Sharing Your Bed With A Dog Or Cat: A Good Idea?

We love our pets, it’s only natural that we want to spend as much time as possible with them. From seeing our cat gently claw at our lap to prepare it as a comfortable seat, to a dog falling asleep on the sofa with us while we watch a movie – it’s always good to spend quality time with them.

While you generally don’t let them sleep and relax on your sofas without your presence, you may also consider if that applies to your bed. After all, waking up to a cat sleeping next to us, or cuddling our dog as we sleep is a pleasant expression of companionship, right?

Everyone will have an opinion on this, so in this post, we’ll weigh up the pros and cons of such an approach, and if it’s a good idea overall:

The benefits of sharing your bed with your pet:

Who wouldn’t want to relax and fall asleep next to a purring cat, or sleeping next to a dog curled up with us? In the former case, you can bond with a notoriously independent pet, and in the latter, you may even enjoy better home security knowing your dog is near you at all times.

This could strengthen your bond and provides a sense of companionship and togetherness for both parties. Like a teddy bear or comfort toy, it may also help you relax knowing your trusted and loved pet is near you.

The drawbacks of sharing your bed with your pet:

There are concerns about hygiene and cleanliness worth considering. Even if you regularly wash your pet or help them with “hygiene treats” like dental cleaning biscuits, it’s important to remember that these are animals, and their general lifestyle is much different to yours.

Your pets can carry dirt, allergens, and parasites into your bed. Their dental hygiene is rarely as good as yours too, meaning that saliva has a higher bacteria count. That’s not to mention the moulting hair that may flush out a clean bed during the summer season. While washing their coats and brushing their teeth can help, it’s never going to be as hygienic as you’d hope for.

Moreover, you may not be on the same schedule as your pet. Cats especially can be very particular about their bedtimes, and so if they’re used to sleeping on your bed, any change to your routine may affect their own, and by extension their well-being.

Can I mitigate these issues?

Sharing your bed with your pet is possible, but it will take more work to make this acceptable. Investing in the best high-quality and washable bedding, and then washing it regularly, is essential.

You may also decide to purchase your own mattress and a separate pet bed you can place near your bed, but not on it, allowing you to get the best of both worlds. Keeping them hygienic by washing their coats, trimming their nails, and brushing their teeth can help too, as can trimming and grooming their fur.

Conclusion

Sharing your pet with a dog or cat can be done, but it’s not the most hygienic option. You can mitigate this with constant laundry and caring for your pet’s well-being, but ultimately their own bed near yours will be the best provision you can invest in.