Where should my kitten sleep on the first night?
On the day your new kitten arrives, there's lots of joy and excitement. A new pet, new adventures, and many years of enjoyment are in your future. But tonight — your kitten's first night home — might not be as much fun. A lot of changes have happened in your kitten's short life — separation from his mother and litter mates, a change of environment, meeting new people and maybe even traveling to a new city or state. It's a lot for kittens to take in and a lot of stimulation, making the first night (or first several nights) difficult for everyone.
One key issue is location. Where should your kitten sleep on the first night? What supplies do you need on hand? The good news is there are plenty of ways to help calm your kitten, create a soothing environment, and make that first night a lot happier (and hopefully more restful) for all involved. Let's explore.
Where should my kitten sleep on the first night?
For that important first night, use a small, kitten-proofed room where your new pet can take time to acclimate to her new life. This could be a spare bedroom, mud room or similar restricted space. You could also utilize your bedroom to make it easier to keep a sleepy eye on your kitten, but you want to contain her within a kitten-safe pen or sizable crate.
In any case, the key is to remove anything that could cause problems (house plants, human food, electrical cords, etc.). You might even consider getting down on the floor and trying to imagine the room from your small kitten's perspective. Then, fill the room with essentials. At the very least, you need a litter box (try the same brand of litter your kitten is familiar with), kitten food (be sure to make any dietary adjustments gradually), water, blankets for a cozy feel and maybe even a toy or two.
6 Ways to Make Your Kitten Comfortable
Besides choosing the appropriate room for your kitten to sleep in, there are plenty of other techniques to help calm your kitten and ease the transition. You may even be able to limit nighttime crying. Here are a few ideas:
1. Offer a blanket with his mother's scent.
If your new kitten comes from a breeder, it might be possible to coordinate with them to obtain a small blanket with the scent of the mother cat. Naturally, this will make your kitten feel more secure and at ease while trying to sleep those first few nights. The familiar scent may help simulate the environment the kitten was previously accustomed to. It may not seem that obvious to us, but remember, cats have a keener sense of smell than humans, so familiar smells are more important to them. Another idea is a calming diffuser to help put your kitten at ease (while you smell nothing).
2. Set the right temperature.
You probably sleep better when you're at a comfortable temperature, and your kitten is no different. Your new kitten is at least 8 weeks old and will likely be comfortable at room temperature (say, 72°F or a little warmer), provided she has blankets and other warming techniques available.
3. Try a mother's heartbeat pillow.
Simulate the sound and feel of the absent mother cat's heartbeat with a K&H Mother's Heartbeat Heated Kitty Pet Bed with Heart Pillow. The included heartbeat device can be placed inside the pillow or the heated cat bed and mimics the audible pulse of a heartbeat. And it vibrates in a similar manner, helping to provide reassurance and minimize anxiety.
4. Consider a heated cat bed.
Your kitten may feel safe and warm with a heated cat bed. The K&H Thermo-Kitty Fashion Splash heats to your kitten's body temperature, giving him the cozy warmth he needs.
5. Provide a hideout.
Your new kitten may still feel insecure and desire a safe haven to “hide" in. Supplying a kitten house or a safe tunnel like a K&H Thermo-Pet Cave can fulfill this need. Be sure you choose one that allows your kitten privacy, but you can still keep an eye on her.
6. Avoid your own bed.
As much as cats may enjoy camping out on a human bed, it's probably best to keep your kitten in his own space for the time being while he adjusts to his new home and litter box. You can always reevaluate after a few weeks.
Leave a comment