Evie Summers
Newborn kittens sleep a lot, and it's important they do so for their growth and development. In their first two weeks of life, kittens sleep for around 22 hours per day, only waking to feed. Known as polyphasic sleep, this is when cats nap throughout the day and night. As they mature, they'll sleep less, but even at six months old, kittens can sleep for up to 16-20 hours a day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How much do newborn kittens sleep? | Newborn kittens sleep for around 22 hours per day. |
| How long do they continue sleeping this much? | Kittens sleep for almost 22 hours a day until they are about two weeks old. |
| How much do kittens sleep after the newborn stage? | After the newborn stage, kittens sleep less, but they still sleep for 16-20 hours a day when they are six months old. |
| How often do kittens sleep? | Kittens sleep throughout the day and night, which is called polyphasic sleep. |
| Do kittens sleep through the night? | Kittens do not usually sleep through the night. They wake up regularly, especially in new environments. |
| What is the best way to help a kitten sleep through the night? | Having a cosy, snug bed or blanket in a quiet, dark, and low place can help kittens sleep through the night. |
| What else can help a kitten sleep through the night? | Having a familiar scent, such as a piece of clothing or a blanket from their previous home, can help kittens sleep better. |
| What else can be done to help a kitten sleep? | Playing with kittens for at least 30 minutes during the day can make them tired before bedtime. Feeding them wet food half an hour before bedtime can also help them sleep with a full tummy. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Newborn kittens sleep up to 22 hours a day
Newborn kittens will sleep with their mother and siblings as they can't regulate their body heat independently. They will huddle together for warmth and comfort. After a few weeks, they will need a safe, quiet, and dark place to sleep. Kittens will often pick a spot in a closet or cabinet to curl up, or they may choose a litter box, which is usually caused by health and environmental factors.
It is important to provide a comfortable and cosy bed for your kitten, placed somewhere they can sleep undisturbed. A small cardboard box or cat igloo will give your kitten a place to hide and sleep. You can also place a litter tray, food and water bowls, and some kitten-safe toys inside. When you're able to supervise your kitten, you can leave the door open so they can explore when they're feeling confident.
As your kitten grows, you will notice their sleeping habits gradually settle into a pattern. From around two months, your kitten will want to play more, and you should try to play with them for at least 30 minutes over the course of the day. Active play during the day will stimulate your kitten mentally and physically, so they nap less when you are awake and sleep more at night.
Kittens will also sleep better after a meal, so try to plan a meal just before bedtime. Wet food is better for bedtime than dry food, as dry food contains more carbohydrates, which can cause unwanted bursts of energy.
Newborns' Breathing Patterns: Loud Sleep, Normal or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Kittens need a cosy, snug bed
Newborn kittens sleep a lot—up to 22 hours a day in their first two weeks of life. They wake up only to feed and will sleep most of the time for the first month. Kittens need a lot of sleep because vital developmental and growth functions take place during this time.
Kittens like to sleep away from where they eat, drink, and go to the toilet, so make sure they have clear areas for these activities. You can also give them a small cardboard box or cat igloo to hide in. If you have other pets or children, it's best to keep the kitten's bed on the ground.
If your kitten is new to your home, a blanket from their previous home with their mother and littermates can help them feel secure. Once they've bonded with you, a piece of your clothing in their bed can have the same effect.
Coping with Sleep Deprivation: Newborn Parenting Strategies
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Playtime helps kittens sleep
Newborn kittens sleep for around 22 hours per day, only waking to feed. This gradually decreases as they mature, with kittens aged six months sleeping for around 16 to 20 hours per day. Kittens are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dusk and dawn. This is programmed into their biology as they would naturally hunt for food at these times.
When a kitten is first born, they sleep with their mother and siblings as they cannot regulate their body heat independently. After a few weeks, they will require a dedicated bed of their own, which makes them feel safe and secure. A bed with high sides or a dome shape can help with this. It is also beneficial to provide a small cardboard box or cat igloo for the kitten to hide in.
If a kitten is new to your home, a familiar scent on their blanket, such as that of their mother, can help them feel more secure. Once a kitten has bonded with you, a piece of your clothing in their bed can have a similar effect. It is important to structure a kitten's day to ensure they get the best sleep possible. As well as regular playtime and meals, this includes handling them often to encourage their social development and help them connect positive experiences with people.
Should You Wake a Sleeping Newborn?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Kittens sleep better after meals
Newborn kittens sleep for around 22 hours per day, only waking to feed. This is because a lot of vital developmental and growth functions take place during sleep, and interrupted or a lack of sleep can be harmful to kittens. As kittens mature beyond the newborn stage, they will sleep less, but even at six months old, they still sleep for around 16 to 20 hours a day.
Kittens need to eat multiple meals a day, and it is best to feed smaller, frequent meals to kittens younger than eight weeks old. Kittens also need to be burped after eating. You can do this by putting them on your shoulder or on their stomach and patting them gently until they burp.
To help your kitten sleep better, you should provide a cosy, snug bed or blanket, placed somewhere they can sleep undisturbed. A dedicated bed for your kitten is a must, but 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' will make kittens feel safe from predators and help them sleep better. If your kitten is new to your house, a blanket with a familiar scent can help them feel secure and sleep soundly. Once your kitten has bonded with you, a piece of your clothing in their bed will have the same effect.
Letting Your Newborn Sleep: The Benefits and Challenges
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Lack of sleep can be harmful
Newborn kittens sleep for around 22 hours per day, only waking up to feed. This amount of sleep is necessary as kittens are still in their early development stage, and many vital growth functions take place while they are asleep.
Sleep is essential for the healthy development of newborn kittens. Depriving a kitten of sleep can have several negative consequences on their health and well-being. Firstly, sleep plays a crucial role in a kitten's physical development. During sleep, a kitten's body releases hormones that promote growth and development. Interrupted sleep patterns can disrupt the release of these hormones, potentially impacting the kitten's overall growth and maturation.
Secondly, sleep is vital for a kitten's brain development. Adequate sleep, including REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, helps in the formation and development of neural connections in the brain. Sleep deprivation can disrupt these processes, potentially affecting the kitten's cognitive abilities, learning capacity, and overall brain function.
Additionally, sleep plays a role in maintaining a kitten's immune system. During sleep, the body produces infection-fighting antibodies and cells, which help protect the kitten from illnesses. Sleep deprivation weakens the immune system, making the kitten more susceptible to diseases and prolonging recovery time if they do get sick.
Sleep is also essential for a kitten's emotional and mental health. Sleep-deprived kittens may exhibit increased irritability, anxiety, or depression. They may become more aggressive or struggle to form social bonds with other animals or their caregivers.
Finally, sleep helps regulate a kitten's energy levels. Newborn kittens have high energy requirements due to their rapid growth and development. Sleep deprivation can lead to lethargy and a lack of interest in playing or exploring their environment, which are essential for their physical and mental stimulation.
In summary, adequate sleep is critical for newborn kittens' overall health and development. Interrupted or insufficient sleep can have far-reaching consequences, affecting their physical growth, brain development, immune system, emotional well-being, and energy levels. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize a kitten's sleep and provide a comfortable, undisturbed environment for them to rest and develop optimally.
Safe Sleep Clothing for Newborns in Hot Weather
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Newborn kittens sleep for around 22 hours per day, only waking up to feed. They sleep with their mother and siblings as they can't regulate their body heat independently.
After the newborn stage, kittens will sleep less, but they will still sleep for 16 to 20 hours a day at 6 months old.
Kittens can sleep too little, but this is rare and usually due to underlying health issues. If your kitten seems tired after waking up or lacks energy, contact your vet.
Kittens sleep best in a cosy, snug bed or blanket, placed somewhere quiet and low to the ground. You can also bring a blanket from their previous home to help them feel secure.
Kittens do not usually sleep through the night. They are often active at night as they would naturally hunt and catch prey. However, you can encourage your kitten to sleep by feeding them wet food half an hour before bedtime.
