Ragdoll Cat Happiest in His ‘Weird' Sleeping Positions Wins Pet of the Week
This week’s stories gave pet parents insight into which dog breeds are harder to live with and the one canine trait often mistaken for aggression. But we have a feeling those issues don’t apply to our readers’ pets. After all, they’re perfect angels in our eyes.
And what better way to celebrate them than with our weekly Pet of the Week roundup?
Have a pet you'd like to nominate for Pet of the Week? Send us their story for a chance to be featured.
Winner
This week’s winner is a 1-year-old ragdoll named Simon, who is the definition of an unbothered king.
Owned by Anne Kerlin, Simon lives life in two distinct modes: full-speed zoomies and complete, blissful relaxation. But his sleeping schedule reigns supreme. She told Newsweek that Simon “lives to sleep.”
He’ll fall asleep in “weird” spots and positions, always looking like he completed a full 40-hour workweek. From upside-down naps to his belly fully exposed, Simon makes us all jealous of his sleep quality.
Finalists
Our first finalist for this week is a therapy cat, Roger, marking an incredible milestone: 10 years of volunteer service in Arizona.
As a registered therapy cat with Pet Partners, Roger makes visits to the Phoenix Children’s Hospital, bringing comfort to patients, families and staff. Owner Tracy Howell told Newsweek that Roger has been a regular visitor to the hospital for the past seven years.
Over the course of his work, Roger has met more than 10,000 people, offering calm companionship in often stressful environments. His impact has been lasting-some families even remember and talk about him long after their hospital visits.
“One time, we walked into a room where a previously admitted family told us they talk about Roger once a week,” she said. “On the drive over to the hospital, they said, ‘It stinks we have to go back to the hospital, but maybe we will see the cat again.'”
From the streets of Dubai, two cats, Teresita and Potito, have a journey built on resilience and companionship.
Owner Louise told Newsweek that Teresita was found as a critically injured 5-week-old kitten with one ear and half her face burned. Louise, a veterinarian, helped nurse her back to health. Teresita later became a nurturing big sister to Potito, a one-eyed kitten who joined the family soon after. The two quickly formed a deep bond, helping each other heal and thrive in their forever home.
“Their bond has become something very special and meaningful to our followers,” Louise said. “Together, their story highlights resilience, recovery, and the emotional connection rescue animals can form with each other after difficult beginnings.”
And because of their unique appearances, Louise said the cats have helped raise awareness online about adopting "perfectly imperfect" pets.
Last, but not least, is a bonded pair of littermates who have done everything together from day one.
Dick and Judy Bauer couldn’t bear the thought of separating two puppies, Sophie and Sarah, after taking one look at them together. From the first days as littermates, the Yorkie Chons, a mix between a Yorkshire terrier and a Bichon Frise, have been two peas in a pod.
“We chose them because after they were born, they were always cuddling,” the couple told Newsweek. “The duo has stayed true to that early connection.”
Now 6-years-old, the two besties still do everything together, from traveling with their family and snuggling in the car to keeping watch over the neighborhood side by side. They’re happiest with each other.
If you think your pet could be next week’s Newsweek Pet of the Week, send us your funny and heartwarming videos and pictures of your pet, along with a bit about them, to life@newsweek.com, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Newsweek's reporters and editors used Martyn, our Al assistant, to help produce this story. Learn more about Martyn.
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This story was originally published April 18, 2026 at 5:30 AM.