Sleeping with Pets: Comforting Habit or a Bad Move?
For many pet lovers, few things are more comforting than drifting off to sleep with a warm, furry companion nestled beside them. Whether it’s a cat curled by your legs or a dog sprawled across your pillow, sleeping with pets is a common habit in American households. But is it actually a good idea?
While sharing a bed with your pet can bring emotional comfort and deepen the bond between you, it can also raise concerns around health, sleep quality, behavior, and boundaries. As with most things in life, it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. The benefits and drawbacks of sleeping with pets depend on your pet’s personality, your lifestyle, and what’s happening in your sleep environment.
This article will explore the pros and cons of sharing your bed with pets, tips for doing it safely, and situations where it might not be the best choice. If you’ve ever wondered whether your snuggle buddy should stay in the bed or on the floor, you’re in the right place.
The Growing Trend of Sleeping with Pets
According to a 2024 American Pet Products Association (APPA) survey, nearly 60% of dog owners and 62% of cat owners allow their pets to sleep in bed with them. For many, it’s part of a nightly routine and a source of comfort. Pets provide warmth, emotional support, and even a sense of security at night.
But it wasn’t always this way. In decades past, the common advice was to keep pets out of the bedroom altogether—mainly for reasons of hygiene and training. Today, however, as people view pets more as family members, boundaries have shifted. The bedroom is no longer off-limits.
Still, as the practice becomes more common, researchers and veterinarians are starting to examine both the benefits and risks of sleeping with pets more closely.
Benefits of Sleeping with Pets
There’s no denying the emotional comfort that comes from having your pet beside you at night. For many people, that emotional boost contributes to better sleep and overall wellbeing.
1. Reduced Anxiety and Stress
Many pet owners report feeling calmer and more relaxed when their pet is nearby. Petting a cat or dog increases oxytocin (the “bonding” hormone) and reduces cortisol, the stress hormone. If you deal with nighttime anxiety or insomnia, sleeping with pets may actually help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly.
2. Companionship
Especially for people who live alone or struggle with loneliness, a pet in bed can ease feelings of isolation. The companionship of a pet offers emotional warmth that’s hard to replicate.
3. Security and Safety
Some people, particularly women and older adults, say they feel safer with a dog sleeping beside them. Even small dogs often react to noises, providing a sense of protection in the dark.
4. Strengthened Bond
Sleeping with your pet can strengthen the bond between you, especially if you’re apart during the day. For dogs and cats who are closely bonded to their humans, co-sleeping can increase feelings of connection and trust.
Potential Downsides of Sleeping with Pets
While there are definite benefits, sleeping with pets is not always a win-win scenario. There are several reasons why experts may caution against it—particularly when it disrupts human or animal health.
1. Disrupted Sleep
Not all pets sleep through the night. They may move around, snore, jump off and on the bed, or wake early. This is especially true for cats, who are naturally nocturnal and may want to play at 3 a.m. Even dogs can be restless if they hear noises outside or need to relieve themselves before dawn.
If you find yourself waking up more than usual or feeling groggy in the morning, your furry bedmate could be to blame.
2. Allergies and Hygiene
If you suffer from allergies, letting a pet in your bed may worsen symptoms—especially if they shed dander or track in pollen, dust, or outdoor debris. Even clean pets can introduce germs, fleas, or ticks into the bed. This is a larger concern if your pet spends time outdoors.
3. Behavioral Problems
For some pets, being allowed in bed can lead to behavioral issues such as possessiveness or aggression. Dogs with resource guarding tendencies might start to view the bed as their territory. Cats may begin to resist bedtime boundaries altogether.
If your pet becomes demanding or territorial, re-establishing sleeping boundaries can be a challenge.
4. Safety Concerns (Especially with Children)
Pets in bed with infants or toddlers are a definite no-go due to suffocation and injury risks. Even with older children, pet co-sleeping should be supervised and optional—never forced.
Elderly or ill pets may also be at risk of injury if they fall from a high bed or are accidentally kicked during sleep.
When Sleeping with Pets Might Be a Bad Move
There are a few situations where it’s best to avoid sleeping with pets:
- You have allergies or asthma aggravated by dander
- You’re immunocompromised and need to reduce exposure to bacteria
- Your pet has fleas, ticks, or skin conditions
- Your pet disrupts your sleep consistently
- Your pet shows signs of aggression or possessiveness
- You’re co-sleeping with a baby or young child
In these cases, it’s healthier to keep your pet nearby—but not in bed. A cozy pet bed at floor level or a crate in your bedroom can offer the same closeness with fewer risks.
How to Share a Bed with Pets Safely
If you’ve weighed the pros and cons and still want to share your bed with your furry friend, here are some tips to do it safely and comfortably.
1. Set Clear Boundaries
Don’t let the bed become a free-for-all. Set clear rules about:
- Which part of the bed is for the pet
- When they’re allowed to join you
- If they need to leave when told
Consistency is key—don’t allow it some nights and not others, as that sends mixed signals.
2. Keep Pets Clean and Groomed
Regular baths and brushing go a long way in keeping your bed clean. Wipe paws before bedtime, especially after walks or outdoor play. This helps reduce dirt, allergens, and pests in your sheets.
3. Use a Blanket or Designated Area
Place a specific blanket or pet mat on top of your covers where your pet can sleep. This helps contain fur and signals a specific “zone” for them to stay in.
4. Monitor Sleep Quality
Track how well you’re actually sleeping when your pet is in bed. If you notice frequent wake-ups or fatigue, consider a trial run with the pet out of the bed for a few nights. Compare how you feel.
5. Address Behavioral Issues Early
If your pet starts showing signs of aggression, restlessness, or territorial behavior in bed, address it immediately. You may need to work with a trainer or behaviorist to establish healthier boundaries.
Alternatives to Co-Sleeping with Pets
If you love the idea of closeness but need better sleep, there are alternatives that still nurture your bond:
- Pet beds near your bed: Your pet still feels close without disrupting your sleep.
- Open crate in your room: Offers a den-like space for dogs to rest securely.
- Heated pet mats or calming beds: These can make your pet’s sleeping area more inviting than your own mattress.
- Nighttime cuddles before bed: Give your pet affection and attention before sleep, then guide them to their own space.
These strategies offer the emotional comfort of sleeping with pets without the downside of sharing the same mattress.
FAQs About Sleeping with Pets
Q: Does sleeping with pets cause sleep problems?
It can. Some pets are light sleepers or active at night, which may wake you. But others sleep soundly and don’t disturb their owners. It depends on your sleep patterns and your pet’s habits.
Q: Is it okay to let my cat sleep in the bed?
If your cat doesn’t disrupt your sleep and you don’t have allergies, it’s generally fine. Just be aware that many cats become active at night, which can be disruptive.
Q: Will letting my dog in bed cause behavioral issues?
Not necessarily, but for some dogs it can lead to resource guarding or over-dependence. Make sure your dog respects boundaries and is trained to leave the bed when asked.
Q: Can sleeping with pets make allergies worse?
Yes. Pet dander, saliva, and outdoor allergens can transfer to your bedding. Washing sheets frequently and keeping pets well-groomed can help reduce symptoms.
Q: How do I stop my pet from sleeping in the bed if I change my mind?
Create an alternative sleeping space, use positive reinforcement, and gradually transition them. Consistency is important—don’t go back and forth.
