In the wild, mammals who sleep the most are predators. Potential prey cannot afford to sleep too long because they must always stay alert while hunters rest before taking action. But what about our pets?
Sleeper #1: cats
16 hours a day (kittens can go sleep up to 22 hours)
Those of you living with a cat will not be surprised and know that the cat is undoubtedly a heavy sleeper. Our favorite felines sleep most of the day, unlike us. Their 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 prey wake up or go to sleep. It is also at these times that their view is the most efficient.
Sleeper # 2: ferrets
12 hours to 18 hours per day (depending on the time you spend with them)
Curled or in increasingly artistic positions, ferrets can sleep up to 18 hours per day if they have nothing else to do.
Astonishing fact: ferrets go through a deep stage of sleep called a trance during which their breathing slows and their temperature decreases. They are then so sleepy that you can hold them without them even realizing it!
Sleeper # 3: dogs
At least 12 hours a day (depending on your lifestyle)
They sleep lightly during the day and deeper at night. With the slightest noise, they are able to react very quickly. A dog sleeps uninterruptedly between 9 p.m. and 4 a.m. They are not very heavy sleepers 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: rabbits and hamsters
About 10/11 hours a day
Rabbits sleep from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and often nap from 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. They have a very different rhythm from ours and are active at night. The same is true for hamsters, who are also nocturnal animals that sleep during the day. It is an important thing to know before adopting one of these rodents!
