DEAR PET TALK: My cats and dog love to burrow under the blankets of their bed, and the couch all the time. This looks like a safe place – but is it? Can they breathe OK?
— Anxious Pet Mom
DEAR ANXIOUS PET MOM: They definitely can breathe! And not surprised to hear they love the couch — our two cats and dog love the couch, and our younger child is very thoughtful by layering all of her blankets for them to repose.
Both cats and dogs love sleeping in places where their humans rest, and the reasons for why they do this are ancient.
Some dog breeds, like dachshunds and terriers were bred to chase prey down dirt tunnels — and even extend the tunnel if need be. (“terrier” comes from the late Middle English and Old French for “dirt,” which derived from the Latin, “terra” as in “terra firma”). Those little dogs became quite comfortable spelunking underground.
Think about what that breed has learned — life underground is comforting, dark and quiet. Thus some dogs (who may not necessarily be small — consider how varied doggie DNA is) will respond to unexpected noises (thunder, guests) by retreating under covers. Huskies also burrow, of course, but their preferred digging medium is snow.
Cats also like to burrow, and the reasons they do so can range from “your bed is comfier than mine,” to “I’m a touch cold — would you be a dear and crank the thermostat?” Or “I’m in the mood to play — why don’t you put your feet under the covers so I can turn into a Great White Landshark Cat and bite your toesies?”
As predators and prey, most felines have an instinct to hide out periodically. One feline evolution theory posits that cats have three ancestral traits: bush-dweller, beach dweller and tree dweller. Cats who love being on high shelves are the latter. Cats who like to be exposed (sitting on the middle of a rug, for example) are beach dwellers. Cats who like to burrow may have antecedents who came from the bush.
If you want to dissuade your pet from sleeping in your bed, consider keeping the door closed during the day, and giving them a lot of soft blankets in their own bed. I’ve never met a pet who doesn’t love a comfy place to snooze!
Sally Cragin is the director of Be PAWSitive: Therapy Pets and Community Education. Text questions to 978-320-1335.
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