Photo by @geekingoutonlife / wagtaildesigns.com
Cats are usually fantastic sleepers, sleeping anywhere from 13 to 16 hours a day or more if they’re older. Given this, having a consistent sleep routine can improve the quality of your cat’s snoozing and their overall wellbeing. There may be times when you need to focus on your cat’s routine more closely. For example, if you’ve recently adopted a cat or if environmental changes – like a new baby at home or daylight savings time changes – have affected your cat’s sleep pattern. We outline the steps you can take to establish (or re-establish) a sleep routine for your cat.
Set a bedtime
Cats take both cat naps and have sessions of deeper or longer sleep. Cats are crepuscular animals. This means they are most active during dawn and dusk, so we recommend setting a bedtime in the evening. Choose a specific time each night for your cat to go to bed. This should help align your cat’s sleep patterns with your own and minimise your cat disturbing your sleep.
Your cat’s sleeping area
Provide a comfortable and cozy sleeping area for your cat. This could be a soft cat bed, blanket or even a designated spot on the couch or other piece of furniture where they like to spend time. Choose an area that is away from potential disturbances by other people or pets in the home, or from noise outside like traffic. These steps are a must-do if your cat can’t access your bedroom when you’re sleeping. But if they are able to come into your bedroom, your cat may simply prefer to snuggle up with you.
The broader environment
If possible, try to create a quiet and calm environment around your cat’s bedtime. Turn down the lights and minimise noise and activity in the house to help your cat unwind and prepare for sleep. This is likely to be easier to do if your cat’s bedtime coincides with yours and that of others at home.
Avoid food right before bed
Try to avoid feeding your cat a large meal right before bedtime. This can lead to digestive discomfort and disrupt their sleep. Aim to give them their last large meal a few hours before bedtime.
Have a pre-bedtime routine
Establish a pre-bedtime routine as a way to signal to your cat that it’s time to wind down. This might be some interactive play to use some energy and tire them out, after their dinner. Or it might be a calming activity like brushing or petting.
A wake-up routine
Just as you have a bedtime routine, it is also nice for your cat to have a consistent wake-up routine too. This could be as simple as opening curtains to let in natural light and giving them breakfast soon after you wake. If you have time, you might like to engage in a morning play session with them to get their day started.
Be patient and consistent
It may take some time for your cat to adjust to a new sleep routine, or settle back into their routine if something’s disrupted it. So it’s important to be patient and consistent as possible, and don’t expect immediate results. This routine is another part of you and your cat learning to live together happily.