Preparing for Your New Kitten's First Night at Home
The arrival of a new kitten at home can be a source of excitement and nervousness for both the owners and the feline. While you're busy organizing the essentials like the litter box, food placement, and finding a local veterinarian, your kitten has her own set of concerns to deal with.
Suddenly, she's in a new environment with unfamiliar sights, smells, and people. The place she now calls home looks nothing like her previous dwelling, and she can't see her mother or littermates around. In short, everything is different and a little scary for her.
And just as she starts to get comfortable, nighttime descends, leaving her alone in this new and strange house. While this can be a challenging experience for her, there are several things you can do on her first night to help your adorable ball of fur settle in quickly.
Sleeping Arrangements for Your Kitten's First Night
Do Kittens Sleep Through the Night?
The simple answer is no, not always. Cats are naturally nocturnal creatures, so it's common for them to wake up during the night. While kittens do love to snooze and can sleep up to 18 to 20 hours a day, it doesn't always align with the sleep schedule of their human family members.
Cats are typically more active at dawn and dusk. When you combine this natural behavior with the unfamiliar environment your kitten is adjusting to, it's safe to assume that you might have a few longer nights ahead of you.
Nevertheless, sleep is crucial for your kitten's development, so it's important to provide her with a peaceful environment during her early stages to ensure she grows up healthy and happy.
Related: The 8 most common diseases of cats
Successful Guide to Help Your Kitten Sleep at Night:
Play and Exercise
Playing with your kitten has yet another benefit—it helps her tire out and increases the chances of her sleeping through the night. Schedule a play session close to her last nap of the day so she can use up any remaining energy before bedtime.
Adjust Mealtime
Changing your kitten's mealtime to a later hour can also assist in promoting sleep. Kittens often tend to doze off after eating as their digestive systems start working. However, keep an eye on the calorie count if you plan to introduce an additional or larger meal to her diet.
Introduce Familiar Objects
Having something that carries a familiar scent can go a long way in helping your kitten feel comfortable and sleep better at night. When adopting a kitten, shelters are often willing to let you take her favorite blanket, which allows her to keep a piece of her old home close as she adjusts to the new one.
With patience and time, your new kitten will soon find herself calmly dozing off on her own. If she keeps you awake with constant meowing during the night, you can explore the reasons behind this behavior and find ways to address it.
Where Should Your Kitten Sleep?
Creating the right sleeping arrangements for your kitten is key to ensuring a good night's sleep. Kittens naturally gravitate towards warm and cozy spots when they want to rest. Therefore, it's important to provide them with a secure area away from drafts, ensuring they stay comfortable throughout the night.
For the first few nights, it's beneficial to have your kitten close to you. Find a cozy area next to your bed, as kittens often feel safer in elevated places. Consider using an elevated cat bed that provides a sense of security.
Setting Up a Kitten Bed
Choose a comfortable kitten bed with high sides, allowing her to keep her favorite toys nearby. Don't forget to add soft blankets for a restful sleep. Make sure her litter tray, water, and food bowls are within reasonable proximity should she need them during the night.
To score more points with your new feline friend, try to place a scratching post nearby. This way, your kitten can stretch and scratch to her heart's content when she wakes up and starts a new day.
Should the Light Be On or Off?
Cats have excellent vision in low light, enabling them to navigate even in the dark. However, it may take some time for your kitten to become accustomed to her new surroundings. It's a good idea to have a low light on initially to make things easier for her, especially on her first night in the new home.
Should Your Kitten Sleep in Your Bed?
Is there something better than snuggling up with your warm, furry friend as you both settle in for a long night of restful sleep? While it's a delightful thought, it's advisable to wait before allowing your new kitten to share your bed. Kittens need time to be litter trained, and investing in a separate kitten bed will help keep your sheets clean.
Related: When to Take Your Cat to The Vet
Moreover, if your kitten is very young, she may have difficulty safely navigating her way out of your bed. She might also prefer having her own space to stretch and sprawl as she pleases.
While many owners do allow their cats to sleep in their beds eventually, it's important to provide your kitten with her own designated sleeping area initially.