WHERE SHOULD YOUR CAT SLEEP?

Before you get a kitten or a cat, decide where you want her to sleep. Many cats prefer sleeping with their owners and many owners don’t mind. (Adopted adult cats may take longer to adjust.)

But what if you don’t want to share your bed? Sometimes shedding, restlessness or other issues can get in the way of a good night’s rest.

Here’s how you can avoid (or stop) sharing your bed:

• Choose a place and leave a cat bed there.
• Allow the cat to choose their sleeping spot and keep your door closed.
• Some people may choose to leave their cat in a specific room with the door closed (especially if they tend to scratch at your closed door). Be sure to leave stimulating toys in the ventilated room. If your cat won’t run away you can open the window (instead of just cracking it), otherwise don’t forget to place a litter box in the room. Your cat should also be able to access elevated areas.
• Think vertical: cats often prefer a raised sleeping spot (chairs, ledges, sofas, etc.) so perhaps leave the cat bed there. You can also consider a cat tree.
• Let your cat ‘rub off’ on a blanket or old piece of clothing and leave it in the new basket.
• If you’re going to leave out food, place it far away from the litter box.

Wherever your cat ends up sleeping, you want them to feel safe and comfortable.

Here are a few beds and spots to consider:

• Cat tree
• Bunk bed
• Hammock
• Cup-style bed
• Blanket on a window perch
• Blanket-lined cardboard box
• Open drawer filled with blankets
• Blanket-lined wicker or laundry basket
• Chaise lounge or stuffed chairs and sofas
• Cat pads (flat pieces of fabric with stuffing)

Your cat should always have a quiet, private spot where they feel safe and comfortable.