How to Help a Kitten Sleep

Kittens are babies. They sometimes cry and have trouble sleeping in the first few weeks after they leave their mother and litter mates. Imagine going from sleeping amidst the security of four or five other purring, warm bodies to being alone. There's no longer a mom to watch over you, groom you, teach you or ensure you have food to eat. In time, your cat will grow to trust you and know that you will meet those needs. Until those bonds are formed, your kitten may be anxious, fretful and vocalizing her worries.

Things You'll Need

  • Cat toys
  • Laser pointer
  • Small cardboard box
  • Blankets
  • Hot water bottle
  • Towel
  • Two or three stuffed animals
  • Radio or CD player
  • Kitten food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Before bedtime, play with your kitten for 15 to 20 minutes. Try to get the pet to run, jump and exercise away any excess energy. Wand toys, feathers, laser pointers and other items that will encourage chasing are best.

    • 2

      Provide your kitten with a small box in which to sleep. The box should include warm blankets.

    • 3

      Add a hot water bottle to the box, wrapped in a towel, to ensure the kitten is warm.

    • 4

      Place a couple of old stuffed animals in the box to give the kitten the security of another soft body to sleep against.

    • 5

      Play a radio or CD softly in the kitten's room. Classical music seems to work best for cats and kittens.

    • 6

      Give your kitten a small snack after her exercise and before naptimes. If kittens are hungry, they don't sleep well and will cry. Young kittens needs to be fed three to four times per day.

    • 7

      Place the kitten in the box. It is often helpful to sit beside the pet for a few minutes, providing petting and soothing words, until the kitten goes to sleep.