Bringing a new kitten home is an exciting time, but it’s important to understand their needs, especially when it comes to sleep. A well-rested kitten is a happy and healthy kitten.
Creating a Safe and Comfortable Sleep Environment
A kitten’s early days in a new home can be a bit overwhelming, as they’ve likely just been separated from their mother and littermates. Creating a secure and comfortable environment is key to helping them adjust.
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Cosy Bedding: Your kitten will sleep best if they have a cosy, snug bed or blanket, placed somewhere they can sleep undisturbed while life goes on around them.
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Low-Level Sleeping Arrangements: Although adult cats like to climb and sleep on high perches, such as on top of furniture, it’s safest for young kittens if their beds are low down to begin with.
Alt text: A tiny tabby kitten curled up asleep in a comfortable, low-sided pet bed on the floor.
The Kitten Home: A Safe Haven
Making a ‘kitten home’ inside a large puppy crate can work very well for those early days or weeks, particularly if there are other pets in the home, or children who may not remember to keep windows and doors closed. As well as a comfortable bed, a small cardboard box or cat igloo will give your kitten somewhere to hide. You can place a litter tray, food and water bowls and some kitten-safe toys inside the crate too.
When you’re able to supervise your kitten, you can leave the door open so that they can come out to explore when they’re feeling confident. At night or when you can’t keep an eye on your kitten, you can close the crate door so that your kitten is safe. This controlled environment helps them feel secure and allows them to gradually explore their new surroundings.
Confining to One Room: An Alternative Approach
If you don’t have access to a crate, or you don’t want to use one, place all your kitten’s resources in one room, where you can close the door at times you aren’t able to supervise. Kittens are curious little things and can hide or get stuck in small spaces around the home, so it’s best while they’re small, to confine them to one room.
Before your kitten arrives, have a look all around the room at kitten’s eye level, to see whether you can spot potential places for them to get trapped, or get into mischief. Kitten-proofing the room is crucial for their safety.
Alt text: A small grey kitten cautiously exploring the floor of a room, looking for new adventures.
The Power of Familiar Scents
It might be possible for you to leave a small blanket or towel with your kitten’s previous owner so that you can bring it back with your kitten when you collect them. Having a familiar scent on their blanket can help your kitten to feel more secure when they come to live with you.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Your Kitten’s Sleep
Creating a safe, comfortable, and secure environment is essential for your new kitten to adjust and thrive. By providing a dedicated sleep space and minimizing potential hazards, you can ensure they get the rest they need to grow into a happy and well-adjusted cat. Remember, a well-rested kitten is a happy kitten, and a happy kitten makes a happy owner.
