Sleeping with Cats: A Natural Sleep Aid? Nearly 50% of Cat Owners Praise Their Feline Friends as "Natural Sleeping Pills"

Many people believe that sleeping with cats can disrupt their sleep due to the cats' nocturnal activities, such as meowing and running around. However, a recent survey conducted by a Japanese pet magazine revealed that nearly half of cat owners feel that sharing a bed with their feline companions actually enhances their sleep quality. In fact, just seeing their cat lying beside them helps them fall asleep within five minutes.

The Survey Details

The survey titled "Does Sleeping with Cats Improve Sleep Quality?" was conducted in November by ねこのきもち (Neko no Kimochi). Out of 304 cat owners surveyed, 54% reported that they do not sleep better with their cats, while 46% claimed they do. The results indicate a close divide in opinions.

Reasons for Better Sleep Quality

For those who reported improved sleep quality, several interesting reasons emerged:

  • Quick Sleep Onset:
    • "With my cat nearby, I can fall asleep within five minutes."
    • "Sleeping with my cat keeps me warm and improves my sleep quality."
    • "She massages my feet through the blanket; it's a bit annoying but I end up falling asleep without realizing it. Without this massage service, I find it harder to fall asleep."
    • "On days without her, I tend to scroll on my phone late into the night... My cat is truly the best sleeping pill."
  • Deeper Sleep:
    • "When my cat is around, I always sleep particularly deeply. If she goes to sleep elsewhere, I wake up constantly."
    • "When my cat is not beside me, I often worry if she's cold and wake up several times during the night."
  • Warmth:
    • "On cool nights, my cat's body heat feels especially comforting."
    • "My cat snuggles tightly against me while sleeping; it's very warm."
    • "Having a warm and furry cat beside me makes me feel cozy; without her, I feel cold."
  • Therapeutic Relaxation:
    • "Hearing my cat purring and breathing has a strong stress-relieving effect!"
    • "Her purring is the best relaxation remedy."
    • "She’s not only cute but also affectionate, providing a strong sense of security and healing."
    • "Falling asleep to her purring is particularly blissful; even if I'm woken up at night, I still feel happy."
  • Sense of Security:
    • "When I sleep with my cat, I can monitor her condition and feel particularly secure."
    • "I worry she might cry out due to loneliness or cause trouble when I'm not around; sleeping together eases my concerns."
    • "When I wake up at night and can't find her, I search everywhere. Although I'm cautious about rolling over and possibly squishing her, the happiness far outweighs this inconvenience."

Expert Analysis

Japanese veterinarian Haru Shuntaro analyzed these survey results. He noted that cats have a higher body temperature than humans, which can make bedding warmer. Additionally, having a cat sleep next to their owner provides a sense of security for both parties, enhancing overall sleep quality. However, he also emphasized some precautions for co-sleeping with cats:

  • Ensure there is enough sleeping space to avoid rolling over onto the cat.
  • Keep bed linens clean.
  • Monitor indoor temperature; consider using blankets and heating devices during winter.

This study highlights the complex relationship between pet ownership and sleep quality. While some may experience disturbances from having pets in bed, many find comfort and improved rest from their furry companions.

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