Cats spend a lot of time sleeping, typically between 12 and 16 hours a day. A recent study has found that many cats prefer to sleep on their left side.
This preference might have evolutionary roots. It could be linked to how cats process threats and their ability to react quickly.
Researchers analyzed 408 YouTube videos of sleeping cats. They found that 266 cats slept on their left side, while 142 slept on their right side. This means about two-thirds of the cats preferred the left-side position.
These findings align with previous knowledge about how the right side of the brain works in mammals. The right side is dominant in processing threats. Many animals react faster when danger comes from the left.
Sleeping on the left side allows cats to quickly see objects in their left field of vision when they wake up. This helps them spot potential dangers early and react. Other factors, like paw preference or pregnancy, could also influence this sleeping position. More research is needed to fully understand why cats prefer sleeping on their left side.
In short, the left-side sleeping preference in cats suggests an evolutionary adaptation. It helps them recognize and respond to potential dangers more effectively.