How to Get a Kitten to Fall Asleep
Make a warm, soft bed., Make the bed extra warm., Put a comforting ticking sound in the bed., Keep the bed in a secure, warm area.This area can be a closet, a small room, or a fenced-off area of a room., Provide the kittens with other necessities...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Make a warm
Create a soft, cozy bed for the kittens, large enough to include the mother cat if there is one.
Use a soft blanket or towel to cover the base and sides of a box or basket.
Leave the top of the bed uncovered, and make sure the kittens can leave and enter the bed themselves, unless they are not yet weaned. -
Step 2: soft bed.
Place a warm, but not hot, rubber water bottle or microwavable heat pad underneath the blanket.
Kittens love warmth, and will usually fall asleep in a warm, enclosed space.
You can also warm the towel or blanket over an electric space heater or in the dryer, just for a few minutes. , If the kittens do not have a mother, an object that produces a quiet, regular sound may help the kittens relax.
An alarm clock or a kitchen timer next to the bed might work, but make sure there isn't a noisy alarm set to go off. , Make sure other animals, besides the mother cat, do not have access to young kittens, and that all humans know not to step into the kitten area without watching the floor.
Don't keep kittens in an attic, garage, or basement, since these areas can rapidly become too cold or too hot. , Near the bed, the kittens should have access to water, a litterbox, and toys.
If the kittens have access to food around the clock, place the food dish in this area as well.
Empty the litterbox regularly, or the kittens may not wish to sleep there — or they may use their bed instead. , Cat pheromone products mimic the natural, calming chemicals cats produce when they rub their face on objects.
This may be useful if the kitten won't sleep in its bed, or if a kitten old enough to be potty-trained still uses the bed as a litterbox.
Spray the pheromones on the kittens' bed, never on the kitten directly, and allow 20 minutes for it to dry before you allow the cat access to it., While the kittens are in bed, move conversations and television elsewhere.
Some kittens find gentle music relaxing, but in many cases complete silence is more effective. , Put a blanket over your lap so you can slide the kitten off once it's fallen asleep.
Gently pick up the kitten and encircle it with your arms, making a warm, enclosed space.
You can place young kittens under your sweater, or under a second light blanket.
This might be enough to send them to sleep by itself.
If the kitten won't stay in your lap, read the tips in the section on hyper kittens first.
If the kitten is leaving because it is uncomfortable around you, don't force it to stay. , Starting about halfway up the bridge of the nose, stroke the kitten's nose upward with one finger.
Move up to the top of the kitten's forehead, then lift your finger and repeat again from the nose.
The kitten should reflexively blink or close its eyes while you do this, encouraging it to fall asleep. , Different kittens have different preferred petting areas, but there are plenty of common places you can try.
Stroking the forehead usually calms cats, as does rubbing under the chin or the top of the neck.
When getting a cat to sleep, always stroke the fur in the direction it lies, repeating the same motion slowly.
Some kittens like their front paws gently massaged, but this area is too sensitive for some others.
Try it, but let the kitten pull away if he doesn't like it. , Move your face near the kitten and blink or close your eyes.
If the kitten is watching you, it might respond the same way.
Yawning might also work, but keep your face a bit further away to avoid scaring the kitten. , Once the kitten is dozing off, read a book or find some other quiet activity.
Breathe deeply and slowly, since kittens can pick up on this sign of calm.
If the kitten keeps squirming, you can try blowing onto the kitten's back on the exhale, or holding it near your chest so it feels your heartbeat. , Choose a cloth with a slightly rough weave, but rub gently.
Wipe the kitten's cheeks, forehead, and bridge of the nose.
This mimics the mother cat licking the kitten's face, and may make it more comfortable. , If a kitten is running around or batting at you, it doesn't want to sleep.
Tire the kitten out by making it chase a string, feathers, ribbon, or other cat toy.
Moving up and down will tire the kitten out sooner.
Try making it run up and down stairs, or across a plastic netting draped on the back of a sturdy chair. , Schedule one of the kitten's feeding sessions right before bedtime, since a full belly will help it feel sleepy.
For best results, heat the food to a warm, but not hot, temperature.
Placing a closed container of food in a pan of hot water should accomplish this safely.
If you microwave the food, stir it thoroughly to mix in hot spots.
You might be able to make the kitten sleepier by mixing in a small amount of carbohydrate-rich food, such as cooked rice or sweet potato.
Also make sure the kitten has constant access to water. , Feed the kittens and encourage them to sleep at the same times each day.
Newborn kittens are on a much shorter cycle and require feeding every two or three hours, but after about four weeks old this can gradually change to a more convenient schedule. , Constipation can be a serious, even life-threatening condition for young kittens, and may be a source of discomfort preventing the cat from sleeping.
If a young kitten has not eliminated urine or feces within the last 12 hours, take it to a veterinarian immediately.
Newborn kittens (under four weeks) without a mother cat need to have their genitalia rubbed with a warm, wet washcloth after each meal.
Rub gently in one direction only, and continue until the urine flow has stopped. , If a kitten has all the necessities it needs, but is still mewing or refusing to sleep, it might be kept awake by itching or pain.
Check the ears for mites and the fur for fleas, and treat these with kitten-safe medication if present.
Consult a veterinarian if the kitten is uncomfortable for no apparent cause, or if you discover a more serious medical issue. -
Step 3: Make the bed extra warm.
-
Step 4: Put a comforting ticking sound in the bed.
-
Step 5: Keep the bed in a secure
-
Step 6: warm area.This area can be a closet
-
Step 7: a small room
-
Step 8: or a fenced-off area of a room.
-
Step 9: Provide the kittens with other necessities.
-
Step 10: Try a cat pheromone spray.
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Step 11: Keep the area quiet.
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Step 12: Hold the kitten securely in your arms or lap.
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Step 13: Stroke the cat's nose and forehead.
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Step 14: Pet the kitten elsewhere.
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Step 15: Blink at the kitten.
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Step 16: Relax and breathe deeply.
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Step 17: Wipe the kitten's face with a warm
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Step 18: damp cloth.
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Step 19: Play with hyper kittens.
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Step 20: Feed the kitten warm food.
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Step 21: Encourage a regular energy cycle.
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Step 22: Make sure the kitten has no bowel or urinary problems.
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Step 23: Check for other health problems.
Detailed Guide
Create a soft, cozy bed for the kittens, large enough to include the mother cat if there is one.
Use a soft blanket or towel to cover the base and sides of a box or basket.
Leave the top of the bed uncovered, and make sure the kittens can leave and enter the bed themselves, unless they are not yet weaned.
Place a warm, but not hot, rubber water bottle or microwavable heat pad underneath the blanket.
Kittens love warmth, and will usually fall asleep in a warm, enclosed space.
You can also warm the towel or blanket over an electric space heater or in the dryer, just for a few minutes. , If the kittens do not have a mother, an object that produces a quiet, regular sound may help the kittens relax.
An alarm clock or a kitchen timer next to the bed might work, but make sure there isn't a noisy alarm set to go off. , Make sure other animals, besides the mother cat, do not have access to young kittens, and that all humans know not to step into the kitten area without watching the floor.
Don't keep kittens in an attic, garage, or basement, since these areas can rapidly become too cold or too hot. , Near the bed, the kittens should have access to water, a litterbox, and toys.
If the kittens have access to food around the clock, place the food dish in this area as well.
Empty the litterbox regularly, or the kittens may not wish to sleep there — or they may use their bed instead. , Cat pheromone products mimic the natural, calming chemicals cats produce when they rub their face on objects.
This may be useful if the kitten won't sleep in its bed, or if a kitten old enough to be potty-trained still uses the bed as a litterbox.
Spray the pheromones on the kittens' bed, never on the kitten directly, and allow 20 minutes for it to dry before you allow the cat access to it., While the kittens are in bed, move conversations and television elsewhere.
Some kittens find gentle music relaxing, but in many cases complete silence is more effective. , Put a blanket over your lap so you can slide the kitten off once it's fallen asleep.
Gently pick up the kitten and encircle it with your arms, making a warm, enclosed space.
You can place young kittens under your sweater, or under a second light blanket.
This might be enough to send them to sleep by itself.
If the kitten won't stay in your lap, read the tips in the section on hyper kittens first.
If the kitten is leaving because it is uncomfortable around you, don't force it to stay. , Starting about halfway up the bridge of the nose, stroke the kitten's nose upward with one finger.
Move up to the top of the kitten's forehead, then lift your finger and repeat again from the nose.
The kitten should reflexively blink or close its eyes while you do this, encouraging it to fall asleep. , Different kittens have different preferred petting areas, but there are plenty of common places you can try.
Stroking the forehead usually calms cats, as does rubbing under the chin or the top of the neck.
When getting a cat to sleep, always stroke the fur in the direction it lies, repeating the same motion slowly.
Some kittens like their front paws gently massaged, but this area is too sensitive for some others.
Try it, but let the kitten pull away if he doesn't like it. , Move your face near the kitten and blink or close your eyes.
If the kitten is watching you, it might respond the same way.
Yawning might also work, but keep your face a bit further away to avoid scaring the kitten. , Once the kitten is dozing off, read a book or find some other quiet activity.
Breathe deeply and slowly, since kittens can pick up on this sign of calm.
If the kitten keeps squirming, you can try blowing onto the kitten's back on the exhale, or holding it near your chest so it feels your heartbeat. , Choose a cloth with a slightly rough weave, but rub gently.
Wipe the kitten's cheeks, forehead, and bridge of the nose.
This mimics the mother cat licking the kitten's face, and may make it more comfortable. , If a kitten is running around or batting at you, it doesn't want to sleep.
Tire the kitten out by making it chase a string, feathers, ribbon, or other cat toy.
Moving up and down will tire the kitten out sooner.
Try making it run up and down stairs, or across a plastic netting draped on the back of a sturdy chair. , Schedule one of the kitten's feeding sessions right before bedtime, since a full belly will help it feel sleepy.
For best results, heat the food to a warm, but not hot, temperature.
Placing a closed container of food in a pan of hot water should accomplish this safely.
If you microwave the food, stir it thoroughly to mix in hot spots.
You might be able to make the kitten sleepier by mixing in a small amount of carbohydrate-rich food, such as cooked rice or sweet potato.
Also make sure the kitten has constant access to water. , Feed the kittens and encourage them to sleep at the same times each day.
Newborn kittens are on a much shorter cycle and require feeding every two or three hours, but after about four weeks old this can gradually change to a more convenient schedule. , Constipation can be a serious, even life-threatening condition for young kittens, and may be a source of discomfort preventing the cat from sleeping.
If a young kitten has not eliminated urine or feces within the last 12 hours, take it to a veterinarian immediately.
Newborn kittens (under four weeks) without a mother cat need to have their genitalia rubbed with a warm, wet washcloth after each meal.
Rub gently in one direction only, and continue until the urine flow has stopped. , If a kitten has all the necessities it needs, but is still mewing or refusing to sleep, it might be kept awake by itching or pain.
Check the ears for mites and the fur for fleas, and treat these with kitten-safe medication if present.
Consult a veterinarian if the kitten is uncomfortable for no apparent cause, or if you discover a more serious medical issue.
About the Author
Samuel Rogers
Professional writer focused on creating easy-to-follow practical skills tutorials.
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