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If you have a cat at home, then it's no secret that these animals, in addition to being cute and good company, are also dominant beings and in some cases even capricious, so it's important that you establish the minimum rules from the beginning. of living with them.
It's very common to hear from people who have cats complaining about how they don't let them sleep in the morning, or that they just don't know what to do to get the cat used to sleeping in their cot and not elsewhere in the house.
That's why at PeritoAnimal we'll give you some advice on how to teach your cat to sleep on the bed, so that your feline finally understands its resting space.
Why doesn't my cat want to sleep walks?
cats are independent animals they spend around fifteen hours a day sleeping, so it's not surprising that they change places to rest and explore new surfaces where they can sleep comfortably.
However, many cat owners preferred that they sleep in the beds they bought for them, mainly to avoid taking their naps on furniture, tables and human beds.
First, you should understand that if your cat doesn't want to sleep on it, it doesn't mean he doesn't like it, but that other surfaces are more what cats look for when choosing a place to rest: warmth, comfort and safety.
That's why some cats choose their place to sleep on furniture or tables, or even on their bed. In the first two cases, the decision is usually related to the food provided by these spaces and even the height they provide, because cats they feel safer when they sleep in high places that protect them from predators.
If you want to sleep in your bed, this may be for deeper reasons:
- The cat feels safe with you, so it looks to you for protection at bedtime.
- You consider him part of his pack, so sleeping close to you is normal, as this is how kittens rest.
- You prefer the height of your bed, as it gives you superiority in the face of possible threats.
- Look for your body heat as your body temperature drops while you sleep.
- He misses you, especially if he spends a lot of time away from home, so he takes advantage of the hours of the night to be close to you.
Despite these reasons, many cat owners prefer that their furry does not sleep on the pillows in the room, much less with them, either because it causes them allergies, because their partner does not like it, for hygiene reasons or simply because the feline is so active at night that doesn't let them sleep.
Choose a suitable bed
The first step for your cat to want to sleep in his bed is to choose one that suits him. From the moment you know you'll have a feline at home, you need to choose one space to put the bed and buy one, either by buying one or making one yourself with a box, for example.
Regardless of whether you are going to buy one or make one, you should consider the following factors:
- The size: cats need space to turn around and stretch out, so you should consider a size enough for your feline to be able to do this, but without the bed being too big, as this will not be to your liking either. The idea is that you can stretch out and feel protected in it at the same time.
- hygiene: get a bed that is easy to wash, to eliminate odors, hair and bacteria that can cause infections.
- The material: some beds are made of wool and others are made of foam, but the truth is that there are a multitude of models and materials. You should choose one that is comfortable for your cat taking into account the place where the bed will be (to know if it should be warmer or cooler) and the climate, as there are thermal pillows to protect you in cold weather.
- The shape: find open beds, high, pillows and small burrows, so you should observe your cat's tastes and habits to choose the correct one. If you prefer to sleep stretched out, a spacious bed will be ideal, but if, on the contrary, you like to dominate the space, a tall bed or even a pillow placed on a shelf will be the best choice. And if your cat prefers to hide to sleep, then you should opt for a den.
The most important thing is to understand that your cat must be feel comfortable and secure when using your bed. However, if after choosing the ideal bed you are unable to get it to use it, please follow the advice below.
Tips for your cat to sleep on the bed
If you have decided that the cat should sleep in his bed, training for this should start from the moment the cat arrives home. However, if you already have an adult feline and now you want them to learn how to use your bed, with patience this is also possible, so don't worry.
- put your bed in a fixed place in the house, preferably in a corner where cat already have the habit of sleeping. If your pet prefers this and the weather permits, look for a warm place.
- if you like sleep on high, buy a bed with support or place yours on a shelf or chair. Make sure you have the proper support to avoid accidents.
- In the hours of the day when the cat is awake, take the opportunity to play with him and tire him, to feel exhausted at night. At no time should you wake up from your daytime naps.
- If you don't want to climb into your bed, keep the bedroom door closed at night, regardless of the animal's meows. If he insists and doesn't go to sleep, put him in his bed yourself and pet him. Repeat this for several days in a row.
- To feel better, you can leave a ask with your scent, this way the feline will feel safe.
- leave goodies as a positive reinforcement on the way to relate being there with the awards.
- When you notice that you are going to bed alone, pet him and praise his behavior to understand that being there is good.
- Avoid giving him too much food before going to sleep, as this will only make you hyperactive. A light dinner and a short play session is best for a restful sleep.
- So as to prevent him from climbing into your bed or other spaces where you don't want him to sleep, try it out generate some unpleasant sound when climbing to these places, it can be with a bell or with coins. With this you will get him to relate that place with that unpleasant sound. Keep him from noticing that you're making this sound, otherwise it won't work.
- Never mistreat him or use violence to try to educate him.
With patience and love you will see how these tips will make your cat sleep in his bed after repeating them for several days. Also, be firm as a moment of weakness will only confuse you.
Always remember that a healthy cat, with all its vaccinations and veterinary check-up up to date, will not transmit any disease to you if it sleeps with you.
