A study reveals the effects of sleeping with a dog or a cat on women’s sleep quality.

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A research examining the sleeping habits of adult women found that the presence of pets, according to their owners, has an impact on sleep quality.

A third of people in the study sleep with their cats

A total of 962 women living in the United States participated in the online survey. More than half of the respondents (55%) shared their bed with at least one dog, while one-third (31%) did so with at least one cat. Additionally, 57% reported sharing their bed with a human partner as well.

According to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the results did not show a strong link between sleeping with a pet and the quality of sleep. However, a large proportion of participants did report experiencing sleep issues.

Sleeping with a dog brings a greater sense of security

The study also found that dog owners tend to go to bed and wake up earlier than cat-only owners. Compared to human partners, dogs were perceived as less disruptive bed companions, and they provided a stronger sense of comfort and security.

In contrast, cats were reported to be just as disruptive as human bedmates and offered less comfort and security than either dogs or humans.

The researchers noted that further studies are needed to determine whether objective measurements support these subjective experiences regarding sleep quality.

Most cats are active at dusk and dawn

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Why might sleeping with a cat be more disruptive?

It’s worth considering why sleeping with a cat might lead to more restless sleep than sleeping with a dog. One possible reason is that most cats are crepuscular—meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk—just like their ancestors. This can understandably disturb a person’s rest.

Another common issue is that many cats make their desire for breakfast known quite assertively—through meowing, scratching, or even climbing onto their owner—making for an abrupt and unwelcome wake-up call.

That said, some cats do sleep peacefully through the night and patiently wait for their owner to wake up in the morning.

Our personal experience shows that it is possible to sleep peacefully with our purring pets

What to keep in mind if you sleep with your cat

If you enjoy resting with your pet, there are a few basic rules you should follow to protect your health. Hygiene is essential: make sure your cat is clean. Outdoor cats can step in anything, and even indoor cats’ paws can be soiled from the litter box. Their fur can also carry dirt or other substances. Regular parasite control is also crucial.

Toxoplasmosis is another factor worth mentioning. While it’s often asymptomatic, it can cause serious complications for people with weakened immune systems or pregnant women.

Diet also matters: raw meat may contain bacteria like salmonella or E. coli, which can pose a risk to both you and your cat—not just while sleeping, but anytime.

Finally, always be careful not to accidentally roll over onto your cat during the night. If you hurt them—even unintentionally—they might react strongly out of fear.