Wondered Why Your Cat Walks in Circles Before Sleeping – Here’s Why

Have you ever noticed your cat or dog making several circles before finally lying down to sleep? This behavior, common among many animals, has intrigued pet owners and scientists alike. Let’s explore the reasons behind this pre-sleep ritual.

Instinctive Bedding Down

Originally, this behavior can be traced back to the wild ancestors of our domestic pets. In nature, dogs and cats would circle around to flatten the grass or leaves, creating a comfortable and safe sleeping spot. This circling would also help drive away any lurking insects or snakes from the bedding area, ensuring a secure rest.

Thermoregulation and Comfort

According to Claudia Vinke, a behavioral biologist at Utrecht University, this circling behavior is related to the animals’ need to find the perfect sleeping posture, typically curled up. This position is not just comfortable but also essential for maintaining warmth, especially in colder climates. Vinke notes that the underside of many furry animals is less hairy and more vulnerable to cold temperatures. By curling up, they conserve body heat and protect their vital organs.

Safety and Scent Marking

Circling also plays a crucial role in security and territorial marking. By walking in circles, cats and dogs can inspect the sleeping area for any scents left by other animals. This action ensures that the spot is safe and free from potential threats or intruders. Additionally, by laying down in circles, they leave their own scent, marking the territory as their own.

Surface Sensitivity

The surface on which a pet sleeps can also influence this behavior. Stanley Coren, an American psychologist and author renowned for his books on canine intelligence, conducted a small experiment published in Psychology Today. Coren observed two groups of dogs sleeping on different types of surfaces—one on a smooth, neat carpet and the other on an uneven, crumpled blanket. The dogs on the uneven surface circled more frequently, trying to find a comfortable position, whereas those on the smooth carpet settled down more quickly.

Humans Do It Too

Interestingly, this behavior is not limited to animals. Vinke points out that humans also exhibit similar behaviors when preparing to sleep. We toss and turn, adjusting our position until we find the most comfortable spot. This natural behavior shows our shared instincts with animals in seeking comfort and security.

Understanding these behaviors in our pets not only deepens our bond with them but also helps us appreciate the complex instincts inherited from their wild ancestors. Next time you see your pet circling before lying down, remember that they are not just finding a comfy spot but also engaging in a ritual that dates back thousands of years to their primal roots.

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