If you’re reading this, it’s clear that you share your heart and home with a furry feline friend.
You adore them, spoil them rotten, and take more photos of them than any reasonable person should.
Don’t worry; I’m guilty too!
But there’s one thing you’re craving – those cozy, purr-filled cuddles in bed.
I get a lot of these from my cat, and I love them. It’s actually a highlight for me on some of my most stressful days.
So, how do you get your kitty to sleep with you?
Here are some of the ways how I get my cat to sleep with me at night:
1. Create a Cat-Friendly Sleeping Environment
First things first, you need to make sure your sleeping area is as inviting as can be for your cat. Cats love soft, warm spots, don’t they?
So, spruce up your bed with cat-friendly blankets and pillows.
Consider using a heated blanket during colder months. Nothing says “cozy up here” to a cat like a warm spot to curl into!
2. Keep a Regular Sleep Schedule
Next, let’s talk about schedules. Cats are creatures of habit – they thrive on routine.
Try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
This way, your cat will start associating bedtime with snuggle time. And who doesn’t love a good snuggle fest?
But most important, it will be easier for your cat to follow your lead when they see that you’re going to bed around the same time every night.
3. Playtime Before Bedtime
Ever tried sleeping when you’re buzzing with energy? Doesn’t work, does it? It’s the same for our cats.
A good play session before bedtime can help tire out your kitty, making them more likely to settle down with you.
Plus, it’s a great way to bond!
4. A Little Treat Goes a Long Way
Now, we all know how persuasive a tasty treat can be. Use this to your advantage!
Establish a routine where your cat gets a small treat when it’s time for bed.
Over time, they’ll start associating bedtime with yummy snacks and, hopefully, some quality time with you.
5. Introduce a Toy or Special Treats
Cats love toys, and maybe your pet will develop a special fondness for one that you can use at bedtime.
If your cat is the type to eat, groom herself, and then go to sleep, this is the perfect time to give her a small meal or her last meal before bed because you know they usually fall asleep once they eat.
I give my cat a special treat right before I go to bed, which helps her associate that time with something pleasant.
She knows it’s wind-down time and gets a special treat before we both head to bed.
Also, be sure to offer plenty of playtime with your cat before bed so that they get their energy out. This can help them relax and get ready for a good night’s sleep.
6. Invest in a Cat Bed
If your cat still seems hesitant to join you on your bed, try bringing their bed into yours.
Get a small, comfy cat bed and place it on your bed.
This gives them a familiar space within your space. It’s like giving them their own little slice of heaven!
7. Respect Their Space
This one might seem counterintuitive, but hear me out.
Sometimes, if you want your cat to come to you, you need to give them space.
If they feel like they’re being forced into something, they’re less likely to do it. Make sure they know that they’re always welcome but never forced to lay with you.
How do you get a cat to sleep on you?
To make it more likely for your cat to sleep on you, offer them a blanket for extra comfort!
We make our bed with warm comforters in cold months, and our cat seems to like that and will sometimes sleep under the covers.
I find that offering belly rubs, chin scratches, or a light massage works wonders for getting my cat to settle in.
The most important is to be gentle and loving to your cat, and trust me, eventually, they’ll come around and curl up with you!
Why does my cat not want to sleep with me?
Sometimes, cats can get overwhelmed and need their own space to recharge.
If your cat seems not to want to sleep with you, it could mean that they need a bit more time to adjust, learn to trust, and feel more comfortable or that the environment in your bedroom is too overwhelming for them.
Make sure you keep your bedroom a quiet and comfortable place where your cat can feel safe.
Cats have feelings, and they can pick up on our emotions as well as how we treat them.
Trust is a big deal for cats, so if your cat does not want to sleep with you, it’s probably because they haven’t fully trusted you yet to be comfortable and feel safe lying next to you.
How does my cat choose who to sleep with?
The way a cat chooses to sleep with you is really based on how comfortable they feel around everyone present in their environment.
It’s the person who pets them, understands them, and knows when they need food, water, and playtime – they’ll want to sleep near them.
Cats like to sleep in places that make them feel safe and secure, so if you are a source of comfort and warmth to them, they may choose to sleep with you.
The number one thing your cat wants from you is love; this is how she will choose who she wants to sleep with.
Here’s the thing. You might have three people in your house your cat equally trusts and loves, but one of you will always be her favorite.
Cats can get attached to a person or persons in the household, and that’s their favorite sleeping buddy.
Don’t take it personally if one night your cat is sleeping next to you and the next day they’re sleeping in their bed, on your couch, or in another room.
This kind of behavior is normal with my cat, Cleo.
She loves us all equally, but I know she’s happiest when she can cuddle up wherever she wants to in the house.
How to get a cat to sleep at night?
Getting your cat to sleep at night can be challenging, but it is possible with patience and determination. Start by creating a routine and sticking to it.
Set a consistent bedtime for your cat, including when you turn off the lights, so that they know when it is time to rest. And this way, you can get their circadian rhythm in sync with yours.
To make it easier for your cat to sleep at night, try keeping their sleeping area dark and quiet and possibly toys they love to snuggle up with.
A comfortable, safe sleeping environment in a warm and cozy spot will be more inviting for your cat to sleep.
Patience is Key
Remember to be patient. Cats are very independent creatures.
It might take some time for them to adjust to new routines or changes.
But keep trying and don’t give up. Your patience will pay off in purrs and cuddles, I promise!
So there you have it! Some simple strategies to get your beloved cat to cuddle up with you in bed at night.
Sleeping with your cat can be a calming, loving, and rewarding experience, especially on nights when they actually stay with you in bed all night.
It’s a chance to strengthen your bond and enjoy some quality time together.
Plus, who can resist the sound of a cat purring away happily next to them? It’s like a lullaby designed just for us cat lovers.
Sweet dreams and happy cuddling!