Is your pet a deep sleeper? My two dogs tend to be pretty light sleepers. (The exception being when either dog is dreaming and “running” at the same time. That seems to be the deepest sleep for them.)
I would think that since pets tend to have far more sensitive ears than humans do, they would sleep very lightly. (At least compared to sleeping humans.) But I guess it really depends on the pet.
A coworker at the cats-only boarding facility was telling me a story about a deeply sleeping guest who gave her a scare. The cat in question was usually very animated — rubbing up against the door and meowing for attention. But when my coworker came in for an afternoon shift, the cat was curled up. Not moving. She called the cat’s name. No response.
And my coworker feared the worst. She opened the condo and gently touched the cat… who jumped up out of a sound sleep!
I had a similar experience this past weekend with a sleeping cat. This one we think is a little hard of hearing, so I’m not surprised she didn’t hear me call her name. Once I touched the bed, she jumped up and meowed at me for disturbing her nap.
But I’d much rather disturb a kitty’s beauty rest and know for sure that she’s just sleeping. The other option is definitely a possibility — we’ve had guests of all ages and stages at the boarding facility. I just hope I never have to come in and find that they’re not sleeping after all.
I must confess — ever since finding Miko after he passed away (and looked like he was just sleeping) — I’ll often check to make sure my sleeping dogs are breathing. I watch their ribs, holding my own breath, waiting for them to rise or fall. And once I see a little movement, I can relax again. For a little while, at least.
It’s just part of being a pet parent.