Miya Pearson
Kittens need a lot of sleep, up to 20 hours a day, to build muscle and bone strength and support their development. Sleep also helps them adapt to new surroundings, so it's important to let them sleep as much as they need to. However, if you need to wake a kitten, it's fairly easy to do so, as they tend to be light sleepers. A small noise or a light touch, like gently brushing your finger against their head or ear, should be enough to wake them up.
How to Wake Up a Sleeping Kitten
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Touch | A light touch, such as a gentle brush of the finger against the kitten's head or ear, can be used to wake a kitten. |
| Noise | A small noise may be enough to wake a kitten, but be careful not to startle them. |
| Play | Schedule a play session before the kitten's last nap of the day to help them expend energy. |
| Feeding | Feed kittens multiple meals throughout the day. Feeding wet food half an hour before bedtime can encourage sleep. |
| Environment | Provide a warm, cosy, and secure environment for the kitten to sleep in, such as a soft blanket or a cardboard box. |
| Routine | Establish a routine by feeding at specific times and creating a familiar environment to help the kitten settle in. |
| Health | Ensure the kitten is getting enough sleep for their health and growth. Consult a veterinarian if there are sudden changes in sleep patterns. |
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What You'll Learn
Light touch to the head or ear
Waking a kitten with a light touch to the head or ear is a gentle way to coax your kitten out of its slumber. Cats tend to be light sleepers, so a small noise or light touch is usually enough to wake them up.
To wake your kitten with a light touch, begin by lightly brushing your finger against its head or ear. Keep your touch gentle and be mindful that your kitten does not perceive you as a threat. Cats sleep lightly as a survival mechanism to ward off predators, so they are easily awakened.
If your kitten is in a deep sleep, you may need to try a different approach, such as making a soft, soothing noise or calling its name in a gentle voice. Alternatively, you can try waking your kitten with food, which is especially helpful if your kitten is very skittish. Try rattling a treat bag or opening a can of cat food.
Remember that sleep is crucial for a kitten's growth and development. Kittens can sleep for up to 20 hours a day, and their sleep patterns may change as they get older. Avoid waking your kitten unless necessary, and always ensure they have the time and space to nap in a comfortable environment.
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Small noise
If you need to wake up a sleeping kitten, it's advisable to only do so if it's absolutely necessary, as kittens need a lot of sleep to grow up healthy and strong. They can sleep up to 20 hours a day, and their sleep patterns may not align with yours, especially as they are nocturnal hunters by nature.
If you do need to wake a kitten, a small noise or light touch should be enough. Try whistling, humming, or calling their name. You can also try making a soft, soothing noise or calling their name in a gentle voice. Avoid yelling, as this can frighten the kitten and cause them to avoid you. If your kitten is very skittish, you may want to try coaxing them awake with food instead.
Kittens are crepuscular, meaning they are naturally more active at dawn and dusk. As they grow, their sleep patterns will start to align more closely with yours. In the meantime, there are steps you can take to encourage your kitten to sleep through the night. Try tiring them out with a play session before bedtime, then give them a bedtime meal to stimulate the natural hunt-eat-sleep pattern of wild cats.
Kittens may also be more active at night if they are bored during the day. Provide them with plenty of stimulation in the form of toys, scratching posts, and things to climb on. You can also try playing with them a lot about 10 minutes before you go to bed, so they get tired at the same time you do.
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Play with kitten during the day
Playtime is an important part of a kitten's routine, as it stimulates them both mentally and physically, helping them develop into happy, well-adjusted adult cats. Kittens generally need at least two to three play sessions a day, but this may vary depending on the kitten's energy levels and age. For instance, older kittens over three months of age are likely to have more energy and may require more playtime.
Play sessions do not need to be long, as short bursts of play throughout the day can keep your kitten stimulated. Playing with your kitten before bed may help reduce the chances of your kitten being active at night. Additionally, playing with your kitten during the day can help tire them out, so they are less likely to be chasing each other or playing energetically during your bedtime.
There are various toys and games that you can use to play with your kitten. For example, you can use interactive toys, such as a cat tunnel, puzzle box, wand toys, or balls. You can also use a feather wand to play with your kitten, which is a favourite among many cats. It is beneficial to play with multiple toys until your kitten loses interest.
Socializing your kitten is also crucial for their development. Setting up playdates with other kittens once your kitten is fully vaccinated can help keep their social skills sharp. It is also important to introduce your kitten to other animals, like older cats and friendly dogs, as well as people outside your household. However, some cats and other pets may be territorial, so it is important to introduce your kitten to other animals gradually.
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Feed kitten later in the evening
Kittens can sleep up to 20 hours a day, but they rarely stay asleep for long periods. They are naturally light sleepers, as they sleep lightly to ward off predators in the wild. A small noise or light touch should be enough to wake a kitten up. However, it is important to let your kitten get quality sleep so it can grow up healthy and strong.
If you want to wake your kitten up in the evening, you can try to feed it later in the day. Kittens need to eat at least four times a day, and you can add an extra supper later in the evening. You can also try to exhaust your kitten with playtime before feeding it an evening meal. The key to a successful night's sleep is consistency.
When feeding your kitten, make sure to follow the guidance on the kitten food label closely. The amount of food it needs will depend on its age, breed, and activity level. For example, a kitten that is eight weeks old will need about 3-5 pouches of soft-textured wet kitten food per day, spread evenly over 4-5 small, regular meals. If your kitten is younger than three months, you can leave out food all day and let it graze naturally. However, some kittens may overeat, so be careful not to overfeed them.
It is also important to remember that kittens have different dietary needs than humans. They need specific nutrients that may not be present in human food, and some human food can be dangerous for them. For example, do not feed your kitten onions, garlic, chocolate, grapes, raisins, or caffeinated drinks.
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Provide a warm, cosy and secure sleeping spot
When it comes to creating a warm, cosy, and secure sleeping spot for your kitten, there are several things to consider. Firstly, kittens seek warmth and comfort, so it's important to provide a soft, snug bed with high sides to make them feel secure. A bed with high sides also mimics the feeling of being in a "hideaway" spot, which cats instinctively seek out. You can enhance the warmth of the bed by placing a hot water bottle wrapped in a blanket inside. Just be sure to test the temperature against your skin first to ensure it's not too hot. Additionally, kittens may appreciate having their baby blanket or an old sweater tucked into their bed, as familiar scents can provide comfort and security.
The placement of the bed is also important. Choose a quiet, low-traffic area of the home, such as a quiet corner of a bedroom or living room. Avoid busy areas like hallways and keep the bed away from noisy appliances, such as washing machines. It's also a good idea to place the bed away from their eating, drinking, and litter areas. You may want to consider a dome-shaped bed, which can make your kitten feel more secure. If you have multiple cats, ensure each one has their own bed to avoid sharing, as cats typically don't like to share sleeping spaces unless they are very bonded.
In the early days, you might want to set up a "kitten home" inside a large puppy crate or playpen, especially if there are other pets or young children in the home. This provides a safe and controlled space for your kitten to adjust to their new surroundings. You can place their litter tray, food and water bowls, and some toys inside the crate, and leave the door open when you're able to supervise them.
Finally, it's important to establish a consistent bedtime routine to help your kitten adjust to your sleep patterns. This might include turning off the TV, locking doors, having a nighttime drink, and switching off the lights before encouraging your kitten to go to its bed. You can also try playing soothing music to help your kitten settle. By following these tips, you can create a warm, cosy, and secure sleeping environment for your kitten, promoting their healthy development and well-being.
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Frequently asked questions
Kittens are light sleepers, so a small noise or light touch should be enough to wake them up. Try lightly brushing your finger against their head or ear.
Try to tire your kitten out with active play during the day. You could also try feeding them later in the evening, as they will often go to sleep to aid digestion.
Gently coax your kitten off the surface or pick her up and move her as soon as she stirs.
A sudden change in sleeping pattern could be a sign of a treatable problem, such as anaemia. Talk to your veterinarian if you are concerned.
