A pet parent’s simple act of treating her furry companions to new beds has sparked a viral reaction online.
Jen (@jenergy) took to Threads to share what unfolded when she surprised her dog and cat with new places to sleep. The post quickly took off, amassing over 49,300 likes and more than 362,000 views. “So, I got my dog and cat new beds,” she wrote.
The accompanying image shows the orange-and-white pooch curled up tightly in the feline’s tiny bed, while the black-and-white cat lounges proudly in the much larger dog bed; a classic case of swapped territories that pet owners know all too well.
Making Sure Pets Use Their Beds
According to Your Cat Backpack, the key to getting a feline to sleep in their own bed is to make the place genuinely appealing. This can include placing it in a quiet, cozy spot your cat already frequents, adding familiar scents such as a well-loved blanket or an item of your clothing, and offering positive reinforcement when your feline uses the bed.
The guide emphasizes patience, routine, and choosing a bed that matches your cat’s comfort preferences to help them naturally gravitate toward it.
How I Met My Dog explains that teaching a pup to sleep in their own bed relies heavily on consistency and positive reinforcement. Start by introducing the bed as a rewarding place, using treats and praise when your dog lies on it.
Pairing this with a cue like “go to bed” can help build a clear association. A predictable bedtime routine and placing the bed in a calm, familiar location further encourage your canine to settle there each night.
The Online Reaction
Threads users were quick to chime in with stories of their own pets swapping beds—or stealing them outright.
“We got one for Jameson and she didn’t have the heart to kick the cat Prim out but was clearly annoyed,” shared Sarah.
“Roux stole Loki’s bed, then Loki stole Roux’s. The couch ended up their happy place,” posted Cat.
“Same at my house,” wrote another user of their larger dog squeezing into the smaller pooch’s bed.
“Yup that’s more like it in my house too. My dogs know better than to move the cat. Even when they are laying next to them. They won’t move. This is Nanami and she is keeping herself warm next to our husky Isuzu,” shared one user.
Another post showed a toddler fast asleep in a dog’s bed, with the dog peering over him.
“There’s no such thing as a cat bed, just whatever bed they choose…such as my bed even if I’m in it,” commented another viewer.
“My dog in her cousin’s bed. Cousin is a small doodle who usually doesn’t share anything,” wrote Jane.
“They are adorable! My dog has beds all over the house but chooses the back of the couch,” shared another pawrent
Newsweek reached out to @jenergy for comment via Threads. We could not verify the details of the case.
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