Left-Side Sleeping: How Cats' Sleep Position Gives Them an Edge

Edited by: Olga Samsonova

Cats have a peculiar sleeping habit, and new research sheds light on why. A recent study published in *Current Biology* reveals that domestic cats often prefer to sleep on their left side. This behavior may provide an evolutionary advantage.

The research team analyzed 408 YouTube videos of sleeping cats. They discovered that about 65% of the cats favored resting on their left side. This preference is linked to how their brains process information.

Sleeping on their left side allows cats to position their left eye towards potential threats. This positioning enables quicker responses upon awakening. The study was led by Dr. Sevim Isparta and Professor Onur Güntürkün.

This behavior enhances survival, especially when cats sleep in elevated positions. The findings highlight the importance of brain hemisphere specialization in understanding animal behaviors. For more details, see the original study in *Current Biology*.

Sources

  • ZME Science

  • ScienceDaily

Did you find an error or inaccuracy?

We will consider your comments as soon as possible.