When bringing home a new kitten, one of the first things you’ll need to decide is where the kitten will sleep. A kitten’s sleeping space is important for helping the kitten feel safe and secure in your home. In this article, we’ll go over the pros and cons of various sleeping options to help you choose the best spot for your new furry friend.
Should kittens sleep in their owner’s bedroom?
Having your kitten sleep in your bedroom with you allows close bonding and helps the kitten feel secure. However, kittens are very active at night which could disrupt the owner’s sleep. Here are some more pros and cons:
Pros:
- Allows close bonding with the kitten
- Kitten feels more secure sleeping near owner
- Easier to attend to kitten’s nighttime needs
Cons:
- Kitten may disrupt owner’s sleep by playing or crying at night
- Not ideal if owner has allergies to cats
- Kitten may try to play with owner’s face or feet at night
Is it better for a kitten to sleep in a crate?
Some owners prefer having their kitten sleep in a crate or enclosed space. While crating works well for some kittens, others may resist being confined.
Pros of crate sleeping:
- Provides a secure den-like environment for the kitten
- Can help with initial potty training
- Prevents kitten from wandering loose at night
Cons of crate sleeping:
- Some kittens resist being confined or cry
- Kitten can’t cuddle with owner at night
- Crate takes up space in bedroom
Should I let the kitten sleep outside my bedroom?
Letting your kitten sleep outside your bedroom is another option. This allows the kitten their own space while giving you privacy. However, young kittens may feel lonely or scared sleeping alone.
Pros:
- Kitten less likely to disrupt owner’s sleep
- Owner has more privacy
- Kitten can establish their own space
Cons:
- Young kittens may feel lonely or scared
- Harder to respond to kitten’s nighttime needs
- Less bonding between kitten and owner
What areas should I avoid for my kitten’s sleeping space?
There are certain areas in your home that are unsuitable for a kitten’s sleeping quarters. Here are some spaces to avoid:
- Near appliances like washers, dryers or refrigerators – could be dangerous
- Near high-traffic areas like hallways – may get stepped on
- In basements or garages – cold and isolated
- Near doors – could escape outside
- On balcony or patio – could fall or jump off
Instead, choose a sleeping spot in a warmer, quieter area of your home.
What features make a good kitten sleeping space?
Here are some ideal features to look for in a kitten-friendly sleeping space:
- Enclosed and cozy – small space helps kitten feel secure
- Lined with soft, washable bedding – kittens like to nest
- Away from noise and foot traffic – reduces disturbances
- Easy for owner to access – convenient for nighttime care
- Proper ventilation and temperature control
- Near litter box – for easy access if needed at night
Make sure to avoid drafty areas, temperature extremes, and direct sunlight which could be uncomfortable for a sleeping kitten.
What types of bedding do kittens prefer?
Kittens like sleeping spaces with soft, warm bedding they can snuggle into. Here are some suitable bedding options:
- Plush blankets
- Towels
- Sheets
- Pet beds with removable cushions or pillows
- Orthopedic foam beds
- Fleece fabrics
- Old t-shirts or fabrics with your scent
Avoid bedding like hay, grass, and straw which may contain mites or mold spores. Stick to soft, washable fabrics.
How can I transition a kitten to a new sleeping space?
Moving a kitten to a new sleeping spot takes patience and a gradual approach. Here are some tips for a smooth transition:
- Initially place bedding from old space in the new spot so scents are familiar
- Spend time petting kitten nearby to reassure them
- Play with kitten and feed them treats in the new area
- Try confining kitten for short periods before leaving them for the whole night
- Use treats and praise to reward kitten for time spent in the new space
- Be patient – the adjustment could take 1-2 weeks
With a gradual introduction, the kitten will come to accept their new sleeping quarters.
How can I get my kitten to sleep at night?
Kittens are naturally most active at dawn and dusk but you can encourage proper nighttime sleep. Here are some tips:
- Have active play sessions right before bed to tire them out
- Offer a late night meal so kitten has a full tummy
- Limit naps during the day so kitten is sleepier at night
- Keep the space comfortable, quiet and calm for sleeping
- Respond to nighttime meowing with reassurance but avoid too much stimulation
- Use calming pheromones like Feliway to promote sleep
- Be consistent with your own sleep schedule
With time, the kitten will adjust their sleep pattern around your household’s routine.
What items are unsafe for a kitten’s sleeping area?
Kittens are curious and playful, so it’s important to keep hazardous items out of their sleeping space. Unsafe items include:
- Electrical cords – avoid strangulation and electrocution risk
- Toxic houseplants
- Plastic bags – suffocation risk
- Small, loose items like beads or buttons that could be swallowed
- Human medications, cleaners, or toxic chemicals
- Loose strings or ribbons that could cause intestinal blockage if eaten
- Heavy or unstable objects like books or lamps that could fall on kitten
Stick to kitten-proof sleeping accessories like soft bedding, safe chew toys, and enclosed spaces.
How can I make a kitten bed cozy?
Kittens love sleeping spaces that make them feel safe, secure, and comfortable. Here are tips for a cozy kitten bed:
- Line with soft, warm bedding and a blanket or small pillow
- Try a hooded bed or cover part of the space to feel enclosed
- Place bed in a quiet, draft-free spot
- Spray bed lightly with kitten pheromones
- Wash bedding regularly so it smells fresh
- Consider safe heat sources like microwavable discs or pads
- Give kitten some old unwashed t-shirts so your scent is present
- Let kitten “fluff” and nest in the bedding how they like
Providing comfort and security will help kitten view their new bed as a home.
Can I train my kitten to sleep at the foot of my bed?
If you want your kitten to sleep on your bed but prefer they stay near your feet, you can train them:
- Initially keep kitten confined to a crate or corner of the bed
- Place their bed or blanket at the foot of the bed
- Reward with treats when they sleep in the designated spot
- Remove access to other areas of the bed at first
- Gradually give more access as kitten consistently sleeps in right place
- Firmly return kitten to proper sleeping spot if they move away
- Be patient and consistent during the training process
With time, the kitten will learn where their space is for bedtime.
What’s the best bed for an older kitten or cat?
As kittens mature into cats, consider these ideal sleeping spaces:
- Plush orthopedic beds for joint support
- Enclosed beds to maintain security
- Heated beds for arthritis relief
- Memory foam cushions to reduce pressure points
- Low-sided litter boxes for easy access
- Washable beds and fabrics for easier cleaning
- High-wall litter boxes for messy eliminators
- Calming beds with catnip or pheromones
Providing comfort and ease of access helps meet senior cats’ needs as they age.
How much space does a kitten need for sleeping?
The amount of space a kitten needs depends on their size and activity level:
- Newborn – Small box or cat bed about 1 foot square
- 1-4 months – Cat bed, crate or corner space approx 2 x 2 feet
- 4-12 months – Enclosed cat bed or single crate space up to 3 x 2 feet
- Young adult cat – Open cat bed, cat tree, corner or pathway space approx 3 x 3 feet
- Adult cat – Multi-cat homes: Provide each cat their own bed and space
As your kitten grows, size up their sleeping space accordingly. Provide extra room for playing and stretching out.
How can I help my kitten sleep at night?
You can encourage healthy sleep habits in your kitten by:
- Keeping the kitten active and stimulated during the day with frequent play and exercise
- Setting a consistent schedule for meals, naps, and bedtime
- Providing cozy, comfortable sleeping quarters away from noise and disruptions
- Using relaxing pheromones like Feliway spray in the sleeping area
- Offering affection and reassurance if the kitten cries at night
- Having patience during the adjustment period as the kitten learns your schedule
- Making sure the kitten has clean litter box access at night
- Shutting out light and keeping the space quiet and calm overnight
With time and consistency, your kitten will adapt to your household’s sleep routine.
Where should kittens sleep at night timetable?
Here is a general timetable for where healthy kittens should sleep at night as they grow:
| Kitten’s Age | Ideal Night Sleep Location |
|---|---|
| 0-8 weeks | With mother and littermates, or substitute heat source |
| 2-6 months | Enclosed bed in owner’s room near human activity |
| 6 months – 1 year | Begin transitioning to more independent sleeping spot |
| 1-2 years | Cat bed or preferred spots around home |
Gradually increase independence while ensuring kittens feel secure and cared for.
Conclusion
Choosing the ideal sleeping spot for your kitten requires some planning and experimentation. Most kittens do best when they can sleep near their owners for security and bonding, at least initially. Provide a snug, comfortable area with familiar scents and warm bedding to help them feel at home. With patience and the right introductions, you can transition kittens to a safe, independent sleeping space that suits your household’s needs and lifestyle. The most important thing is that your kitten has a spot where they can sleep undisturbed and wake up feeling refreshed, secure, and ready to play. With some guidance and care, you can ensure your kitten gets the healthy, happy sleep they need to thrive.