Gina Johnson
Kittens are energetic, curious, and playful, but they also require a lot of sleep to support their rapid growth and development. A 2-month-old kitten will weigh close to 2 pounds, and their eyes will have changed to their permanent colour. They are almost as coordinated as they will be when fully grown, and they will soon be running, jumping, and exploring with adult-like confidence. Kittens sleep for around 18-20 hours per day, in short bursts of about 1-2 hours, and they need a cosy, warm, and secure place to do so. It is recommended that kittens sleep in a bed that is low to the ground, and they may feel safer if they can sleep close to another pet or a human.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Amount of sleep | Kittens sleep for 16-22 hours per day in short bursts of 1-2 hours. |
| Sleeping environment | Kittens should sleep in a warm, quiet, and comfortable space where they feel secure and undisturbed. |
| Bed type | A cat bed that is low to the ground is recommended. Additional cat beds in cozy spots can give kittens options. |
| Sleeping with humans | Kittens may want to sleep with humans for warmth and comfort. However, it is recommended to wait until they are larger and can get on and off the bed on their own to avoid accidents. |
| Sleeping with other pets | Kittens may feel safer sleeping close to another pet. |
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What You'll Learn
Kittens need a lot of sleep
Kittens are crepuscular, meaning they're most active at dusk and dawn. They sleep for short periods of around one to two hours, with an average sleep session lasting 78 minutes. This polyphasic sleep pattern allows them to recharge and be ready to hunt. It's essential for their growth and development and helps their body to focus its energy on rapid growth.
Kittens should sleep in a warm, cosy, and secure place where they feel safe and protected. Their bed should be low to the ground, and you can provide extra beds around the house for them to choose from. It's best to avoid letting them sleep in your bed until they're older, as you might accidentally roll onto them, and they could fall off. Kittens can also carry parasites and infectious diseases that can be transmitted to humans.
If your kitten is lively when awake and eating, drinking, and going to the toilet regularly, they're likely getting enough sleep. However, if they seem tired or lack energy when they wake up, consult your vet.
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Kittens should sleep in a cosy, warm place
Kittens sleep a lot—a newborn kitten can sleep for up to 22 hours a day! Kittens need a lot of sleep to support their rapid growth and development. As they mature, they'll sleep less, averaging about 16 to 20 hours of sleep a day until they're three months old, when they'll sleep for about 18 hours.
Kittens might also enjoy the softness and warmth of a couch, and it may even become their preferred sleeping spot. You can make your kitten's bed feel more secure and snug by providing them with a microwavable heat pad (used with appropriate covers to prevent burns) or a teddy to snuggle up against. It's important to remember that kittens can carry parasites and infectious diseases that can be transmitted to humans, so it's important to wait until they've had full health clearance from a veterinarian before letting them sleep in your bed.
Kittens also need a safe place to sleep undisturbed. This will allow them to rest properly and take plenty of time out. Their bed should be placed somewhere they can sleep peacefully while life goes on around them.
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Kittens may sleep a lot during the day
Kittens also sleep a lot during the day because they are growing and developing. According to Dr. Stephanie Liff, "Kittens are doing the entirety of their bodily growth in 10 to 12 months, so they have a lot of work to do and it makes them tired." The growth process requires a lot of energy, and sleep is essential for their immune system, physical development, and brain function.
Additionally, kittens may sleep during the day to recuperate from injuries or illnesses. Cats are agile creatures, and their vigorous activity can sometimes result in muscle strains and torn ligaments. If your kitten has a wound or infection, they may sleep more because their immune system is working overtime.
It's important to let kittens sleep as much as they need to during the day and never wake them when they are fast asleep. Sleep deprivation can be harmful to young animals, and interrupted sleep can negatively impact their development and growth. If you're concerned about your kitten's sleeping habits, it's best to consult your veterinarian.
To optimize your kitten's sleep during the day, create a cozy, safe, and warm space where they feel secure and undisturbed. A bed that's low to the ground is ideal, providing warmth, comfort, and a sense of security. You can also offer engaging toys, scratching posts, or food puzzles to help them burn off energy before napping. Remember, patience is key when it comes to establishing a healthy sleep schedule for your kitten.
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Kittens may want to sleep with you
Kittens are known to have high energy levels, but they also need a significant amount of sleep to support their rapid growth and development. A newborn kitten sleeps for about 22 hours a day, and by the time they are three months old, they will only need to sleep for about 18 hours. This is not far off from the sleep requirements of adult cats, which average around 16 hours per day.
If you want your kitten to sleep in their own bed, you can help them feel more secure and snug by providing them with a microwavable heat pad (used with a cover to prevent burns) or a teddy to snuggle up against. You can also make a 'kitten home' inside a large puppy crate, especially if there are other pets or children in the home. It is important to provide your kitten with a safe place to sleep undisturbed.
Kittens should sleep in a warm, quiet, and comfortable space where they feel secure. It is also a good idea to leave a small blanket or towel with the kitten's previous owner so that you can bring it back with you when you collect your kitten. Having a familiar scent on their blanket can help your kitten feel more secure.
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Kittens should sleep undisturbed
Kittens require a lot of sleep to support their rapid growth and development. A newborn kitten sleeps for about 22 hours a day, and by the time they are three months old, they will sleep for about 18 hours. Kittens sleep in short bursts, and their sleep patterns are influenced by their age, natural instincts, and environment. They are most active at dawn and dusk, which is when their wild ancestors would have hunted.
It is important to let kittens sleep as much as they need to and never wake them when they are fast asleep. Sleep deprivation can be harmful to young animals, and they need plenty of undisturbed rest to grow into healthy cats. Kittens should have a quiet space where they can feel secure, such as a soft bed or a quiet corner. This will allow them to take plenty of time out and rest properly.
Kittens may sleep a lot when they first arrive at their new home as they may feel anxious or stressed from being separated from their mother or littermates. It is important to prepare their environment before they come home, so they feel secure. If your kitten is lively when awake and eating, drinking, and going to the toilet regularly, they are probably fine. However, if they seem tired or lack energy when they wake up, you should contact your vet.
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Frequently asked questions
A 2-month-old kitten should sleep in a warm, quiet, and comfortable space where it feels secure. Kittens tend to nestle under their humans, so it's best to wait until your kitten is larger and old enough to get up and down from your bed on their own. A good option is to get a cat bed that's low to the ground, placed somewhere they can sleep undisturbed.
Kittens sleep a lot! They sleep for around 18-20 hours per day, in short bursts of about one to two hours.
Kittens will feel sleepy after an evening meal. Feeding your kitten wet food half an hour before bedtime may encourage them to settle down with a fuller tummy. Active play during the day is also a great idea to stimulate kittens mentally and physically, so they nap less when you're awake and sleep more at night.
If your kitten is lively when awake and eating, drinking, and going to the toilet regularly, they are probably fine. However, if you notice that your kitten is sleeping all day and still seems tired or lacks energy when awake, reach out to your vet to check that everything is okay.
