How to Make Your Cat Sleep in Its Own Bed

Cats often nap on places that are, at best, inconvenient for the owner. Unwanted cat behaviors should never be allowed and introducing kitty to a safe alternative to inappropriate sleeping spots can make the transition a success. A combination of positive reinforcement and basic cat training techniques along with pet-safe deterrents for unwanted behaviors make it possible for cats to learn many good behaviors including sleeping in their own bed.

Things You'll Need

  • Pet bed
  • Soft pet pad or towel
  • Catnip
  • Low-fat cat treats
  • One toy
  • Pet-safe deterrents
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the cat̵7;s bed in a location where you want it to stay, making sure the cat can easily get to its space without invading yours.

    • 2

      Sprinkle a bit of catnip in the center of the pet bed to make the bed more appealing for naps.

    • 3

      Place one cat treat in the center of the pet bed as a reward for when the cat goes to its bed.

    • 4

      Place a small, favorite toy on the pet bed to let the cat know this spot is reserved for it.

    • 5

      Call the cat to your feet and offer it a treat.

    • 6

      Hold a treat between your fingers and lightly tap the center of the pet bed where the catnip, toy and treat are also laying. Gently say the command word ̶0;bed̶1; and offer the cat a treat when it hops up onto its bed.

    • 7

      Praise the cat in a calming voice and give it a few soft strokes of positive reinforcement as it eats the pre-planted treat.

    • 8

      Place pet-safe cat deterrents, such as motions sensor alarms and prickly mats, on the unwanted sleeping areas when you are out of the room or away from home.

    • 9

      Gently say a disapproving command such as ̶0;no-no̶1; when you see the cat contemplating or nestling in inappropriate sleeping spots. Take the cat to its bed and distract its attention to a toy for a few minutes before allowing it to settle in for a nap.

    • 10

      Offer the cat a treat and verbal praise when it decides to nap in the right location. The cat will eventually learn to go to places it is rewarded for and avoid places that are inconvenient for it to sleep.