In the wild, mammals who sleep the most are predators. Potential preys can not afford to sleep too long because they must always stay alert while hunters rest before taking action. But what about our pets?
Sleeper #1: the cat
16 hours a day (kittens can go up to 22h)
Those of you living with a cat will not be surprised and know that the cat is undoubtedly a heavy sleeper. Our favorite feline sleeps most of the day, unlike us. Its activity peaks are in the morning at dawn and in the evening at sunset. In fact, these periods correspond to the ideal time for hunting because it is the time their preys wake up or go to sleep. It is also at these times that their view is the most efficient.
Sleeper # 2: ferret
12h to 18h per day (depending on time you spend with him)
Curled or in increasingly artistic positions, ferrets can sleep up to 18 hours per day if they have nothing else to do.
Astonishing fact: the ferret goes through a deep stage of sleep called trance during which their breathing slows and their temperature decreases. They are then so sleepy that you can handle them without them realizing it!
Sleeper # 3: the dog
At least 12 hours a day (depending on your lifestyle)
They sleep lightly during the day and deeper at night. At the slightest noise, they are able to react very quickly. A dog sleeps uninterruptedly between 9 pm and 4am. They are not a very heavy sleeper compared to most other mammals. Indeed, the ability of a dog to recover is very important. However, it is common that they occupy their days sleeping while waiting for your return.
Sleepers # 4: the rabbit and hamster
About 10h/11h day
The rabbit sleeps from 9am to 18pm and often naps from 5am to 6am. So they have a very different rhythm from ours and is active at night. The same is true for the hamster, who is also a nocturnal animal that sleeps during the day. It is an important thing to know before adopting one of these rodents!
