DEAR PET TALK: With the recent Nor’easter and cold rain in May, I noticed my pets spent more time in and around the blankets on the couch. I am sure this place makes them warm, but is it safe for them to breathe? And I would prefer not to squish a cat. —PET LOVER
DEAR PET LOVER: By all means, do not squish a cat! Generally, all animals will move quickly once they feel a human settling in. Both cats and dogs love sleeping in places where their humans repose — and there are a variety of reasons why they do this.
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. And think about what they learned.
If you are underground, it is calm, dark, and quiet. Some dogs 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?”
Felines are both predators and prey, so most have an instinct to hide out periodically. One theory posits 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 in 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. We welcome your questions about pets! Send to: BePAWSitive01420@gmail.com, text 978-320-1335.
