animal Nutrition Summit, 18-25.
Kinsman, R., Owczarczak-Garstecka, S., Casey, R., Knowles, T., Tasker, S., Woodward, J., Da Costa, R., & Murray, J. (2020). Sleep Duration and Behaviours: A Descriptive Analysis of a Cohort of Dogs up to 12 Months of Age. Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 10(7), 1172.
Williams, D.C., Aleman, M., Holliday, T.A., Fletcher, D.J., Tharp, B., Kass, P.H., Steffey, E.P., & LeCouteur, R.A. (2008). Qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the electroencephalogram in normal horses during spontaneous drowsiness and sleep. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 22(3), 630-638.
Trocino, A., & Xiccato, G. (2006). Animal welfare in reared rabbits: A review with emphasis on housing systems. World Rabbit Science, 14(2), 77-93.
