Where Should Kittens Sleep at Night?

Where Should Kittens Sleep at Night?

Bringing a kitten into your home is an exciting, joyous occasion. But as these tiny feline companions wriggle their way into our hearts, they also bring with them a flurry of questions—especially for first-time kitten parents. Among the most frequent is: “Where should kittens sleep at night?”

Generally speaking, kittens should sleep in a cozy, warm place where they feel safe and protected. However, the specific location might vary depending on the kitten’s age, health and personality, as well as the pet parent’s preferences.

We spoke to veterinary experts to uncover the purr-fect spots for your kitten to catch some Z’s during the night.

First Things First, How Much Do Kittens Sleep?

Kittens are known for their high energy levels—but they also require a significant amount of sleep to support their rapid growth and development.

A newborn kitten spends about 90 percent of their time sleeping—that’s almost 22 hours of shut-eye per day! As kittens mature beyond the newborn stage, they’ll sleep less, averaging about 16 to 20 hours daily.

That said, cats—including kittens—don’t sleep for long stretches at once. Instead, they sleep in cycles of about one to two hours, with an average sleep session lasting 78 minutes.

Where Should a Kitten Sleep at Night?

Where Should a Kitten Sleep on the First Night?

A kitten’s first night in their new home is a special time—but it can also be overwhelming for both the kitten and the pet parent.

“It may be the first time they are alone, away from their mother, littermates and the surroundings that they grew up with,” says Dr. Doug Mader, MSc, DVM, volunteer veterinarian at U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in the Florida Keys and author of The Vet at Noah’s Ark.

On their first night in their new home, kittens should be in a warm, quiet and comfortable space where they feel secure.

“It is best to allow the kitten to sleep in their own room for a few nights,” says Dr. Mader. “A closed bathroom, bedroom or office—where they will not be disturbed—is ideal.”

Provide your kitten with a cozy bed and a small blanket to cuddle with. Their food, water, and litter box should also be in the same room.

Placing a cat bed inside a secure playpen can also be a good option, says Dr. Mader. “This provides them with a safe and enclosed space where they can’t get into any trouble while you’re asleep.”

Where Should Kittens Sleep at Night in General?

After a few nights—once your kitten has had the chance to adjust to their new environment—you can begin to give them more freedom to explore.

Dr. Mader recommends putting your kitten to bed in their original room but leaving the door open. This allows your kitten to venture out and investigate other potential sleeping spots within your home. Just be sure to kitten-proof any areas they’ll have access to.

Top Sleeping Spots for Kittens

A Cozy Cat Bed

A cat bed that’s low to the ground is the best place for a kitten to sleep, says Dr. Danielle Rutherford, VMD, associate veterinarian at Westside Veterinary Center in New York, New York. Though a kitten with good coordination may be fine in a slightly raised bed.

Place an additional cat bed or two in cozy spots around your home to give your kitten options.

An ideal kitten bed provides warmth, comfort, and a sense of security. Look for beds that are:

• Made from soft, non-irritating materials
• Designed with raised edges to create a nest-like, snuggly environment
• Appropriately sized for your kitten’s small stature—so they feel snug and secure

A Cozy Spot on Furniture

The living room couch might catch your kitten’s eye as a potential sleeping spot. Many kittens enjoy the softness and warmth of a couch—and it might become their preferred place to nap during the day or sleep at night.

Your Bed

Don’t be surprised if your kitten forgoes their own bed and decides your bed is the best place to sleep. Sleeping with their human can provide warmth, comfort, and a deep sense of security.

If you’re comfortable with it, this can be a wonderful way to strengthen the bond between you and your kitten.

Should I Let My Kitten Sleep With Me?

While letting your kitten sleep in your bed has perks for both human and feline, veterinary experts advise caution—especially early on.

Dr. Rutherford highlights three key considerations:

Risk of Injury

Small kittens could injure themselves if they jump or fall off a high bed—or get tangled in bedding. Because kittens often nestle under their humans, there’s also risk of accidentally rolling onto them or injuring them during sudden movements in your sleep.

To mitigate these risks, wait until your kitten is larger and confident enough to get up and down from your bed on their own—typically around 6 months old.

Sleep Quality

Cats—and kittens in particular—often have bursts of nighttime activity. They might zoom around the room, pounce on your feet, or explore their surroundings. These antics can disrupt your rest.

Parasites and Infections

Wait until your kitten has full health clearance from a veterinarian before allowing them to sleep in your bed, says Dr. Rutherford.

“Kittens can carry various parasites and infectious diseases that can be contagious to humans—especially young children or immunocompromised individuals,” she adds.

Can I Leave My Kitten Alone While I Sleep?

Whether or not to leave your kitten alone while you sleep is a common concern for new pet parents.

The good news? It’s perfectly fine to let your kitten have some independence at night—as long as they’re in a safe, fully equipped space. That means providing a cozy bed, fresh water, and a clean litter tray—like the FurPetVo EasyClean Litter Tray.

When preparing a nighttime space for your kitten, make sure to kitten-proof the area by:

• Removing hazardous objects or potential dangers
• Securing electrical cords
• Taking away small items they could swallow
• Ensuring no gaps or spaces where they could get stuck or injured

Do Kittens Sleep Through the Night?

One common question from new kitten parents is: “Will my kitten sleep through the night?”

The answer varies greatly depending on the individual kitten, their age, and their environment.

Kittens have lots of energy—especially when very young—and often don’t sleep straight through. It’s not uncommon for them to wake up during the night to play, explore, or seek attention. This is because cats are crepuscular animals—naturally more active at dawn and dusk.

Fortunately, as kittens grow and mature, their sleep patterns usually begin to align more closely with those of their human family members.

How To Get a Kitten To Sleep at Night

Kittens will be kittens—their playful, curious nature can sometimes make getting them to sleep through the night feel like an impossible task.

But there are practical, vet-backed steps you can take to help your little furball gradually match your sleep schedule:

Create a Conducive Sleeping Area

A crucial aspect of ensuring your new kitten has a peaceful night’s rest is providing them with a sleep environment that’s both comfortable and secure.