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30 Internet Users Share Whether They Let Their Pets Sleep In Their Beds And Why
Interview With Expert
Snuggling up with your beloved floofs for a well-deserved nap on the couch is one of the coziest things you can ever do. The only thing that could make the experience better would be if it were gently raining outside the window. But do you extend the same cuddly courtesy to your cats and dogs when it’s actually time for bed?
The animal-loving members of the r/AskReddit community discussed whether they’re for or against letting their pets sleep in bed with them, and it’s an eye-opener. We’ve collected some of their most informative, witty, and wholesome responses to share with you. Scroll down to read all about people’s relationships with their pets.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
I remember a quote, " You have your job, your hobbies, your tv, phone, whatever... All they have is you." I'm already depriving them of 8 hours when I'm working, why would I deprive them of another 8 when I'm home.
Bored Panda reached out to the PDSA, the UK's leading veterinary charity, for some insights about sleeping with our dogs and cats.
PDSA Vet Nurse Gemma Renwick was kind enough to shed some light on everything!
"Since ancient times dogs and their ancestors have been drawn close to humans for both warmth and companionship. Not a lot has changed today with many of us choosing to snuggle up at bedtime with our favourite pet pal," she explained to us.
"And it’s safe to say that lots of pets think it’s pretty awesome sleeping with us, too. Lots of pets grow up sleeping next to their parents or siblings, so it’s no surprise that our pets want to share a sleeping space with their human families too!"
RELATED:
#2
My cat has nothing against me sleeping in his bed.
According to Renwick, there are many potential benefits from allowing your pet to share your bed. That being said, there are some hidden risks to consider, too.
"For both you and your pet, sleeping in your bed may bring mutual benefits such as reduced anxiety, increased security and reduced stress," she told Bored Panda.
"Whether you’re for pets in bed or against them, it’s really a matter of personal preference. Some people find they feel more protected and comfortable with their dog sleeping in bed, while others may find them distracting. Plus there are plenty of other considerations such as allergies, germs and territorial behaviors, as well as considering whether there are children present. It’s whatever best suits your lifestyle and your individual pet’s needs," she said.
"If you lay down at night worrying about each sound, anxious that you may not hear an intruder, or that there could be a fire or other potential threats, being able to rely on your pet’s keen sense of smell and hearing may just help you sleep better. They will often become restless or bark if they sense, hear or smell anything unusual. A sense of feeling safe can be comforting to people who live alone, are older or more vulnerable. For those battling loneliness, grief or mental health problems, having the companionship of a pet both day and night can provide comfort and warmth for a better night’s sleep."
#3
I have trouble falling asleep if my cat isn't in his usual spot on my legs. He considers this part of his job and stays there until he knows I'm asleep, then goes to his cat tree to keep watch. Sometimes if I wake up in the night he'll come back over and cuddle me back to sleep.
On the flip side, there are a few risks to consider both for the owner and their pets.
"Although sleeping with pets brings many people joy, sleeping with an animal may come with some drawbacks. Some pets, especially larger ones, are prone to sprawling out and taking up more than their fair share of bed space. The opposite of a good night's sleep, sleep disturbances when sharing a bed may vary depending on the type of pet," PDSA Vet Nurse Gemma Renwick told us.
"The feeling may not be mutual, PDSA’s Animal Wellbeing report 2024 showed that over 5 million dogs in the UK aren’t getting enough sleep. Our furry friends need a minimum of 14-16 hours sleep in a 24-hour period. If your pet prefers to take themselves to the end of the bed, or to their own bed or another room altogether, you should allow them to sleep where they are most comfortable."
There are other important factors to consider, too. For example when it comes to kids and their pets. "We know our children can form wonderful bonds growing up with pets, but we would never advise that your pet sleeps in bed with your child, or in an adult bed that a child may sleep in. Sudden movements, strange noises can all startle a pet causing them to act out. Pets can also become very possessive over their human family members which could result in bite injuries," the PDSA representative told Bored Panda.
"Pets can carry harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites, putting the families they live with at risk. This can also include muddy paws! For this reason, people who are more prone to infection, those who are immunocompromised, and those who have an open wound might want to avoid sleeping with pets," she said.
Meanwhile, some medications, including regular preventive parasite treatments are not safe to use if your pet sleeps on your bed. "Always check with your Vet Team that any medication is suitable for use," Renwick said.
"People with pet allergies may want to consider keeping pets out of the bedroom, even during the day, to avoid exposure to pet hair and dander during sleep."
#4
My cats sleep wherever the hell they want. They spend more time on my bed than I do.
According to the AARP, sleeping with your pets can make you feel safer and more secure. Especially if you're anxious or worried about potential threats.
Interacting with pets also reduces stress and can be good for your mental health. This benefit extends to sleeping alongside your animals, too.
"Humans who suffer from depression or PTSD do very well mentally when sleeping with their pets. The pet provides comfort, safety and stability for a better night’s sleep," holistic veterinarian Ambika Vaid told the AARP.
"Some people are in a place in their life where they really don’t have anyone else; they’re either at the end of their life or have lost a companion. Animals can become that companion, and sleeping with them reduces the feeling of loneliness that plagues people struggling with grief," she explained.
#5
I don’t let my pets sleep in bed with me.
But that’s only because I currently only have fish as pets, and for some reason I don’t think they’d have a good night outside of their tank.
#6
For. My cat always beats me upstairs and stands in the middle of the bed staring at the door waiting for me. When I lay down he spoons me and stays that way all night. I couldn't sleep without him.
On the other hand, animals can sometimes bring dirt, germs, and even parasites into your bed. Meanwhile, if you suffer from asthma or allergies, you might not want to cuddle up with your beloved floofs in bed, even if you'd otherwise love to.
If your pet is an anxious sleeper, they might affect the quality of your rest, too. Furthermore, if you and your partner want some romantic time alone, it can be very awkward to do anything with your pets expecting to sleep in your bed.
Remember that no matter if you sleep with your pets or if they have their own beds elsewhere, you shouldn’t feel guilty or pressured either way. You don’t love your cats and dogs any less if you don’t welcome them into your bed. Enforcing some boundaries with your pets doesn’t mean that you don’t care for them.
With that being said, it’s also hard to argue against the absolute coziness of having your pet by your side as you enter dreamland. We all need contact to stay physically and mentally healthy, so it really does matter if you have someone next to you.
#7
I’d let my dog borrow the car if he had a license.
Ashne405:
I'd let my dog borrow the car even without a license.
Multa Nocte 2 months ago
I have two kittens. One could work the pedals and the other could steer.
#8
I am against, my wife is for so we have pets in the bed. We have a large bed so it is fine and we wash the sheets every 3 days. Sexy time is weird because they get kicked off and then watch us like a live action National Geographic.
#9
I was against it until my childhood dog was nearing the end and all I wanted was for her to cuddle with me as much as possible but she wouldn’t stay on the bed. Now I just feel like we have so little time with them and I want them as close as possible, for as long as possible.
Winter Eleven 2 months ago
My cat just passed away last week (18years) and he was spending his last days on my pillow (had his own right next to mine) resting his head on mine as if preparing to go. Am glad i spoiled him rotten they deserve it and have such a small lifespan 😿
From our perspective, we know lots of people in both camps. Some can’t stand the thought of pushing their cattos or doggos out of bed. However, others feel that there’s a need to have some stricter rules at home. Both groups love their pets very much.
Proponents of stricter boundaries might argue that cats and dogs—even though they’re a respected part of the family—aren’t the same as human beings. And so, they might get their own separate sleeping corner and a food bowl instead of being welcomed in bed or right at the dinner table.
Of course, not everyone thinks this way. Others might say that it’s exactly because you view your pets as family members that you should treat them accordingly. If they want to snuggle up at night, you don’t push them away. If they want a place at the table, you let them sit on a chair next to you. Again, there are no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answers here, only what feels natural at home, given your family dynamics.
#10
There's nothing more special to me than when my cats choose to sleep in my bed with me, especially my orange boy who sleeps on top of my butt and doesn't move no matter how much I toss and turn.
#11
It depends on which one of my pets it is, one of my cats is an angel sent from above - she is so quiet and sleeps at my feet.. my other one likes to crawl up and meow loudly at any given moment in the night - he is so needy and proceeds to lay down as close to my face as he can and make biscuits with my skin.
#12
I don't let my dog sleep in my bed: my dog lets me sleep in his bed.
Affectionate_Elk_272:
my dog has his own pillow.
like, no s**t. he gets upset if i don’t get it just right for him.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on the topic, dear Pandas! Do you let your pets sleep with you in bed or not? Why (not)? How does sleeping with all of your cats and dogs impact the quality of your sleep? Do you feel that you’re better or worse rested?
Share your opinions and experiences in the comments. Oh, and tell your pets we said ‘hi!’
#13
Generally, for.
But when you have a 90lb pit bull that gives you a Dutch oven with gas so noxious that she herself gags on and runs from the room, there are times that it's better if she stays on the couch.
#14
For because they are part of the family.
#15
I want them in bed with me. Most of time they do but I still get offended on rare occasions they sleep elsewhere.
G Bono 2 months ago
I was offended when I finally purchased a king sized bed and still had no more room than I had on the couch because I had 2 Shih Tzus who would each snuggle close to me, but one rested her head on my right side near my arms and the other would lie on my left with my thigh as his pillow. If you have dogs in bed, it just doesn't matter how big the bed is
#17
Well there's an animal in my bed as we speak, getting her black fur all over the place. She's a larger rabbit.
#18
“Glances down at the 60 pound husky whose spine is pressed against my legs while I scratch his ears”.
Against it? Nah. I have an extra blanket on the bed that gets washed more often, and he saint allowed in my sheets but, I legitimately get worried if my 6 year old dog isn’t in the bed part of the night with me. I need to feel his breathing and heartbeat so I know he’s ok. Also so if he has nightmares I can kiss him awake so he knows he’s safe.
#19
I do say no, but
The dog tells me I am wrong
And dog gets in bed.
#20
Absolutely for it. It's the most love that I feel on the average day.
#21
My tiny cat? Sure.
My brother's 120 pound German Shepherd? No.
I love Copper, (the German Shepherd) but he is huge and produces a LOT of smelly dog oil that gets into anything he lays in too long. He has designated dog beds for that reason.
Cats are small, and don't have the same oily coat many dogs do.
Tempest 2 months ago (edited)
Unfortunately it’s like this with my cat. She’s old so her saliva doesn’t dry off anymore (no underlying issues). Even if we wash her, she ends up licking herself and it stays wet on her fur. Also she drools a lot when asleep. She ends up leaving behind wet patches of saliva and dirt wherever she sleeps. My mom has a no pets on furniture rule but I do sometimes let my cat sneak into my bed. It’s just that it’s a lot of work when she leaves behind dirty patches (they don’t even wash off sometimes), especially near where my head would be (cause that’s where she likes to snuggle). Therefore, I try to limit her sneaking on to my bed. She has plenty of places to sleep around the house that aren’t beds or couches. Also she farts a lot! A LOT!
#22
Depends on the animal. My cat is welcome to sleep where he chooses but I wouldn’t share with a horse.
#23
We just upgraded from a queen to a king so we could all be comfy.
She's 35 lbs. But she can sprawl out to the size of a damn great Dane.
If she isn't touching some part of me or my husband she isn't sleeping. Usually it's 3-4 spins and a plop right behind the crook of my legs with her head on my ankle.
#24
I was 100% aginst it. We always had Family dogs and the thought of them sleeping in my bad was repellent. Then as an adult I got my own dog and suddenly nothing regarding him is disgusting. He sleeps in his own bed, but in the morning he wakes me up and he sleeps in bed until we get up. I love it.
#25
I have 3 cats on my bed right now so I guess I'm definitely for.
#26
*Currently two cats grooming each other in the crook between my belly and thigh* I'd probably be cool with it.
I love having my animals share my bed. I worry cuz I'm a fairly wild sleeper, but they fight back. The amount of times I've woken up cold, dangling off my bed, and crunched up is quite high. I have a king sized bed.
But they make me feel secure, and its still bonding.
#27
For. My feet are never cold at night and I don't have to do the awful thing of wearing socks to bed. My pets are my foot warmers.
Janissary35680 2 months ago
Google "three dog night". The meaning, not the rock group... Also the rock group.
#29
Every night since he was a baby. He (pug) climbs under the blankets and curls up against me every night.
Susann Phillips 2 months ago
I tried, I put a doggy bed with a comfy blanket with my 1st pug pup next to my bed. She cried until I picked her up to snuggle and spoon with me. 3 pugs later, we all go to bed together. It would appear this queen size bed is not big enough for all of us!! Finally, my Mastiff had enough and sleeps under the bed, all you can see are the back legs sticking out next to the night stand.. I have photo proof!! Funn6 stuff!
#30
For, but I’ll kick them out if they stinky.
Honestly, it depends where and how they fart and if you think the farts are stinky or endearing in a gross way.
Animals not sleeping in bed isn’t dependent upon a specific rule so much as it is based on an innate understanding of boundaries and who or who does not appreciate a heated sulfuric eggy stink at 1:33 AM 283/365 days of the year.
If you can laugh at all that, you are also For.
What do you think ?
Zoe's Mom 3 months ago (edited)
We have so little time with them since they don't have a life span of a human. I'm for. Plus, my shepherd has nightmares so once I hear her whining, I tell her it's okay and once she hears my voice, she calms down. The corgi feels like the entire bed is his. Shepherd is adopted, corgi is inherited.
Saphyre Fyre 2 months ago
Why is this a debate? If it's not your bed, mind your dang business.
Zoe's Mom 3 months ago (edited)
We have so little time with them since they don't have a life span of a human. I'm for. Plus, my shepherd has nightmares so once I hear her whining, I tell her it's okay and once she hears my voice, she calms down. The corgi feels like the entire bed is his. Shepherd is adopted, corgi is inherited.
Saphyre Fyre 2 months ago
Why is this a debate? If it's not your bed, mind your dang business.
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