Train Cat to Sleep on Bed

Cats have a reputation for being extremely independent and fickle creatures. They tend to eat when they want to, wander wherever they feel like, and sleep in whatever spot they choose. Most people are under the impression that felines are untrainable, which is not true. They are much more difficult to train than dogs, but can still be taught with persistence and determination. Teaching your cat to sleep on the bed not only allows you to keep an eye on him during the night, but also offers you a great snuggling partner for cold nights.

Things You'll Need

  • Treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Begin training your cat an early age. Young kittens are much more impressionable than older cats and learn much faster.

    • 2

      Allow your cat to spend time on your bed. She will be much more likely to sleep on the bed if she is already familiar and comfortable there.

    • 3

      Watch your cat and try to catch him napping on the bed. Napping on the bed is the foundation for training him to sleep there. Praise him and give him a small treat when you find him napping on the bed to encourage this behavior.

    • 4

      Take the cat to bed into the bedroom and shut the door when it is time for bed. Place the litter box in your room if you worry about the cat using the bathroom overnight. Pet her and allow her to relax and settle down at her own pace.

    • 5

      Sit or lie on the bed and hold the cat near you. Pet and praise him, offering him treats or pets if he lies still next to you. Try to make him comfortable and show him the bed is a good place to be. If he fights or gets upset, let him down to roam on his own.

    • 6

      Repeat this process every evening at bedtime, always offering plenty of love and treats to keep your cat happy. Your cat will soon discover that she enjoys the praise and treats that come along with the bed and will happily sleep there.