If you have a cat at home, then it is no secret to you that these animals, in addition to being beautiful and good company, are also dominant beings and in some cases even capricious, so from the beginning it is necessary to establish the minimum rules of coexistence with them.
It is very common to hear from people who have cats complaints about how they are not allowed to sleep after a certain time in the morning, or that they simply do not know what to do to get the cat used to sleeping in their bed and not in other places in the house.
That's why in Animal Expert we present some tips on how teach my cat to sleep in his bed, so that you can finally make your feline understand what his sleeping space is.
Why doesn't my cat want to sleep in his bed?
Cats are independent animals that spend about fifteen hours a day sleeping, so it is not unusual for them to change places to rest and explore new surfaces where you can sleep comfortably.
However, many cat owners would prefer that they sleep in the beds they have purchased for them, mainly to prevent them from napping on furniture, tables and human beds.
In principle, you must understand that if your cat does not want to sleep in his own bed this does not mean that he does not like it, but rather that in his opinion other surfaces offer what felines are most looking for when they choose a space to rest: warmth, comfort and security
That's why some cats choose their sleeping spot on furniture or tables, or even on your bed. In the first two cases, the decision is usually related to the comfort offered by these spaces and even to the height they provide, since cats feel safer when they sleep in high placesthat protect them from “predators”.
If he wants to sleep in your bed, this has deeper reasons:
- The cat feels safe with you, so he seeks your protection at bedtime
- He considers you part of his pack, so sleeping near you is normal for him, since that's how kitties rest
- He prefers the height of your bed, as it gives him superiority over possible threats.
- Seeks your body heat, as his body temperature drops while he sleeps.
- He misses you, especially if you spend a lot of time away from home, so take advantage of the night hours to be close to you.
Despite these reasons, many cat owners prefer that their furry not sleep on the cushions in the living room and much less with them, either because they are allergic, because their partner does not like, for hygiene reasons or simply because the feline is so active at night that it does not let them sleep.
Choose a suitable bed
The first step for your cat to want to sleep in his bed is to choose the right one for him. From the moment you know that you will have the feline at home, you need to select a space to place his bed and get him one, either by buying one or conditioning a box or basket to act as a cat bed.
Whether you buy or prepare one, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- The size: cats need room to turn around and stretch, so you should consider a sufficient size so that your cat can do this, but without the bed becoming too big, because it will not like it either. The idea is that you can stretch out but at the same time feel protected in it.
- Hygiene: get a bed that is easy to wash, in order to eliminate odours, hair and bacteria that could cause infections.
- The material: Some beds are made of wool and others are filled with foam, but the truth is that there are countless models and materials. You should choose one that is comfortable for your cat based on where the bed will be (so you know if it should be warmer or cooler) and the weather, Well, there are even thermal cushions to protect it in cold weather.
- The shape: you will find open beds, high beds, cushions and small caves, so you should observe your cat's tastes and habits to choose the right one. If you prefer to sleep stretched out, a spacious bed will be ideal; if, on the other hand, you like to dominate space, a loft bed or even a cushion placed on a shelf is what you are looking for; if he prefers to hide to sleep, then you should buy him a soft cave.
The most important thing is that you understand that your cat should feel comfortable and safe when using his bed. However, if after choosing the ideal bed you do not get him to want to use it, follow the following tips to achieve it.
Tips for your cat to sleep in his bed
If you have decided that the cat should sleep in his bed, training for this should start from the moment the feline arrives in the home. However, if you already have an adult feline and now you want him to learn to use his bed, with patiencethis will also be possible, so don't worry.
- Place his bed in a fixed place in the house, preferably in a corner where the cat is used to sleeping. If your animal prefers it that way and the weather permits, find a warm place.
- If you like sleeping on high, get a support bed or place yours on a shelf or chair. Make sure it has adequate support to avoid accidents.
- During the hours of the day that the cat is awake, take the opportunity to play with him and tire him out, so that he feels exhausted during the night. At no time do you wake him from his daytime naps.
- If you want him to stay off your bed, Keep the bedroom door closed at night, regardless the meows of the animal for you to open. If he insists and won't go to sleep, put him in his bed yourself and pet him. Repeat this for several days in a row.
- To make him feel more comfortable, you can leave on his bed a garment that smells of you, in this way the feline will feel safe.
- Leave treats as positive reinforcement on his bed so he associates being in it with treats.
- When you notice that he gets into bed on his own, pet him and praise his behavior so that he understands that being there is good.
- Avoid giving him too much food before going to sleep, as this will only make him hyperactive. A light dinner and a little game session is the best for a peaceful sleep.
- Both to prevent him from climbing on your bed and other places where you don't want him to sleep, try generate some unpleasant sound when climb on those sites, either with a bell or a few coins. This will make him associate the place with that sound. Prevent him from realizing that you are the one making the annoying noise, because then it won't work.
- Never mistreat him or use violence to try to educate him.
With patience and loveyou will see how these tips will make your cat sleep in his bed after repeating them for several days. Of course, you must be firm and not waver in your attempts, because a moment of weakness will only confuse him.
Always remember that a he althy cat, with all its vaccinations and its veterinary check-up up to date, will not transmit any disease to you even if it sleeps with you.
