for example cats ,dogs
2006-09-01 03:32:00 · 22 answers · asked by bestofintent 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
In the wild, animals often bedded down in high grass. By circling round and round they tramped the grass down making the resting place more comfortable.
Also, by doing the above, they are able to feel for stones, holes, etc might be that they would have to adjust for.
When house pets do it, it's because nature had programed it into their heads.
2006-09-01 03:41:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Great question!! I think people do this too -- how many people do you know that just get in the bed and go to sleep without rolling around and positioning pillows, etc.
I think it is instinctual as others have said and the tramping down the grass sounds like a good explanation to me. Perhaps they are checking around to look for danger before they settle down too?
2006-09-01 03:40:04 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the wild they used to do this to check for snakes before settlin' down, it's just a left over thing from the wild days, just like howling or pack behaviour in dogs.
2006-09-01 05:41:11 · answer #3 · answered by stress-'ead 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Funny isn't it. I had a great dane (Sadie) that would always do that when getting on her bed for the night.
I too think it is the nesting instinct - it is bred into them such that in the wild they had to trample down grass to make a comfortable place to sleep.
2006-09-01 03:38:59 · answer #4 · answered by Chris 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its natural instincts - they check the area is free from predators and dangers as it takes them longer to run if something goes wrong!!! Animals, no matter how tame, have a natural flight instinct - and they just demonstrat it by doing this - this is why its NOT a good idea to frighten an animal out of its sleep!!! Funny yes - but seriously cruel!!!
2006-09-01 04:01:53 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe it is because they are making sure that the area is "clear" to lay down on. My horse always circles before rolling as he brushes the ground with his nose checking for bigger rocks.
2006-09-01 03:42:00 · answer #6 · answered by Renee S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They cannot get tipsy of alcohol so they go round and round to get that tipsy feeling before settling down
2006-09-01 03:38:49 · answer #7 · answered by Practical 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are making sure their fur is lying in the direction they want to lie; ever woken up with an uncomfortable patch on your head where your hair has been bent back while you slept?? Well, thats why!
2006-09-01 06:08:04 · answer #8 · answered by k0005kat@btinternet.com 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always thought they were trying to find the best place to lie down. I was told it was because in the wild, they would have to tramp the grass down a little to be more comfortable. Who knows, really though?
2006-09-01 03:35:27 · answer #9 · answered by drewsylla 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Instinct has them smoothing down the weeds and grass as if they are making a bed for themselves. Even if they are inside where there are no weeds or grass.
2006-09-01 03:38:39 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋