The French are fans of their four-legged companions, and many of them appreciate the presence of their favorite animals at night. Have a Dog or one cat snuggled up against you can be comforting. But what are the consequences for sleep ? Researchers have looked into the question to find out if this habit is really a good idea.
France has nothing less than 7.6 million dogs and almost 15 million cats. A population that is even in increase, which can be confirmed by the figures revealed at the end of a study carried out by LSA Conso for FACCO, which brings together animal feed manufacturers for companion animals. And every night it is possible to see love which owners carry for their animals.
Many owners sleep with their dog or cat
In fact, many people let their dog or cat sleep in their bed. Researchers from the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona wanted to find out more about this habitas reported in an article on the subject published in Western France. The company specializing in sleep disorders therefore sent 150 participants who own a dog or cat to a questionnaire. And
56% admit that they sleep with their pets.
For 41% of them this presence has a
beneficial effect on sleep. At least that’s what they think, as one woman declared “feeling soothed when your cat sleeps against your chest”. But it is in order to put this into perspective sensation to really know what the benefits are as pointed out by a vet.
photo credit: Shutterstock A sleeping woman snuggled up to her cat
The cat has a more soothing side than the dog thanks to its purr
“These are observations that shouldn’t be
generalize.”, explained Jean-Yves Gauchet. For this specialist, there is first and foremost a difference between the dog and the cat. “The cat is reassuring, because he purrs and snuggles against you like a baby. The dog takes less caresses, Its not the same.”, he clarified. The cat clearly has an advantage according to this expert.
“THAT spinning of the cat emits sound vibrations calming and beneficial, somewhat like music. It has therapeutic effects as if it were a drug. When the cat purrs, nothing bad can happen!”, confided the vet. Despite popular belief, this vocalization emitted by the cat in a situation of pleasure, but also of suffering. But according to scientists, it has a relaxing effect and may even have pain-relieving powers.
photo credit: Shutterstock A man sleeps with his dog
The cat does not have the same rhythm as the dog
On the side of Dog, no spinning and the calming side is thus a little more subjective. On the other hand, it is certain that movements and your pet’s rhythm can shorten your night. And this is especially true for felines. “Cats live crooked compared to dogs.”continued Jean-Yves Gauchet.
While dawn get up, the cats are in a hurry to get up and this is due above all to their instinct to
Hunter. In nature, it is at dusk and in the early hours of the day that they are most likely to find their prey. “That’s why they get up at 5 in the morning and ask to go out.”, said the vet. But he concludes by explaining that
advantage of purring is worth waking up at dawn.
