Miya Pearson
Kittens sleep a lot—newborns can sleep for up to 22 hours a day, and this doesn't change much as they grow into adulthood. By the time they are three months old, they'll sleep for about 18 hours a day, spread throughout the day and night. Kittens are crepuscular, meaning they are most active around sunrise and sunset, so their sleep patterns may not align with yours. However, there are ways to help your kitten sleep through the night, such as providing a cosy, snug bed, feeding them a meal before bedtime, and playing with them during the day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average Sleep Hours | 16-20 hours |
| Sleep Session | 1-2 hours |
| Average Sleep Session | 78 minutes |
| Sleep Environment | Snug bed, low to the ground, with high sides, or dome-shaped |
| Sleep Aids | Warm water bottle, blanket with a familiar scent, microwavable heat pad, teddy |
| Sleep-Inducing Activities | Play session, meal, wet food 30 minutes before bedtime |
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What You'll Learn
Kittens sleep for 18 hours a day
Kittens are crepuscular, meaning they're most active at sunrise and sunset. This is when they would naturally hunt and catch prey, so it's likely that your kitten will be active when you're trying to sleep. You can encourage your kitten to sleep through the night by feeding them a meal half an hour before bedtime, as they will feel sleepy after eating. You can also try playing with them for at least 30 minutes during the day so that they are tired out by bedtime.
Kittens sleep best in a cosy, snug bed or blanket, placed somewhere they can sleep undisturbed. It's a good idea to keep their bed low to the ground, as kittens can be curious and may get stuck in small spaces. You can also create a 'kitten home' inside a large puppy crate, with a litter tray, food and water bowls, and some kitten-safe toys. This can be particularly useful if you have other pets or children.
Kittens tend to sleep for periods of one to two hours, with an average sleep session lasting 78 minutes. They don't sleep for long stretches at once, so don't be surprised if your kitten wakes up regularly, especially in a new environment.
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Kittens sleep in short bursts
Kittens sleep a lot—a newborn kitten can sleep up to 22 hours a day, reducing to 18 hours a day by the time they are three months old. This is not far off the sleep requirements of an adult cat, which averages around 16 hours per day. Kittens will sleep less as they mature, but they will still sleep for a large portion of the day.
Kittens will sleep best if they have a cosy, snug bed or blanket, placed somewhere they can sleep undisturbed. A dedicated bed for a kitten is a must, and it should be low to the ground for safety. A warm water bottle wrapped in a blanket can help keep them warm, but be sure to test the temperature first to ensure it is not too hot. Kittens also like to sleep in dark, quiet places, and they may choose to sleep in a closet or cabinet.
Kittens will also sleep better after a meal. Wet food is a better option than dry food before bedtime, as dry food contains higher levels of carbohydrates, which can cause unwanted bursts of energy.
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Kittens sleep more after play
Kittens sleep a lot—from birth until about two weeks of age, they need to sleep for around 22 hours per day, only waking up to feed. 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 are naturally more active at night than humans. They are adapted to hunt for prey that are active during the night and twilight, so they are most active at dusk and dawn and will nap throughout the day and night. This is called polyphasic sleep. Hunting requires a lot of effort, and cats need to be fully rested to have the best chance of catching their next meal.
Kittens will naturally fall asleep quicker after a busy day of play with their favourite toys. Active play during the daytime is a great idea as it stimulates kittens both mentally and physically, so they nap less when we are awake and sleep more at night. However, it is important to avoid playing late at night as your kitten will be too excited to sleep.
To help your kitten sleep through the night, you can try feeding them wet food half an hour before bedtime so they have a fuller tummy. Wet food is better than dry food, which can contain higher levels of carbohydrates that can quickly release unwanted bursts of energy when fed at bedtime, thus affecting how long your kitten will sleep.
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Kittens sleep better with a meal
Kittens, just like humans, tend to feel sleepy after a meal. Feeding your kitten a meal of wet food half an hour before bedtime will encourage them to settle down to sleep with a full tummy. Wet food is a better option than dry food as it is full of protein and will slowly release energy throughout a 24-hour period. Conversely, dry food contains a higher carbohydrate content that can cause unwanted bursts of energy when fed at bedtime, affecting how long your kitten sleeps.
Kittens need to eat multiple meals throughout the day, and these meals should be AAFCO-approved kitten food to meet their nutritional needs. By the time they are three months old, kittens will sleep for about 18 hours a day, spread throughout the day and night. This is only about two hours less than a newborn kitten, which sleeps for around 22 hours a day.
Kittens also sleep better when they feel secure. If your kitten is new to your house, bringing a blanket from their previous home can help them feel more secure and sleep soundly. Similarly, once a kitten has bonded with you, placing a piece of your clothing in their bed can have a comforting effect and help them sleep longer at night. Kittens also tend to feel safer in beds with high sides or dome-shaped "cave beds" that make them feel protected from predators.
If you want your kitten to sleep close to you, it is recommended to sleep on a floor-level bed to prevent accidentally squashing them or having them fall off the bed. Kittens also sleep better when they are able to play during the day with their favourite toys, as this will stimulate them both mentally and physically, making them nap less when you are awake and sleep more when you are asleep.
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Kittens sleep in a quiet, dark place
A 3-month-old kitten will sleep for about 18 hours a day, spread throughout the day and night. Kittens are known for their high energy levels, but they also require a significant amount of sleep to support their rapid growth and development.
Kittens sleep best if they have a cosy, snug bed or blanket, placed somewhere they can sleep undisturbed while life goes on around them. Kittens are curious and can hide or get stuck in small spaces, so it's best to confine them to one room when they're small. A kitten's bed should be low to the ground, and they will feel more secure if it has high sides or is dome-shaped. You can also place a warm water bottle wrapped in a blanket in their bed to make their sleeping spot more appealing.
Kittens sleep in a variety of places, depending on their age, health, and personality. They like to sleep in warm, quiet, and comfortable spaces where they feel secure. In the wild, cats typically seek shelter in low-light areas to stay cool and conserve energy. Senior cats might opt for a more enclosed, dim space to rest comfortably, while younger cats may be more playful and enjoy sunbathing. If your kitten is feeling nervous, they may benefit from a darker, quieter space.
If you want your kitten to sleep close to you, you could sleep on a floor-level bed. Kittens can also fall or be accidentally squashed if brought up onto a higher bed. You can also leave a piece of your clothing in their bed to lengthen how long your kitten sleeps at night.
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Frequently asked questions
3-month-old kittens sleep for around 18 hours a day, spread throughout the day and night.
Kittens sleep for around 1-2 hours at a time, with an average sleep session lasting 78 minutes.
Kittens are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at twilight, so it's normal for them to wake up regularly at night. To help them sleep through the night, you can try feeding them a wet meal 30 minutes before bedtime, creating a quiet and dark sleeping environment, and playing with them during the day so they have less energy at night.
Kittens should have a cosy, snug bed placed somewhere they can sleep undisturbed. Their bed should be low to the ground and away from where they eat, drink and go to the toilet.
It's recommended to wait until your kitten is at least 6 months old before letting them sleep in your bed, as they are at risk of falling off the bed or being accidentally injured before this age.
