Bringing a new kitten home is an exciting time, but it also comes with many questions and considerations when it comes to proper care. One of the top concerns for new kitten owners is determining the best sleeping arrangements to keep your feline safe, comfortable and healthy.
When setting up the ideal kitten sleeping space, there are several important factors to take into account. This comprehensive guide will provide tips and advice on where kittens should sleep at night based on expert recommendations and research.
Choosing the Right Location
One of the first decisions is choosing the right location in your home for your kitten’s sleeping space. Here are some key considerations:
Pick a Quiet, Tranquil Area
Kittens sleep a lot, around 20 hours per day! So it’s crucial to set up their bed in a quiet, peaceful spot away from noise and household disturbances. Loud televisions, rowdy kids, and frequent foot traffic will disrupt their rest.
The best locations are often bedrooms, home offices, and family rooms. These spaces tend to be calm and comfortable. Just be sure to place the bed away from windows, doors, and direct air flow that could wake your kitten.
Keep it Warm but Not Too Hot
Kittens need extra warmth since they cannot regulate their body temperature well. But take care not to overheat them either. The room should be around 70-75°F. You can provide a heating pad or microwaveable heat disc for added coziness. Just supervise use and ensure your kitten can move away if too warm.
Near Litter Box and Supplies
For convenience, the kitten’s bed or sleeping area should be near their food, water, toys and litter box. Very young kittens likely won’t venture too far from their bed during the night to take care of business or eat. Having necessities close by prevents accidents.
Safe From Dangers
Ensure the sleeping spot is free from hazards. Avoid loose cables, poisonous houseplants, unstable shelves, etc. Block access to windows with screens or crates so they don’t fall. And keep older pets separate that could see your kitten as prey. Safety is a top priority.
Bed Types and Setup
Once you select a good location, it’s time to choose the right bed or sleeping accessories for your kitten:
Kitten Crates
A kitten crate is ideal for containing them at night and providing security. Get one large enough to hold food/water bowls and litter box. Add soft blankets and toys for comfort. But not too large that they can potty in one corner and sleep in the other!
Plush Pet Beds
Pet stores sell a huge variety of plush, cushy cat and kitten beds in different shapes, styles and materials. These beds help kittens feel safe and secure, and many have raised edges for nestling into. Wash regularly.
Towels and Blankets
An easy DIY option for bedding is using old towels, blankets, or small pet blankets. Avoid any loose fabrics they could get tangled in. And wash bedding frequently to keep it fresh and germ-free.
Kitten Playpen
For very young kittens, a foldable playpen gives them an enclosed, cozy place to sleep and play safely. Stock it with food, litter and toys. Supervise use until they are old enough to have full access to the room.
Cat Condos/Trees
Multi-level cat trees with sleep cubbies up high provide kittens a perch with a view. The enclosed spaces give them feelings of security. Place near a window for entertainment.
Cardboard Boxes
Don’t overlook a simple cardboard box lined with a towel or blanket! Kittens often love lounging in boxes. Just be sure to remove any tape, staples or plastic first. Replace frequently as boxes wear out.
Wash Regularly
No matter what type of bedding you use, wash it frequently. Kittens may urinate or vomit on bedding. Bacteria and odors can accumulate quickly. Follow any washing instructions and use mild soap to keep bedding clean.
Tips for Successful Sleep Training
The ideal kitten sleeping situation doesn’t happen automatically overnight. Here are some useful tips for getting your kitten to sleep soundly through the night in their proper bed:
Establish a Routine
Try to adhere to consistent feeding times and sleep/wake times. Cats thrive on routine. Offer food right before bed to help them sleep settled and undisturbed.
Limit Naps
It’s tempting to let kittens snooze all day, but this can disrupt nighttime sleep. Limit long naps and provide playtime to tire them out before bed.
Provide Nighttime Toys
Place safe, soft toys in their sleeping area to make it more inviting and distract from loneliness. Just avoid any hazards like strings, small parts, or catnip.
Discourage Bed Sharing
Kittens will try to snuggle with you at night, but this can lead to bad habits. Provide affection at bedtime, but move them to their proper bed so they learn to sleep independently.
Lock Up Nighttime Trouble
Secure trash cans, houseplants, cords, pantry items or anything your kitten could get into while you sleep. This prevents accidents and disruptive noises that interrupt their rest.
Use Calming Aids
Try calming aids like pheromone diffusers or calming treats/chews to reduce nighttime anxiety, especially during their first nights home alone. But discuss options with your vet first.
Be Patient
It takes time for kittens to adjust to new sleeping arrangements and routines. With consistency and care from you, they will learn good nighttime habits as they grow.
Special Considerations for Multiple Kittens
Raising multiple kittens together comes with added logistics when it comes to sleeping:
Accommodate Litter Mates
Try to keep siblings together when possible. Litter mates feel safer and more secure sleeping side by side. Just ensure the space is large enough for all.
More Resources Required
With multiple kittens you need more food, water, litter boxes, and toys to accommodate. Keep ample supplies stocked near their shared sleeping quarters.
Sleeping Alternatives
Not all litters can stay together. In that case, set up separate sleeping areas in proximity. Or allow kittens to sleep nearby each other, but in their own beds.
Supervise Interactions
Even sibling kittens may squabble over toys, food or preferred sleeping spots. Monitor their interactions until they are older to prevent rough play or injuries.
Separate Appropriate Ages
At around 6-8 months when kittens reach maturity, separate males and females for health and behavioral reasons, even if littermates. But continue housing sisters together if they get along.
Introduce New Kittens Slowly
When introducing a new adopted kitten, house them separately at first. Over several weeks, slowly let them interact and become familiar with each other’s scent before attempting shared sleeping quarters.
Transitioning from Kitten to Cat
As kittens grow into adult cats, their sleeping habits and arrangements will likely evolve:
- They will begin sleeping more at night and less during the day.
- They can better regulate their body temperature and won’t require as warm of sleeping quarters.
- They may prefer sleeping in new spots like cat trees, windowsills or on furniture.
- They may become more comfortable sleeping in social areas rather than alone in a back room.
- Marking and reproductive behaviors may call for separating cats that previously slept together.
- Safe sleeping spaces should still be provided, even as adult cats gain more roaming freedom at night.
Adjust sleeping provisions as needed to accommodate your cats’ maturation and preferences. With care and patience helping them form healthy sleep habits as kittens, they are set up for sound slumber into adulthood. Reassess their needs at each stage of development.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kitten Sleep Locations
New kitten owners often have many common questions about setting up the sleeping area. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Where should I put the kitten bed in my bedroom?
Place it in a corner or along the wall, not too close to your bed in case you roll over or cats walk across you. Near the foot of your bed works well.
Can I let my kitten sleep in my bed sometimes?
It’s best not to allow kittens to sleep unattended in an adult bed, where they could fall off or get injured. You can provide affection before bed, then move them to their own bed.
Is it ok for kittens to sleep near my kids?
Kittens and children must always be supervised when together. A kid’s room likely has too many dangers for unmonitored kitten sleep. Set up the bed in a common area instead.
Should I let my new kitten sleep in a separate room alone?
Very young kittens may feel lonely, scared or distressed alone in an unfamiliar place. Start by having them sleep in a central living area so they feel part of the action.
Can I just use a cardboard box as my kitten’s bed?
Plain cardboard boxes are fine for napping, but not overnight sleep. A box should be lined with blankets for warmth and comfort. Replace frequently as cardboard wears out.
How do I get my kitten to sleep at night instead of all day?
Establish a consistent daily routine with designated play, feeding and sleep times. Limit long daytime naps. Provide ample play and affection right before bed to tire them out.
Conclusion
A safe, peaceful sleeping area is essential for raising healthy, well-rested kittens. Take the time to properly kitten-proof and supply their designated sleeping space. Offer cozy, comforting bedding tailored to their needs. With routine and patience, kittens will form good lifelong sleeping habits in their new home.
Providing your kitten an ideal sleeping situation takes some trial and error at first. But the effort pays off with better nighttime behavior and a kitten who grows into a settled, content cat. Don’t hesitate to adjust arrangements as your kitten develops. With the tips in this guide, you can create a sleep sanctuary your kitten will enjoy for years to come.
