Sleeping Pets
Between playing catch, chasing rodents, and showing affection, our pets' lives are more exhausting than we think. Check out these photos, shared by readers on our Facebook page, of pets getting some much-needed rest and relaxation.
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Who knew a cardboard box could be so enjoyable? Abby seems pretty satisfied, looking extra comfortable in her new bed.
Fun Fact: Pets often like to sleep in small places due to their natural instincts. Boxes, kennels, and small areas underneath furniture resemble dens and give animals a sense of security.
Who needs a water bed? Duke nestles into the sand for a quick afternoon nap before returning to his usual beach activities -- chasing seagulls and playing in the surf.
Working on the computer can be exhausting. Gunnar knows this all too well as he stretches out for a catnap.
Fun Fact: The average cat sleeps for 13-18 hours a day. The only animals that sleep more are bats and opossums, both of which sleep almost 20 hours a day.
This Yorkie has naptime down: Grab your blanket and your favorite stuffed toy, then find a cozy spot on the floor.
Kiska, a 9-week-old Siberian kitten, settles in under the blankets as she drifts into a peaceful slumber.
Fun Fact: Similar to humans, cats have two sleep cycles—Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, when dreams occur, and Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep, or deep sleep. During NREM sleep, cats repair their bodies, which is why kittens need a significant amount more of NREM sleep to build their bones and muscles.
Bandit and Whiskers cuddle together for a quick catnap.
Ellie Mae watches quietly as her puppies Maisie and Fiona fall into a deep sleep beside her.
This pup brings a new meaning to "keeping you on your toes." Hopefully this owner doesn't have anywhere to go; it would be a shame to have to wake this cuddly guy up.
Fun Fact: Dogs are social creatures. They often like to curl up by (or on) their owner's feet to simulate the way a pack would sleep.
Snickerdoodle settled down on her favorite place to sleep—the steps.
Amalie, a two-day-old Vizsla, snuggles closely in a “doggy pile” with her siblings.
Fun Fact: Puppies will open their eyes anywhere from seven days to two weeks after birth, varying slightly with each breed.
Gracie lies in the warm sun on Memorial Day. After a day full of holiday food and fun, a nap is just the ticket.
Take a look at those paws. Sampson's a four-month-old Great Dane puppy who is sure to grow up big and strong. Plenty of sleep will be needed to counteract his rambunctious puppy years.
Fun Fact: Did you know paw size and loose skin indicate the size your dog will be as an adult? Both indicate what the puppy has to grow into. There is also the "double-it" formula—double your puppies weight at 14 weeks to get their adult weight. However, this formula isn't quite as accurate.
