Evie Summers
Kittens are known to have high energy levels, but they also require a lot of sleep to support their rapid growth and development. A newborn kitten spends about 90% of its time sleeping, which is roughly 22 hours a day. As they grow, they sleep less, averaging 16 to 20 hours of sleep daily. While it is tempting to let your kitten sleep with you, there are several factors to consider, such as their size, litter box training, and the safety of your sleeping environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How much sleep do newborn kittens need? | 22 hours per day |
| How much sleep do kittens need after the newborn stage? | 16 to 20 hours per day |
| How much sleep do 3-month-old kittens need? | 18 hours per day |
| How much sleep do adult cats need? | 16 hours per day |
| How long do kittens sleep at a stretch? | 1 to 2 hours |
| How long should kittens sleep alone at night? | No longer than 8 hours |
| When can kittens sleep with you? | When they are 6 months old, can get up and down from your bed on their own, and have full health clearance from a veterinarian |
| What are some tips for a kitten's first night? | Provide a familiar object for comfort; align feeding times with your bedtime; create a warm, quiet, and comfortable space; confine them to one room with all necessities |
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What You'll Learn
- Kittens need 22 hours of sleep per day when they're newborn, decreasing to 18 hours when they're three months old
- Kittens should sleep in a quiet, safe, and warm environment
- Kittens should be litter box-trained before they sleep with you
- Kittens should be able to safely jump on and off the bed on their own
- Kittens should be confined to one room with all necessities when they're six weeks old or younger
Kittens need 22 hours of sleep per day when they're newborn, decreasing to 18 hours when they're three months old
Kittens sleep a lot—up to 22 hours per day when they're newborns. This gradually decreases to about 18 hours per day by the time they are three to six months old. This sleep pattern is necessary to support their rapid growth and development.
During their first few weeks, kittens sleep most of the time, only waking to feed. They require round-the-clock care during this period. After their eyes open, kittens start to explore their environment more and sleep less.
Kittens sleep in cycles, with around five minutes of REM sleep followed by 20 to 25 minutes of deeper rest. They don't sleep for long stretches at once but rather in short bursts, lasting about one to two hours on average.
When it comes to where kittens should sleep, it's recommended to keep a new kitten confined to one room with all the necessities, including a cosy, snug bed or blanket, placed somewhere they can sleep undisturbed. This allows them to feel secure in their new environment.
As kittens grow, their sleep patterns may start to align with those of their human family members. However, it's important to wait until a kitten is big enough to safely jump on and off your bed before letting them sleep with you. This is typically around six months old.
To encourage a healthy sleep schedule for your kitten, it's important to keep their routine stable and consistent. Regular mealtimes, cleaning the litter box, and play sessions all contribute to a good sleep routine. Feeding your kitten just before bed can also help them settle for longer.
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Kittens should sleep in a quiet, safe, and warm environment
Kittens require a significant amount of sleep to support their rapid growth and development. A newborn kitten sleeps for around 22 hours a day, and even as they mature, they still sleep for 16 to 20 hours a day. As such, it is important to ensure that they sleep in a quiet, safe, and warm environment.
Kittens should be kept in a warm, comfortable, and secure environment. A small, confined space, such as a closed bathroom, bedroom, or laundry room, is ideal for their first few nights. This allows them to feel secure and prevents them from getting into trouble while their owners sleep. The room should be quiet, dark or with very low light, and free of distractions and loud noises.
Kittens should be provided with a soft, cozy bed and a small blanket. A warm water bottle wrapped in a blanket can also be placed in their bed to provide extra warmth. The bed should be low to the ground, so the kitten can easily climb up and down, although a slightly raised bed is fine for a kitten with good control.
It is important to ensure that the kitten's sleeping area is free from hazards. This includes removing potential dangers, such as electrical cords, and securing the area so the kitten cannot get trapped or injured. A litter tray, food, and water should also be accessible.
Kittens should be at least 6 weeks old before they are allowed to sleep in the owner's bed, and they should be big enough to jump on and off the bed safely. It is also important to slowly introduce them to the entire household and ensure that the home is 'kitten-proofed' before allowing them to roam freely.
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Kittens should be litter box-trained before they sleep with you
Kittens are known for their high energy levels, but they also require a significant amount of sleep to support their rapid growth and development. A newborn kitten spends about 90% of their time sleeping—that’s almost 22 hours of shut-eye per day! As they mature beyond the newborn stage, they’ll sleep less, averaging about 16 to 20 hours of dozing daily.
Kittens need to feel secure when they sleep. Their bed should be placed somewhere they can sleep undisturbed while life goes on around them. A cat bed that’s low to the ground is the best place for a kitten to sleep. Adult cats like to climb and sleep on high perches, but it’s safest for young kittens if their beds are low down.
Kittens can sleep alone, but their safety should be your top priority. Ensure their sleeping area is secure and free from hazards. This includes removing potential dangers, securing electrical cords, and making sure there's no risk of them getting trapped or injured.
Once your kitten is litter box-trained and has settled into their new home, you can consider letting them sleep with you. A good rule of thumb is to wait until your kitten is a bit larger in size and old enough to get up and down from your bed on their own—typically around 6 months old.
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Kittens should be able to safely jump on and off the bed on their own
Kittens are known for their high energy levels, but they also require a significant amount of sleep to support their rapid growth and development. A newborn kitten sleeps for around 22 hours per day, while a three-month-old kitten will sleep for about 18 hours. This is not too far off from the sleep requirements of adult cats, who average around 16 hours of sleep per day.
When preparing for a kitten's first night, figuring out sleeping arrangements is crucial. Kittens can sleep alone, but their safety should be the top priority. Their sleeping area should be secure and free from hazards, with all potential dangers removed, and essential items like a bed, litter box, food, and water bowls easily accessible.
Kittens should be confined to one room with all necessities when they first arrive, and the home should be 'kitten-proofed' to prevent them from getting into small areas or accessing toxic substances. During this time, you can slowly associate them with the entire household.
When deciding whether to allow your kitten to sleep in your bed, it is essential to consider their size and ability to navigate. Kittens that are too small might injure themselves by jumping or falling off the bed, or they could be hurt if you roll over on them accidentally. Zazie Todd, Ph.D., a psychologist specializing in pet behavior, recommends that kittens should be able to "safely jump on and off [the bed] on their own" and that the room has been "kitten-proofed."
Dr. Rutherford, a veterinarian, suggests waiting until a kitten is around six months old, when they are big enough to safely navigate getting on and off the bed. This size and age ensure that the risk of injury is minimized, and the kitten can comfortably snuggle with their owner without any safety concerns.
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Kittens should be confined to one room with all necessities when they're six weeks old or younger
Kittens are known to have high energy levels, but they also require a lot of sleep to support their rapid growth and development. A newborn kitten spends about 90% of its time sleeping, which is roughly 22 hours per day. As they grow older, they sleep less, averaging about 16 to 20 hours of sleep daily.
When you first bring your kitten home, it is recommended to keep them confined to one room with all the necessities, such as food, water, a litter box, a scratching post, a cat bed, and toys, if they are six weeks old or younger. This is because kittens that small might get into small areas from which they cannot get out without assistance. During these initial days and weeks, you can also "kitten-proof" your home by installing child locks on cabinet doors, blocking off areas under furniture, and ensuring that electrical wires and cords from blinds are safely tucked away and out of reach.
Additionally, keeping your kitten in one room initially can help them feel more secure and settled, especially if they are shy or timid. It allows them to gradually adjust to their new environment and get familiar with the layout of your home. By confining them to one room, you can also ensure that they have quick and easy access to their litter box, food, and water, which is crucial for proper litter box training and their overall well-being.
While some kittens may be eager to explore and roam beyond one room, it is generally advised to slowly introduce them to the rest of the house once they are a bit older and have better control over their movements. This transition period can help ensure that your kitten is safe and comfortable in their new home.
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Frequently asked questions
Kittens should be at least 6 months old before they sleep with you. This is to ensure they are big enough to get up and down from your bed on their own, reducing the risk of injury.
Kittens are very playful and may disrupt your sleep. They could also have parasites or infectious diseases that can be passed on to humans.
Kittens need a quiet, safe, and warm environment to sleep. You can also align their feeding times with your bedtime and play with them before bed to encourage them to sleep when you do.
