Ashwin Lewis
Kittens sleep a lot! In their first two weeks of life, they sleep for around 22 hours a day, only waking to feed. By the time they are two months old, they will sleep for around 18 hours a day, similar to an adult cat. Kittens are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at sunrise and sunset. They will also sleep better after a meal, so try to feed your kitten just before bedtime.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep hours | 18 hours per day |
| Sleep patterns | Easily woken up, twitching, making facial expressions, and making noises while sleeping |
| Sleep environment | A cosy, snug bed or blanket, placed somewhere they can sleep undisturbed |
| Sleep habits | Kittens sleep better after a meal, and may wake up at dawn and dusk |
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What You'll Learn
Kittens sleep up to 20 hours a day
Kittens sleep a lot—up to 20 hours a day. In fact, newborn kittens can sleep for as much as 22 hours a day, reducing to 18 hours a day by the time they are two months old. This is because sleep is a vital part of a kitten's development, allowing for cognitive and muscular development. During sleep, their body can focus its energy on rapid growth.
Kittens are crepuscular mammals, meaning they are most active around sunrise and sunset. This is because they are adapted to hunt for prey that are active at these times. As such, they will nap throughout the day and night, so they are always ready for hunting.
Kittens will feel sleepy after an evening meal, so feeding them wet food half an hour before bedtime will encourage them to settle down with a full tummy. Dry food, on the other hand, often contains higher levels of carbohydrates, which can quickly release unwanted bursts of energy when fed at bedtime, affecting how long your kitten sleeps.
Kittens need a cosy, snug bed or blanket, placed somewhere undisturbed. A dedicated bed with high sides or a dome-shaped 'cave bed' will help them feel safe from predators. If they are new to your house, bringing a blanket from their previous home will help them feel secure and sleep soundly. A familiar scent on their blanket can also help them feel more secure.
If you want your kitten to sleep close to you, you could try sleeping on a floor-level bed. However, kittens can fall off higher beds or be accidentally squashed, so this is not recommended.
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A cosy bed can help them sleep
Kittens sleep a lot—up to 20 hours a day—and their sleep is crucial for their development. A two-month-old kitten will sleep around 18 hours a day, similar to an adult cat. A cosy bed can help them sleep and make them feel safe and secure. Here are some tips for creating a cosy bed for your kitten:
Choose a snug bed
A bed with high sides or a dome-shaped "cave bed" will help your kitten feel safe from predators. You can also create a “kitten home” inside a large puppy crate, especially if there are other pets or children in the home. A small cardboard box or cat igloo will also give your kitten a sense of security and a place to hide.
Location, location, location
Cats like to sleep away from where they eat, drink, and go to the toilet, so be sure to provide them with clear areas for these activities. Place their bed somewhere they can sleep undisturbed while life goes on around them. Keep the bed low to the ground for young kittens, as they are safest when their beds are not too high up.
Familiar scents
If your kitten is new to your home, bring a blanket or towel from their previous home. Having a familiar scent on their blanket will help them feel more secure. Once your kitten has bonded with you, placing a piece of your clothing in their bed will provide comfort and help them sleep longer.
Warmth
To help your kitten feel snug and secure, provide them with a microwavable heat pad (always use appropriate covers to prevent burns).
Toys and teddies
Your kitten may enjoy snuggling up against a teddy bear or another soft toy. Kitten-safe toys can also be placed inside their crate or bed area to provide comfort and entertainment.
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Kittens are easily woken and active at night
Kittens sleep a lot, and this is normal. A newborn kitten can sleep for up to 22 hours a day, and this doesn't change much as they grow. During the first two months of a kitten's life, they are easily woken up and may even appear to be awake while napping. They will likely twitch, make facial expressions, and even make noises while sleeping. This initial phase of sleeping, known as rapid eye movement (REM), allows the kitten to stay alert as their senses develop.
After a couple of weeks, the kitten will start to sleep independently and will transition into a new, slower sleep stage, where they will seem more relaxed while resting. At around two months old, a kitten will transition into adult sleep, sleeping for around 18 hours a day, similar to an adult cat.
To help your kitten sleep through the night, it is important to provide a cosy, snug bed or blanket, placed somewhere they can sleep undisturbed. Cats like to sleep away from where they eat, drink, and go to the toilet, so ensure they have separate, clear areas for these activities. If your kitten is new to your home, bringing a blanket from their previous home can help them feel secure and sleep soundly. Alternatively, a piece of your clothing in their bed can also be comforting and help them sleep for longer.
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Kittens sleep better after a meal
Kittens between the ages of two and three months old sleep for about 18 hours a day. This is spread out throughout the day and night.
Kittens sleep better when they have a dedicated bed that is cosy and snug. Cats like to sleep away from where they eat, drink and go to the toilet, so make sure they have clear areas for each of these activities. A bed with high sides or a dome-shaped 'cave bed' can make kittens feel safe from predators. If your kitten is new to your home, a blanket from their previous home can help them feel secure and sleep better.
Kittens will feel sleepy after an evening meal. Feeding your kitten wet food half an hour before bedtime may encourage them to settle down to sleep with a full tummy. Wet food is better than dry food at bedtime because it releases energy slowly throughout the day. Dry food, on the other hand, contains higher amounts of carbohydrates that can cause unwanted bursts of energy.
Kittens will naturally fall asleep quicker after a busy day of play. Try a focused session of fun activity during the early part of the evening. Avoid playing late at night as your kitten will be too excited to sleep.
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A kitten's sleep is vital for development
A kitten's sleep is vital for its development. Kittens sleep for long periods of time, with newborn kittens sleeping for around 22 hours per day. They need this extra sleep to support their rapidly growing bodies. Sleep allows the body to focus its energy on growth and development.
As kittens get older, their sleep needs decrease, but they still sleep a lot. Kittens who are about six months old will still sleep most of the time, averaging about 16 to 20 hours of sleep per day. This is not far from the sleep requirements of adult cats, who average around 16 hours of sleep per day.
Kittens need a cosy and snug bed or blanket placed somewhere they can sleep undisturbed. A dedicated bed for a kitten is a must. A bed with high sides or a dome-shaped 'cave bed' can make kittens feel safe and secure. Kittens also enjoy beds with edges that they can snuggle against to create a sense of security. A small cardboard box or cat igloo will also give your kitten somewhere to hide and feel safe.
It is important to let kittens sleep as much as they need to and never wake them when they are fast asleep. Sleep deprivation in young animals has been shown to be harmful, and many important processes take place during sleep. A kitten's healthy development relies on getting enough sleep. These processes include boosting the immune system's strength and helping the kitten conserve energy for play and exploration.
Feeding your kitten wet food half an hour before bedtime may encourage them to settle down to sleep with a full tummy. Kittens need to eat multiple meals during the day, and wet food that is full of protein will fuel their growth and release energy slowly throughout the day.
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Frequently asked questions
Kittens tend to sleep around 18 hours a day, similar to an adult cat. They are also most active at dusk and dawn, so prepare to lose some sleep.
Kittens sleep better after a meal, so try to plan a meal just before bedtime. You can also provide them with a cosy, snug bed or blanket, placed somewhere they can sleep undisturbed.
Kittens like to sleep away from where they eat, drink and go to the toilet. You can also create a kitten home inside a large puppy crate or a small cardboard box or cat igloo.
