Kitten's first night in his new home
The first night in a new home is probably one of the biggest challenges for a kitten. Here you can find out how long kittens usually sleep and what you can do to ensure that your new kitten sleeps peacefully on their first night with you.
Bringing a new kitten into the house can be quite nerve-wracking for both the owner and the cat. But while we rack our brains about which cupboard is best to put the cat food in and which veterinary practice to choose, our kitten has completely different worries. It gets to know new people, there are new impressions and smells everywhere. His new home looks very different from the one he lived in until recently, and his mother and littermates are nowhere to be seen. Everything is different and a bit scary.
And just when it has settled in a bit, it gets dark and has to sleep all alone in the new, strange house. The first night at home can be challenging for a kitten, but there are many things you can do to help your little furry friend settle in quickly. In this article you will learn how long a kitten should sleep, how to prepare a comfortable bed for your little treasure and how to get him to sleep quickly.
How long do kittens sleep?
Do you expect your kitten to sleep through the night? This is not always the case. It is normal for kittens to wake up at night. While it's true that kittens like to doze off and can sleep up to 18-20 hours a day, they don't always do that when humans are sleeping.
Cats are usually active at dawn and dusk. In addition, a new kitten has to get used to the unfamiliar environment during the first few nights, and keeps you awake longer than usual.
However, sleep is crucial for your kitten's development. That's why it's important that you give them plenty of rest so that they can grow up healthy and happy.
Where should my kitten sleep on the first night?
For the first few nights, your kitten should sleep near you, in a warm and cozy place next to your bed. Small kittens like to feel safe and secure. This works best if you place her bed a little higher than at ground level.
Where should kittens sleep at night?
Basically, a kitten's sleep depends mainly on how well its sleeping environment meets its needs. Kittens are looking for warmth and cuddliness when they want to sleep. This means that the best place for a kitten to sleep is a safe place that is protected from draughts and warm enough.
Can I leave my kitten alone when I sleep?
If you don't want your kitten to sleep in your room, you can also leave them alone while you sleep. Provide him with a soft, warm, and safe place to rest. But then you should close its room door so that it can't hurt itself while you sleep.
How do you furnish cat beds and cat rooms?
There are many things you can do to give your cat a good night. Below are some tips on how to set up the bed and room where your cat will sleep so that it is safe and comfortable for them:
- Get a comfortable cat bed with high side walls so that your kitten's toy doesn't roll out. Don't forget to put soft blankets in it so that it is soft.
- Make sure that the litter box and the water and food bowls are not too far away in case your kitten needs them at night. However, be careful that the litter box and food bowl are not next to each other!
- A scratching post nearby will give you additional plus points with your new feline friend. Your kitten can stretch and scratch to their heart's content as soon as they are ready to start the new day. How wonderful!
- Remove electrical cables. Some cats, and especially kittens, like to nibble on all kinds of things. Place electrical devices in a cat-proof place.
- Clear away fragile items. Kittens like to knock things over (intentionally or unintentionally!), so it's best to put them aside so they don't hurt themselves.
- Your plants should be moved to another place, as kittens are very good climbers! To protect the plants, you should move them elsewhere for the first few days until they get used to not climbing in.
- Close the door and make sure the windows are well locked.
Should I turn the lights on or off when my kitten is sleeping?
Cats can see even in very low light. It is therefore likely that they will find their way around well even when the lights are off. However, it may take some time for them to get used to the new environment. To make it easier for them to find their way around at the beginning, you can turn on a dim night light.
Should I let the kitten sleep in my bed?
You should wait a while before sharing your bed with the new kitten. Kittens need a while to get used to the litter box. So if you want to sleep in a bed without crumbs of cat litter, you should invest in a separate cat bed. If your kitten is very young, they may even have difficulty getting out of your bed without hurting themselves. In addition, your kitten may prefer to have its own place where it can spread out to its heart's content.
Many cat owners let their cats sleep in bed, but it is still important that the kitten has its own sleeping place.
Do kittens sleep through the night?
Don't be surprised if your kitten doesn't sleep through the night. Cats wake up more often at night because they have a different sleep rhythm than we humans. They sleep a total of about 20 hours, but not only at night like we do, but sometimes during the day as well.
How to help a kitten fall asleep at night - 3 methods to try
1. Play and movement
A tired kitten sleeps better through the night. Plan a play hour just before going to bed so that it can really let off steam.
2. Change meal times
Sometimes it helps to feed a late meal, as kittens often go to sleep after eating to give digestion time to work. However, pay attention to the calorie content if you offer an additional or larger meal.