How to Encourage Healthy Resting Habits for Indoor Pets

Rest is easy to overlook. We think about food, walks, and play, but where and how a pet sleeps shapes just as much of their day. Indoor pets spend most of their time at home, so the resting spots you set up quietly affect how calm and comfortable they feel.

The good news is that better rest is mostly about small, thoughtful choices. Here is how much indoor pets actually sleep, and how to build calm, comfortable rest habits into your home.

How Much Do Indoor Pets Sleep?

More than most people expect. Most adult dogs sleep around 12 hours a day, and cats rest even more, roughly 16 to 18 hours. Puppies, kittens, and senior pets usually need more still. Rather than one long stretch, pets nap in short bursts throughout the day, which is exactly why several good resting spots around the home matter.

For dogs, even the position they sleep in can hint at how relaxed they feel. What matters most is your pet's own pattern. A sudden, lasting change in how much they sleep is worth a quick check with your vet.

Understand Your Pet's Resting Needs

Just like people, pets have individual preferences when it comes to rest. Some dogs love to stretch out on an open bed, while others prefer to curl up in an enclosed hideaway. Cats might rotate between sunlit ledges and hidden corners throughout the day. Observe your pet's natural habits to help you choose the right setup. Does your cat burrow under blankets? Try the Corner House or Raf Hammock. Is your dog often lounging beside the sofa? A low-profile step may give them easier access to their favorite spots without straining their joints.

Create Resting Zones in Key Parts of the Home

Designate quiet zones where your pet can nap undisturbed. These don't have to be elaborate, just thoughtful. Consider placing beds in:

• Low-traffic corners of the living room, like near a bookshelf or under a console
• By a window for cats who love to bask in the sun
• Next to your desk so your pet can relax nearby while you work

Try the Sleep House or Informal House for soft, enclosed options that feel like a safe den.

Support Natural Sleep Patterns

Indoor pets often nap throughout the day in short bursts. Encourage a rhythm by keeping their resting space consistent in terms of lighting, temperature, and noise levels.

• Avoid placing beds next to loud appliances like washers or near entryways
• Keep lights dim or indirect in the evening
• Use calming music or a white noise machine if outside noises are a distraction

Choose the Right Bed Type

The right bed can make all the difference. Choose one that matches your pet's sleeping style:

• Open cushion beds are great for stretchers, try something like the Marron Bed
• Bolster beds provide a sense of boundary and support
• Covered beds or tents, like the Corner House, appeal to pets who seek privacy and warmth

If your pet likes to hop on the sofa or bed, consider placing a pet step nearby to protect joints and minimize jumping strain, especially helpful for small dogs, seniors, or pets recovering from injury. We recommend the Dig Step for its wide surface and sleek, home-friendly look.

Maintain and Refresh Rest Areas Regularly

No one wants to sleep on a dusty pillow, and neither does your pet. Make sure to:

• Vacuum or shake out beds weekly
• Wash covers or wipe down materials based on the care label
• Rotate or move the bed occasionally to keep things interesting and align with your pet's seasonal preferences, sunny in winter, cool shade in summer