How to Make Sleeping Spots for Kittens?

Cats sleep a lot, typically 15 hours a day. Senior cats and kittens may sleep even more. To keep kittens comfortable, you can provide safe and comfortable spots for them to sleep. You don’t need to buy a bed; any spot can work if it meets your cat’s needs.

What Makes a Good Kitten Sleeping Spot?

Cats seek out security and comfort when sleeping. They like to switch sleeping spots frequently to avoid fleas and parasites, so provide several different beds throughout your house. Ensure there’s plenty of space between their bed, food and water bowls, and litter box.

Here are some other features that can make a good kitten sleeping spot:

• Height: Cats feel safe up high, away from danger and with a good view of their surroundings. You can buy cat trees, or place beds on furniture or shelves, taking care that the structure is sturdy enough. For kittens and senior cats, you may need to make adjustments so they can access the bed.
• Warmth and Quiet: Cats, especially those with thin fur, like to sleep in warm areas. They also prefer to sleep in quiet areas away from noise. Consider placing a bed in a quiet corner of a bedroom or living room.
• Enclosure: A cat bed with high sides or a covered cave offers a secure space where cats can hide. Wicker baskets and specialized cat caves can work well, and blankets or pillows can make them more comfortable. You can also put a bed inside a box.
• Familiar Objects and Scents: Cats like familiar scents, especially their own. Try leaving a blanket or old shirt that smells like you or the kitten in the bed. If you wash a cat’s bedding, leave at least one bed unwashed so they still have a bed with a familiar scent.

How to Encourage a Kitten to Use a Bed

Sometimes it’s hard to get a kitten to sleep in a bed you’ve provided. Here are some things you can try:

• Placement: Place the bed in a spot where your cat already likes to sleep. Observe your cat and identify their favorite spots. Pay attention to whether your cat prefers high or low spots, warm or cool spots, and secluded or open areas.
• Lure: You can lure your cat to the bed with treats or catnip. You can also try gently placing your cat in the bed and petting them until they relax.
• Deterrents: You can make areas where you don’t want your cat to sleep less appealing by covering them with aluminum foil or spraying them with diluted citrus oil or apple cider vinegar. Be sure to avoid using essential oils, as some are toxic to cats.

Be patient! It may take time for your cat to adjust to a new bed. Never force your cat to use the bed.

While it can be frustrating to buy a nice cat bed and have your kitten ignore it, cats are individuals and will sleep where they please. The most important thing is to provide a safe, comfortable, and loving environment for your kitten.