Ensuring Your Kitty Sleeps Peacefully All Day Long

Cats are crepuscular, meaning they're most active at dawn and dusk, which is when their prey is most active. This can cause issues for cat owners who want to sleep through the night without being disturbed by their feline friends. While it may not be possible to get your cat to sleep all day, there are some things you can try to get them to sleep through the night.

Firstly, it's important to rule out any medical causes for your cat's sleeplessness. If they're older, they may be experiencing pain or other health issues that are causing them to be restless at night. If you're concerned, take them to the vet for a check-up.

If your cat gets bored during the day, they may be more likely to be active at night. Try providing them with a stimulating environment, including scratching posts, cat trees, and toys. You can also hire a cat sitter to keep them company if you're away during the day.

Encourage your cat to be active during the day by playing with them, especially before bedtime. You can also try hiding their food around the house so they can 'hunt' for it, or using puzzle feeders to give them some mental stimulation.

Establish a feeding schedule with regular mealtimes, rather than letting your cat graze all day. Ideally, feed your cat two to three small meals a day, with the last meal coming a couple of hours before bedtime. This will help to regulate their energy levels and make them less likely to bother you at night.

If your cat still wakes you up at night, it's important to ignore them completely. Don't get up to feed or play with them, as any attention will only reinforce the behaviour. It may take a few weeks, but if you're consistent, they should eventually learn that waking you up at night doesn't get them anywhere.

Establish a feeding schedule

Cats are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. Domesticated cats have retained behaviours from their ancestors, who would sleep during the day and be active at night, when their prey was waking up and starting to move around.

Cats also tend to fall asleep after they eat, so feeding them a small meal at bedtime might encourage them to sleep through the night. It's important to feed your cat a healthy portion over the course of 24 hours. Canned food has fewer calories per volume than dry food, so using canned food for the bulk of the meals may help balance out any dry food you feed in puzzle toys or as treats.

If you're feeding your cat only twice a day, they may feel like they're in 'never going to be fed again' mode. Their blood sugars are likely going up and down, creating swings in their behaviour. You can try spacing out their meals and finding a grain-free cat food.

7:00 a.m. – Breakfast: Wet meal

9:00 a.m. – Dry snack

12:00 p.m. – Dry snack

2:00 p.m. – Dry snack

5:00 p.m. – Dry snack

10:00 p.m. – Dinner: Wet meal

Provide mental stimulation

Providing mental stimulation for your cat throughout the day is key to ensuring they sleep through the night. Cats are natural hunters, so it's important to give them opportunities to express this instinct. Puzzle feeders and puzzle games are a great way to keep your cat entertained and mentally stimulated. For example, you could use puzzle feeders that require your cat to work for their treats.

Another way to provide mental stimulation is by playing games that mimic hunting behaviours. You can do this by playing with a toy on a string, playing fetch with a ping pong ball, or playing chase with a wind-up toy. Rotating toys will also keep things exciting and provide a mix of stalking, chasing, pouncing, and toying with the "prey".

It's also important to provide a stimulating environment during the day when you're not at home. This can include things like cat trees and perches in the windows, as well as catnip toys. If you have a backyard, consider installing a birdhouse or opening the curtains so your cat can watch the outside world.

Encourage play before bed

Cats are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dusk and dawn. This is because they are hunters by nature, and hunting requires a lot of energy. As such, they need to be fully rested to increase their chances of catching prey. Therefore, a daily play session in the late evening, roughly an hour before your bedtime, will help sync your cat's schedule with yours.

• Play fight with a toy on a string
• Play fetch with a ping pong ball
• Play chase with a wind-up toy
• Rotate toys to keep things exciting and provide a mix of stalking, chasing, pouncing, and toying with "prey"

It's important to end playtime before your kitten gets bored. Spend the last five minutes of playtime slowing down the pace of the game to calm your kitten down. Signal the end of playtime clearly, for example, by letting the kitten catch an extra enticing toy. If your kitten is getting hyperactive, distract its attention with a less exciting toy.

Create a cat-friendly environment

Creating a cat-friendly environment is essential to ensure your kitty sleeps all day. Here are some detailed tips to make your home comfortable and relaxing for your feline friend:

Provide a cosy and snug sleeping area

Make sure your cat has a comfortable bed or blanket placed in a quiet area where they can sleep undisturbed. While adult cats often enjoy sleeping on high perches, it's best to keep a young kitten's bed low to the ground for safety. A cardboard box or cat igloo can provide a sense of security, and including a soft blanket can make it extra cosy.

Ensure the environment is safe

Remove any potential hazards from your cat's sleeping area, such as poisonous plants or fireplaces. Keep windows closed, especially if your cat likes to explore. Position their litter tray and food and water bowls in separate corners of the room.

Create a stimulating environment during the day

Provide plenty of toys, scratching posts, and things to climb on to keep your cat entertained and stimulated during the day. Puzzle feeders and catnip toys can help keep them mentally and physically active. If possible, provide access to a windowsill or set up a birdhouse in your backyard so they can watch the outside world.

Establish a bedtime routine

Develop a consistent bedtime routine for your cat by incorporating calming activities such as cuddles or relaxing music. Mimic their natural hunting instincts by including playtime and a high-protein meal before bedtime. This can help signal that it's time to rest.

Consider your cat's preferences

Some cats may prefer to sleep near their owners, especially if they feel safer with a companion. If you're comfortable with it, you can temporarily sleep on a floor-level bed or provide a microwavable heat pad (with appropriate covers) to keep them snug. Alternatively, leave out a piece of clothing with your scent on it to provide comfort if they sleep separately.

Remember, it's important to understand your cat's unique personality and preferences to create an environment that suits their needs.

Provide appropriate bedding

Providing appropriate bedding for your cat is essential to ensure they get enough sleep. Cats need a bed that offers a sense of security and comfort, providing them with a safe place to curl up and relax without feeling exposed. When choosing bedding for your cat, consider the following:

Size

The bed should be large enough for your cat to stretch out and curl up comfortably. If you have a large breed cat, such as a Maine Coon, opt for a bigger bed to accommodate their size.

Material

Choose soft, washable, and durable materials that won't irritate your cat's skin or fur. Synthetic fibres, such as polyester/cotton blends, are a good choice as they are easy to clean and don't retain pet hair like pure wool does. Avoid fine fabrics like silk or satin, as they are harder to launder and more susceptible to damage from your cat's claws.

Style

Some cats may prefer a covered bed, like a cube cat bed or cat condo, as it makes them feel more hidden and secure. Orthopedic foam beds are ideal for senior cats, as they provide extra cushioning and support for sensitive joints.

Blankets

Blankets offer warmth and comfort, and it's a good idea to provide one for your cat. Choose soft, washable fabrics that won't irritate their skin. You can add their scent to the blanket by rubbing it on their bed after washing.

Location

Place the bed in a quiet, secure area, away from distractions and potential stressors. A spot higher up, such as on a shelf or cat tree, can give your cat a greater sense of safety.

Encouraging Use

It may take some patience and training to get your cat to use their new bed. Make it inviting by placing soft blankets or pillows inside, especially those that smell familiar. You can also use treats, toys, or catnip to encourage them to explore and relax in their new space.

Frequently asked questions