If you’re a new kitten parent, you may be wondering where your little one should sleep on the first night. There are a few things to consider when making this decision. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different options and help you decide what’s best for your kitten.
Set up a kitten room
When you get a new kitten, it’s important to set up a room for them to sleep in. This will keep them safe and give them a place to relax.
To ensure that your kitten’s first day goes smoothly, preparation is key. Here are some tips on how to set up a room for your new kitten:
- Choose a room that is quiet and comfortable. The bedroom, living room, or laundry room are all good choices.
- Set up a litter box, food and water bowls, and bedding in the room.
- Place the litter box in an easy-to-access corner of the room.
- Choose a spot for the food and water dishes that is away from the litter box.
- Put the bedding in a cozy spot, away from any drafts – a kitten bed with high sides is usually best.
- Make sure the room is escape-proof by checking that all windows and doors are secure.
- Add some fun toys to keep your feline friend busy such as a scratching post and a cuddly mouse.
- Give your kitten some time to adjust to their new surroundings before bringing them into the room.
After you have set up the room, you can bring your kitten inside. It is best to place your kitten’s carrier in the room and then let them out to explore. If the kitten seems anxious, try sitting calmly on the floor and allowing it to come to you. Speak in soft, reassuring tones and avoid sudden movements that may startle it. Offer treats or a favorite toy to help it associate you with positive experiences. You can also opt for some relaxing accessories such as this Pet Calming Bundle which contains a calming spray and a calming cushion. Using these accessories can help ease the kitten’s anxiety and promote a sense of comfort. As the kitten relaxes further, feel free to pick it up and cuddle if it consents. With time and positive reinforcement, the kitten will gain confidence and curiosity to venture out into the rest of the home.
Bonus tip
Kittens have small teeth and cannot chew dried cat food well when they are very young. High-quality wet foods will provide the nutrition that they need to thrive. However, once your kitten reaches three to four weeks of age, you can introduce some moistened dry food.
How long do kittens sleep?
Kittens need 16 to 20 hours of sleep a day. Kittens need a lot of sleep because they are growing and developing.
Moreover, during their first few weeks of life, newborn kittens can spend up to 22 hours snoozing. This is because they are growing so quickly and need to rest to build up strength.
An adult cat has slightly different sleeping habits. Most fully grown cats sleep between 12 to 18 hours each day. However, if you notice that your cat has been sleeping longer than usual, it might be sick. You could try giving it some home remedies for sick cats that seem to work. But if your cat doesn’t get any better, you should take it to a clinic.
Can my kitten sleep in my bed?
Although it can be tempting, try to avoid letting your kitten sleep in your bed on the first night. At least until your pet has settled into its new home.
Kittens have a lot of energy and there is a chance that they could get hurt if left to roam freely. Additionally, once a cat is used to sleeping on your bed it is very difficult to train them to sleep somewhere else.
Should I leave a light on for my kitten?
Kittens have excellent night vision. However, even with good night vision, your kitten may still prefer to sleep with a night light. A night light can help to provide a sense of security and comfort for young cats while they are adjusting to an unfamiliar environment.
Cats are typically most active at dusk and dawn, so you must establish a routine when it comes to switching your lights on and off. Consistency will help your kitten to conform to your sleep patterns and settle into your family.
Should I shut my kitten in a cage at night?
Do not shut your kitten in a cage at night because it may become scared or anxious. Although it can be tempting to keep your kitten contained to stop your pet from chewing through cables, knocking over ornaments, or clawing at furniture, it’s much better to move these hazards out of the way.
When kittens are locked in a cage, they can feel trapped. Moreover, a frightened kitten is more likely to become sick or develop behavioral problems. Instead, provide your kitten with a comfortable place to sleep such as a soft bed or a cardboard box lined with towels or lots of blankets.
Similarly, if your kitten is crate trained, always leave the door to their crate open at night. Your pet needs access to their litter tray and fresh water at all times so opening their crate door allows your cat to come and go as they please.
Catnaps are fundamental to your kitten’s development
Kittens are adorable, but they’re also a lot of work. If you’re considering adding a kitten to your family, be sure to ready yourself for the commitment. Kittens need plenty of love, attention, and sleep to thrive.
Researching how to take care of a kitten can help you to create a checklist of essentials to make the settling-in process go as smoothly as possible. For instance, most cats prefer warmth to lazy around. Therefore, you can start by looking at Romeo’s Fuel budget plans and ensure that your home is perfectly heated for your cat. In addition, you could make sure you have all the supplies you need for that first night ahead of time – food, water, litter, toys, and also a comfy bed.
Kittens are prone to getting into mischief, so it’s important to kitten-proof your home before they arrive. With a little love and care, your new kitten will be a part. And if this is your first time caring for a kitten, know that they may have some adjustment issues during their first night or two in their new home (just like any other pet).
Once your kitten is home, spend plenty of time bonding with them and helping them adjust to their new surroundings. Ultimately, with a little patience and care, your kitten will soon be part of the family.