Cats Shown to Offer Many a Better Night’s Sleep

by Sherry Morse and Sarah Wahlert

Forty-four percent of respondents to a survey of cat owners in England recently conducted by Cats Protection indicated that they "enjoy a better night’s sleep with their cat on their bed...than with their partner in their bed."

Only 26 percent of the men who were polled agreed with the statement, but a majority - 51 percent - of the women did.

"Those who said they enjoyed a better night’s sleep with their cat stated they felt safer and more comforted with their feline," said Cats Protection Head of Promotions Judy Bernstein.

Among the other advantages of cats cited by respondents were more space on the bed, purring and an absence of harassment and/or snoring.

A total of 420 individuals took the survey. All of them were at least 20, but no older than 40.

Most of the individuals - 55 percent - indicated that they would be willing to allow their cats to "hog the covers" in order to make themselves more comfortable, but not permit partners to do so.

© 2003 Animal News Center, Inc.