Who doesn’t love a kitten? These delicate little creatures already have a mind of their own. So, how do you get your kitten to sleep in its bed?
To get your kitten to sleep in its bed, raising the bed off the ground will help your kitten feel secure. Make sure the bed is in the same place every day, tire your kitten out, and place some treats in the bed.
Here are a few tips for getting a kitten to sleep in its own bed:
- Make the bed comfortable: Use a soft, cozy bed or blanket for your kitten to sleep on. You can also add a small heating pad or hot water bottle to the bed to make it extra warm and inviting.
- Place the bed in a quiet, cozy spot: Kittens tend to sleep better in a quiet, dark place. Choose a spot in your home that is away from noise and distractions, such as a bedroom or den.
- Encourage your kitten to use the bed: You can encourage your kitten to use its own bed by placing treats or toys near the bed or by placing a piece of your clothing in the bed to make it smell familiar.
- Reward good behavior: When you catch your kitten sleeping in its own bed, be sure to reward it with praise, treats, or toys. This will help reinforce the behavior and encourage your kitten to continue using its own bed.
- Be consistent: It is important to be consistent in your efforts to get your kitten to sleep in its own bed. This means using the same bed and placing it in the same spot every night.
With time and patience, your kitten should learn to sleep in its own bed and you can both enjoy a peaceful night’s rest.
Why Won’t My Kitten Sleep In Bed?
Your kitten is all excitement and joy. However, maybe you didn’t realize that these tiny balls of fur are independent animals.
Although cats are domesticated and relatively easy to train compared to others in the feline family, they still need guidance.
They are easy to house train, cats are clean by nature, and they constantly clean themselves during the day. So, it’s safe to say cats prefer a clean environment; this will include where they sleep!
Your kitten will be dominant, it’s their nature, dominant and independent, and although they rely on you for food, they are more than capable of taking care of themselves when they’re older.
Naturally, your kitten wants to be around you at all times. Even when you sleep, you have become the surrogate mother, so be patient and loving.
Enforcing your will on a kitten will only make the kitten fearful, and your chances of success will diminish.
Is It OK For A Kitten To Sleep In Your Bed?
Your kitten is full of energy, and although they sleep soundly for a few hours, they wake in the middle of the night and want to play.
If you’re ok with your kitten jumping on you in the night and pawing your face, then go ahead.
But if you’re okay with that, there is no reason your kitten can’t sleep in your bed. However, this habit will get stronger the more times it happens.
Promote Independence
Cats, by nature, are independent, and that is what makes them great house pets; you hardly need to worry about a cat when you leave the house for a few hours.
Making your cat or kitten sleep in its bed will promote independence, and you will have a better pet.
At first, you may decide to use a cat box, it’s enclosed, and your kitten will feel more secure; you can use some treats and sit with the kitten while they get use to the idea.
After a short time, your cat will realize this is a great place to sleep. Be sure to use a washable mattress. Accidents are inevitable and can’t be avoided at first, but your cat will soon learn, and things will become easier.
It’s always a great idea to use positive reinforcement, and by leaving treats in the sleeping area, your kitten will soon become accustomed to its new environment.
If your kitten is noisy through the night, it’s ok to go and check on them. However, don’t relent and set yourself back in this process.
If the meowing is persistent, then close your door and get some rest, the kitten will soon learn your routine, and his confidence will grow in a short time, knowing they will be let out of the sleeping box.
Where Should Kittens Sleep At Night?
The temptation may be significant as this little fellow needs reassurance and is nervous being away from his siblings and mum. But, choose a room that is kitten safe.
In the room, make sure there are no electrical cables to chew or become tangled in. Breakable objects should be removed because your kitten is a ball of energy and will explore as much as possible.
Try not to use a room with trailing curtains to prevent your kitten from climbing and getting stuck. Remove plants. Some plants are poisonous and would make your kitten very sick quickly.
You need to include a litter tray, a water bowl, and some food.
Be Close
Keep in mind when you first get your kitten, your environment will be utterly alien from them, so lots of reassurance will be required.
You can check on the kitten during the night, but if you bring him into your room, you will be making a rod for your own back.
The room where your kitten sleeps should be big enough for him to wander around and explore. Keep this room as the kitten’s sleeping room, and it will be easier for the kitten to settle as they gets used to the routine of sleeping in the same place night after night.
Should I Keep A Light On For The Kitten?
Your kitten will be fine sleeping in the dark, which will become part of his sleep routine. Kittens have poorer eyesight than humans, but their whiskers help them navigate, so no light is OK with your kitten.
What Should I Do If My Kitten Doesn’t Settle?
If your cat is home for the first night, it’s ok to go and reassure them. Use reassuring strokes and talk to your kitten. It will make him feel assured you are not there to cause any harm.
