Getting your cat to fall asleep can be a challenge. Many people think that cats are naturally sleepy, but this is a myth. In fact, most cats have a natural rhythm of sleeping during the day and being active at night. This means that if you are trying to get your cat to sleep at night, you need to be prepared for a fight.
Cats are notoriously active at night and there’s no way to train them out of it, they’re just wired that way. But there are a few things you can do to coax your cat into a sleepy state during the day when you’re trying to rest. This article discusses several methods for getting your cat to sleep, and also looks at the benefits of co-sleeping with your cat.
Understanding Cat’s Crepuscular and Nocturnal Behavior
Cats are crepuscular and nocturnal, which means they are most active at dusk and dawn. This is a survival strategy that helps them avoid the heat of the day when they are more likely to be seen by predators. They also rely on their incredible hearing and vision to hunt at night.
This behavior is a result of their natural instincts as well as their domestication by humans over time. In the wild, cats are nocturnal hunters because they are more effective at catching prey at night when it is dark and quiet. This also makes it easier for them to sneak up on their prey without being discovered by other predators who may be lurking nearby.
Domestic cats have retained many of their highly active and solitary predilections. On average, cats sleep for 18 hours per day, mostly in a series of naps averaging 78 minutes each. Although cats sleep at any time of day, they are most active around dawn and dusk; this can conflict with humans’ desire to sleep or wake at certain times of the day.
Even though you may feel tired or frustrated as a result of your cat’s nocturnal behavior, remember that night activity is natural for cats. Punishing your cat for this normal behavior may create more stress and will not help. Exercise and playtime during the day will help reduce nighttime prowling.
Cats have a unique way of hunting that relies on these strengths. They stalk their prey, often silently creeping close enough to pounce with a quick burst of energy. Once they’ve caught their prey, cats use their claws to hold it down until it stops struggling, then they kill it by biting its neck or suffocating it with their tongue. They will then eat as much as possible before returning home for more rest.
Recommended Ways Of Getting Your Cat To Sleep at Night
Have you ever wondered how to get your cat to sleep at night? You’re not alone. Many cat owners have wrestled with this problem. Here are some recommended ways of getting your cat to sleep at night:
#1. Rewarding attention-seeking behavior
A good way to train a cat to settle down at night is to reward its attention-seeking behavior. Place a warm blanket on a clean shelf and reward it when it settles down. Cats need mental stimulation, so make sure to schedule at least two or three 10-minute play sessions a day.
Rewarding attention-seeking behavior can be frustrating for you and your cat. However, you don’t have to abandon all attempts to help your kitty get to sleep. You can also try rewarding his or her calmness by placing him or her where you want him to go to sleep. Rewarding calm behavior is far more rewarding than trying to get him or her to do something aggressive.
#2. Removal of Toys and Treats
Another way to help a cat settle down is to remove any toys and treats that he or she might use to distract himself. You can also keep a cat’s toys out of the room. The last step is to eliminate the toys and other items from the bedroom. By removing the cat’s toys and other distractions, a cat will eventually be able to settle down and fall asleep at night.
#3. Creating a peaceful environment
Creating a calming environment for your cat is a must if you want him or her to go to sleep. Cats are highly sensitive to sudden noises and may even try to flee the house if they hear them. Play soothing music or play cat-friendly music for cats. Your cat will feel comfortable and calm, and you’ll be able to rest assured that your cat is not alone.
Stress is another problem affecting pets. According to a study, nearly half of pet owners say that the past year had adversely affected their animals. Cats often experience anxiety due to sudden changes in their environment, such as a new baby or house guest. Even the slightest change can make a cat agitated. To alleviate stress, enrich your cat’s environment with things that stimulate the senses.
#4. Using a blanket from the shelter
The blanket is an excellent choice for getting a cat to sleep, especially if you’re just starting out with your new feline friend. Your new cat will likely be used to sleeping with its blanket in a familiar environment, so using this familiar blanket will give it a feeling of safety and comfort. Cats like to sleep on blankets that smell like you or other people they know. Using a blanket from the shelter to get a cat to sleep can be as simple as placing a small perch on the bed or putting some catnip in the bowl.
You can also use a Mylar blanket on the interior of a cat shelter. A Mylar blanket is a thin silvery “space” blanket that traps body heat and reflects it back to the source. They’re inexpensive and easy to attach using non-toxic glue, such as Weldbond Universal adhesive. You can also use freezer tape.
A second method of using a sheltering blanket to get a cat to sleep is using a heating pad. While a new heating pad is tempting, cats might find it difficult to tolerate its smell. In this case, using an older upholstered chair is a good option, since it’s somewhat insulated and offers space for the cats to spread out. You can also offer to keep another shelter cat warm in winter.
While a traditional blanket is a better choice for cats, a self-warming pet pad may work just as well. A self-warming pad can be wrapped in a cloth and microwaved. This warm pad will also prevent the water from freezing. Another option is a microwaveable Snuggle Safe Microwave Heat Pad. These microwave heat pads will emit heat when placed in a cat’s cage.
Benefits Of Co-sleeping With Your Cat
Co-sleeping is a great way to build a bond with your cat. Cats love cuddling, and they like to sleep with other animals. So if you want to get closer to your cat and make him feel more comfortable in your home, co-sleeping may be the way to go.
The benefits of co-sleeping with your cat include:
- Building trust with your cat
- Reducing anxiety in both of you
- Making it easier for you to feed and care for your pet
- Creating an environment that helps cats feel safe and secure
If you’re worried about how much space there is in bed for both of you, don’t fret. Cats are experts at snuggling up close together—you’ll have plenty of room for both of you. If anything feels too tight or crowded, just move away slightly until it feels right again.
Final thoughts,
Cats are just like people—they need to get a good night’s sleep. They also enjoy sleeping and relaxing in various places around the house, so it can be hard to get them to settle down in one spot. The best thing you can do is find them a cozy place where they feel comfortable and let them sleep there until they’re ready to move on their own.