Evie Summers
Newborn kittens require a lot of care and attention. They are fragile creatures that are susceptible to dehydration and chilling, which can be life-threatening. They sleep a lot, with some sources stating that they sleep for around 22 hours per day for the first two weeks of their lives. Kittens need to be fed every two to three hours and require stimulation to go to the bathroom. They should be kept in a warm, clean, and comfortable environment, and it is important to ensure that they are gaining weight and developing normally.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Amount of sleep | From birth until about two weeks of age, kittens need to sleep for around 22 hours per day. By the time they’re three months old, they’ll only need to sleep for about 18 hours, spread throughout the day and night. |
| Sleeping environment | Kittens' beds should be low down. A small cardboard box or cat igloo will give your kitten somewhere to hide. |
| Sleep development | Kittens' nervous systems are not fully developed and they will twitch during sleep. This indicates the development of their nervous system and muscles. |
| Sleep and health | Lack of sleep can be harmful to kittens. Lethargy and disinterest in playing can be a sign of sickness. |
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What You'll Learn
Newborn kittens sleep for 22 hours per day
Newborn kittens sleep for around 22 hours per day, only waking up to feed. This sleep pattern is vital for their growth and development, and it's important to let them sleep uninterrupted. During this time, their nervous systems are developing, and you may notice twitching, which is an indication of healthy development.
Newborn kittens are highly dependent on their mother or caregiver for warmth, nutrition, and stimulation to go to the bathroom. They should be fed every two hours, round-the-clock, for the first ten days of their lives. Dehydration and chilling are significant risks for newborn kittens, so it's crucial to monitor their intake and keep them warm and dry.
As they approach two weeks of age, kittens will start to crawl and attempt to stand. Their eyes will open, and they will begin to explore their surroundings more, leading to a decrease in sleep. By three weeks, they will be actively playing and walking around.
To ensure a good sleeping environment for newborn kittens, provide a cosy, snug bed or blanket, placed in a quiet, warm area where they can sleep undisturbed. A 'kitten home' inside a large puppy crate can work well, offering a safe space away from other pets or children. It's best if their bed is low to the ground, as kittens are at risk of falling if placed on high surfaces.
If you notice your newborn kitten sleeping excessively and still appearing tired or lacking energy when awake, it's important to consult your veterinarian to ensure there are no underlying health concerns.
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Kittens need a warm, safe and dry environment to sleep
Kittens sleep a lot, especially when they are newborn. From birth until about two weeks of age, they need to sleep for around 22 hours per day, only waking to feed. During this time, they are susceptible to chilling, which can be life-threatening, so it is important to provide a warm, safe, and dry environment for them to sleep in.
A separate room is ideal, as it will be quiet and away from any drafts. This room should be prepared before the kitten arrives, to help them feel secure. The kitten's bed should be low to the ground and cosy, with blankets or a soft toy to snuggle up to. A small cardboard box or cat igloo will give the kitten a place to hide and feel safe.
It is important to keep the kitten dry, as they can easily catch a chill if they get wet. Never submerge newborn kittens in water; instead, clean them using a warm, damp washcloth. Always fully dry them with a hairdryer (on low) and a towel.
If you are unable to provide a separate room, a large puppy crate can work well for the first few days or weeks. This will keep the kitten safe from other pets or children in the home. Place all the kitten's resources, such as a litter tray, food and water bowls, and toys, inside the crate. Close the door at times when you are unable to supervise the kitten directly.
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Kittens sleep a lot because they are growing
Kittens' sleeping habits gradually settle as they grow. By the time they are three months old, they will only need to sleep for about 18 hours, spread throughout the day and night. This is not far from the sleep requirements of adult cats, who average around 16 hours per day.
Kittens need a lot of sleep because vital developmental and growth functions take place during sleep, and interrupted or lack of sleep can be harmful to them. It is important to let them sleep for as long as they need to. If your kitten seems lively when they are awake and is eating, drinking, and going to the toilet regularly, they are likely fine. However, if they seem tired or lack energy and playfulness when they are awake, it is best to consult your vet.
To help your kitten feel secure and snug while sleeping, provide them with a cosy bed or blanket placed somewhere they can sleep undisturbed. You can also get them a microwavable heat pad (used with appropriate covers to prevent burns) or a teddy to snuggle up against. It is also important to keep newborn kittens warm as they cannot control their body temperature until they are at least three weeks old and can easily get chilled, which can be life-threatening.
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Kittens sleep a lot because they need energy for hunting
Kittens sleep a lot—up to 22 hours a day from birth until they are about two weeks old. This is because a lot of vital developmental and growth functions take place during sleep, and interrupted sleep or a lack of sleep can be harmful to them. Kittens also need a lot of energy for hunting. Cats are most active at dusk and dawn and will nap throughout the day and night so that they are always ready to hunt.
As your kitten grows, you will see their sleeping habits gradually settle into a pattern. By the time they are three months old, they will only need to sleep for about 18 hours, spread throughout the day and night. This is not far from the sleep requirements of adult cats, who average around 16 hours of sleep per day.
Kittens need a lot of energy because they are growing, and they need to conserve energy between hunting. They also need to be fully rested to have the best chance of catching their next meal.
If you are concerned that your kitten is sleeping too much, you should check that they are lively when they are awake and eating, drinking, and going to the toilet regularly. If they still seem tired or lack energy when they are awake, you should contact your vet.
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Kittens should sleep in a bed on the floor, not a high perch
Kittens sleep a lot, especially when they are newborn. From birth until about two weeks of age, kittens need to sleep for around 22 hours per day, only waking to feed. This gradually reduces to 18 hours per day by the time they are three months old.
Kittens should sleep in a cosy, snug bed or blanket, placed somewhere they can sleep undisturbed. Although adult cats like to climb and sleep on high perches, it is safest for kittens to sleep in a bed that is low down. This is because kittens are fragile and can easily fall off a high perch, causing injury.
A good option is to make a 'kitten home' inside a large puppy crate, particularly if there are other pets or children in the home. You can place a litter tray, food and water bowls, and some kitten-safe toys inside the crate too. At night, or when you can't supervise your kitten, you can close the crate door to keep them safe. If you don't have a crate, you can place all the kitten's resources in one room, where you can close the door when you need to.
If you want your kitten to sleep close to you, you can sleep on a floor-level bed. Alternatively, you can bring your kitten onto your usual bed, but there is a risk that you might accidentally squash them, or they may fall off.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborn kittens need to sleep for around 22 hours per day for the first two weeks of their life, only waking to feed.
Newborn kittens should be fed every two hours, round-the-clock, until they are 10 days old. After this, they can eat every three to four hours.
Dehydration and chilling are two of the biggest threats to newborn kittens. Signs of dehydration include limpness, unresponsiveness, sunken eyes, and lethargy. Chilling can be life-threatening, so it is important to always fully dry kittens after cleaning them.
Kittens should be kept in a warm, clean, and quiet environment, preferably in a separate room. Their bed should be low to the ground, and they should have access to a litter tray, food and water bowls, and kitten-safe toys.
If your kitten seems tired or lacks energy and playfulness when they are awake, you should contact your vet. This could be a sign of an underlying health issue.
