Miya Pearson
Kittens are known to sleep a lot, with newborn kittens sleeping for 22 hours a day. As they grow older, they start sleeping less and spending more time playing and exploring. By the time they are three months old, they will sleep for about 18 hours a day, which is comparable to adult cats. Kittens also tend to nestle close to their humans, but it is recommended that they sleep in their own bed to prevent the risk of injury from sudden movements during sleep.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep duration | Kittens sleep a lot, with newborns sleeping up to 22 hours a day. By three months, they'll sleep for about 18 hours, spread throughout the day and night. |
| Sleep patterns | Kittens are crepuscular, most active at dusk and dawn, and napping throughout the day and night. |
| Sleep location | Kittens should sleep in a cozy, warm, and secure place where they feel safe and undisturbed. |
| Parasites | Kittens can carry parasites that are contagious to humans. Ensure your kitten is treated for parasites and has its vaccinations before sharing a bed. |
| Size | Kittens are small and can be accidentally injured in bed by rolling or sudden movements. It's recommended to wait until they're larger, typically around 6 months old, before letting them sleep in your bed. |
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What You'll Learn
- Kittens need a lot of sleep—around 18 hours a day when they're three months old
- Kittens are crepuscular, so they're most active at dawn and dusk
- Kittens may carry parasites and infectious diseases that can be passed to humans
- Kittens need a cosy, snug bed or blanket in a quiet spot where they feel safe and secure
- Kittens may be at risk of injury from sleeping with humans due to their size
Kittens need a lot of sleep—around 18 hours a day when they're three months old
As your kitten grows, you'll notice that they sleep less and less, spending more time playing and exploring. By the time they're three months old, they'll have all their baby teeth, and their eyes will transition to their adult colour. They'll also be developing social skills and learning to hunt.
Kittens are crepuscular, which means they're most active at dawn and dusk. They nap throughout the day and night, allowing them to be ready to hunt when their prey is most active. As such, it's normal for kittens to be lively and meow at night, in the evening, or during the early morning. You can help them settle by providing kitten-safe toys to hunt and play with.
If you're concerned about your kitten waking you up at night, you can try feeding them their dinner just before you go to bed and leaving some food out for them to snack on. You can also provide them with their own bed, box, or blanket to sleep in, placed in a quiet spot, so they can sleep undisturbed. This will give them the security they need to get some good rest.
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Kittens are crepuscular, so they're most active at dawn and dusk
Kittens are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. This is because, in the wild, these are the times they would be hunting small prey. As such, cats will nap throughout the day and night, allowing them to be ready to hunt. This polyphasic sleep pattern means they sleep in short bursts, recharging so they can go out and hunt again.
A three-month-old kitten will sleep for around 18 hours a day, spread throughout the day and night. This is a reduction from the 22 hours a day they sleep from birth to two weeks old. By six months, a kitten will sleep for around 16 hours a day, similar to adult cats.
It is important to allow kittens to sleep as much as they need to and never wake them when they are fast asleep. A kitten will sleep best if they have a cosy, snug bed or blanket, placed somewhere they can sleep undisturbed. A microwavable heat pad or a teddy bear can help them feel more secure.
If you are concerned about parasites, it is important to discuss options for intestinal parasites, fleas, ticks, and heartworms with your vet. Once treated, you can allow your kitten to sleep with you. However, you may want to keep them confined to a puppy crate during the night so that you can get a good night's sleep.
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Kittens may carry parasites and infectious diseases that can be passed to humans
To reduce the risk of contracting parasites or infections from your kitten, practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands regularly, especially after handling your kitten or cleaning their litter box. Keep your kitten's litter box clean and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. It is also important to keep your kitten's environment clean and free of dirt or sand that may be contaminated with parasite eggs.
Another common disease that can be transmitted from kittens to humans is Cat Scratch Disease (CSD), caused by the bacterium Bartonella henselae. Kittens are more likely to carry and transmit this bacterium to people. CSD can cause swollen lymph nodes, fever, headache, and fatigue. To prevent CSD, avoid rough play with your kitten that could lead to scratches or bites. If you are scratched or bitten, wash the area immediately and thoroughly with soap and water, and contact your doctor if you notice any signs of infection.
Additionally, Salmonella bacteria can be transmitted from cats to humans through contact with their stool or by eating contaminated food. To reduce the risk of salmonellosis, keep your cat indoors, feed them cooked or commercially processed food, and practice good hygiene when cleaning their litter box.
While it is generally safe for your 3-month-old kitten to sleep with you, ensuring that your kitten is parasite and infection-free will give you peace of mind and help ensure your health and well-being.
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Kittens need a cosy, snug bed or blanket in a quiet spot where they feel safe and secure
During the first 24 hours, spend some time helping your kitten feel safe and secure in their new environment. If possible, use the same food and litter brands as the kitten's breeder to reduce the chances of gastrointestinal issues. You can also request a blanket from the kitten's old bed, as the familiar scent can be comforting. In addition, pheromone diffusers, sprays, and wipes can help calm your kitten by mimicking their natural scent.
It's normal for your kitten to cry at night, especially since they are likely sleeping alone for the first time. While it may be tempting to bring them into your bed, this can be a hard habit to break. Instead, place a hot water bottle wrapped in a blanket in their bed to help them feel secure. You can also get them a microwavable heat pad (covered to prevent burns) or a teddy to snuggle against.
Kittens need a lot of sleep—around 18 hours a day when they are three months old. It's important to let them sleep undisturbed as sleep deprivation can be harmful to young animals. Keep in mind that kittens are most active at dusk and dawn, so they may be livelier during these times. Provide plenty of kitten-safe toys to keep them entertained when they are awake.
Finally, remember that kittens need early socialisation with their littermates, mother, and other people to develop properly. After your kitten trusts you, introduce them to a variety of people to get them used to other company.
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Kittens may be at risk of injury from sleeping with humans due to their size
Kittens are known to have a lot of energy, especially when they are very young, and may not sleep through the night. They are naturally more active at dawn and dusk, and their sleep patterns may align more closely with those of their human family members as they grow. Kittens need a significant amount of sleep to support their rapid growth and development. A three-month-old kitten will sleep for about 18 hours a day, spread throughout the day and night.
Some kitten owners choose to let their kittens sleep with them. If you decide to do this, it is recommended that you create a safe space for the kitten at the head of the bed, where there is less chance of rolling onto them during the night. It is also important to ensure that your kitten has received full health clearance from a veterinarian before allowing them to sleep in your bed, as they can carry parasites and infectious diseases that can be transmitted to humans.
Kittens also need a quiet spot to sleep, so they can get through their sleep cycles without being disturbed. It is important to provide them with a comfortable and secure sleeping environment.
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Frequently asked questions
Kittens have bursts of energy and may not sleep through the night. They are crepuscular, meaning they are naturally more active at dawn and dusk. Kittens also tend to nestle under their humans, and there is a risk of you rolling onto them or injuring them with sudden movements during your sleep. It is recommended that kittens sleep in a quiet, comfortable, and secure place where they can sleep undisturbed. You should wait until your kitten is larger in size and can get in and out of your bed on their own, typically around 6 months old.
Kittens sleep a lot, and this is essential for their growth and development. A 3-month-old kitten will sleep about 18 hours per day, which is comparable to an adult cat. As they grow older, they will sleep less and spend more time playing and exploring.
To help your kitten sleep better, feed them their dinner just before you go to bed and leave some food out for them to snack on during the night. You can also provide them with a comfortable and secure sleeping environment, such as a bed or blanket placed somewhere they can sleep undisturbed.
If your kitten is not sleeping enough, they may show signs of constant and sudden oversleeping and sluggish behaviour when they are awake. These could be signs of anaemia, which can be dangerous for kittens. Take your kitten to the vet as soon as possible if you suspect they have anaemia.
