Why Dogs & Cats Circle?
By Warren F. for CanaCreek
We received an interesting question from one of our readers:
JacobF writes: “Why do cats and dogs circle before bed?”
Good question! As many of you may have noticed that your pet will invariably circle around his or her bed/chosen spot before settling down for some rest. 
Often if you disturb them midway, they tend to start again or even get a bit testy.
It’s a puzzling habit, and there’s no solid explanation for the behaviour, as it is seen in both domesticated cats and dogs and wild varieties. But there are a few theories as to why your kitty or pooch needs to check things out before bagging some Z’s.
One theory is that before domestication, cats and dogs would check out the immediate area to make sure natural foes like snakes or other deadly insects weren’t lying in wait before they laid down to rest. As it seems to be an instinctual behaviour, this explanation makes a lot of sense.
Another theory is they are checking out the topography of their resting area and making sure they won’t be lying on a flat surface, which they generally dislike. They are also looking for signs that other cats or dogs may have disturbed their territory. In their wild days, cats and dogs establish territories to protect areas of limited game. It is thus important to them to detect intruders of the same species to protect their livelihood.
Of course it could simply be a way of marking territory, by leaving their scent with the pads of their feet, face and even their tail. You should be glad that it isn’t the usual marking you’ll see in the wild. Certainly circling is a normal behaviour, and generally nothing to worry about.
A Reminder:
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Sincerely,
The CanaCreek Team
Send your questions to info@canacreek.com
Awesome! Thanks for putting my question up!
-Jake
Finally, a cat article. My cat’s like to circle. One of them is really bad and never seems to settle.
Sometimes it helps if you don’t watch them.
-Ed.
excellent coms other people have written. That’s no good, cat or dog won’t help you decide (which is) the right choice for you
this is cool!!!!!!i like it. I’m going to circle my bed too
I’m starting to see things differently!
Explains why some of the staff are circling their desks(?)
-Ed.
Thanks for the post! I’ve always been curious about this. I can’t wait to read more of your stuff.
Do cats and dogs circle clockwise in Australia?
useful information As opposed to counterclockwise in the northern hemisphere?
Coriolis effect? Somebody’s been paying attention in school.
-Ed.
It was very helpful interesting and i am at least 1 person (that) found it informative. Thanks.
Thanks… this made for interesting reading. I really adore your site, the theme is really cool. I have visited here a few times but have never left a commented, just wanted to let you know… Keep up the excellent work!
Great info, very much thanks… again and best of luck on the blog!
Hi guys. I wanted to share a thanks. i know you care about your posts… and with this you can really make a difference for everyone who is interested their pets, and understanding them.
Thanks for the comments and kind words. If you have ideas for stories or just have a question for our experts, please send them along to info@canacreek.com
Have a great long weekend to all!
-Ed
I like the way you write. It’s easy for me to understand. Keep up the good work. ^_^
This will be very helpful in my blog. Thank you.
Cheers.
Nice blog, just looking around some blogs, appears a pretty good platform you’re using. I am currently using WordPress for a few of my sites but looking to change one of them over to a platform comparable to yours like (for) a trial run. Anything in specific you’d recommend?
spectacular, (articles) could be longer, many thanks…
Dear Education Degree,
We’re big fans of WP here. Also check out Movable Type.
-Ed.
Dear Belle,
We run a newsletter format here that we send out with the Canacreek news group, so we are limited in that respect to a certain length.
We will run longer blog only articles in the future… look for that in the coming months.
-Ed.
I’m looking
Well i wish to inform you I could truthfully be here all day.
Why don’t you post videos?
do dogs get acne? if so there is a product I know aprrove for sale
Just a suggestion… perhaps include reading material as well. Maybe a book review.
Hey guys i wish to share (your) story, i suggest if you own a website that you at-least go and take a peak, you wont regret it… link here
i am addicted to farmville
good
cooking for pets… frozen yoghurt here
Of all the nerve! [misses putt]
Tired of getting low amounts of useless visitors for your site?
This explains everything!
this is perfect