How Much Do Kittens Sleep?

Bringing a new kitten into your home is always an extremely exciting time, but first-time cat ownership can also leave you brimming with questions, especially when it comes to figuring out how exactly to best take care of your new family member.

​But don’t worry, it’s not too difficult to learn how to care for your new kitten, just make sure you always seek advice if you need it!

One of the most popular questions about kittens is how much do kittens sleep? When we think of kittens, we often picture them curled up and asleep, but is this always true? Learning how much sleep your kitten needs is essential to taking good care of them.

So, if you’re unsure about how much sleep your new kitten needs, then read through our guide to learn everything you need to know about kittens and their sleep patterns!

HOW MUCH SHOULD MY KITTEN BE SLEEPING?

The reputation of kittens sleeping for large amounts of the day is actually true, so don’t worry if you think that your kitten is sleeping too much, as they need that sleep in order for them to grow!

How much your kitten sleeps will depend on how old they are, as younger kittens will tend to sleep much more than a kitten that’s a few months old will, so don’t be too surprised when your young cat begins spending less and less time asleep. 

Typically, your kitten will spend anywhere between 16 to 20 hours sleep per day, so you’ll quite commonly find them asleep somewhere warm, but if you feel like your cat is exceeding that amount of sleep and you’re concerned, then don’t be afraid to take them to the vet, because even if nothing is wrong, at least you’ll be able to rest easy knowing that everything is okay. 

Between being a newborn and two weeks old, a kitten will average about 22 hours of sleep a day, and then from three weeks to a month, your cat’s senses will begin to develop, which is why they’ll tend to sleep a lot less. It’s at this point that they’ll sleep for around 18 hours a day, which is similar to an adult cat. 

It is worth noting that if your cat is asleep that you don’t disturb them too much, as this can have a detrimental effect on their health if it’s done repeatedly. 

So to recap, don’t be surprised if your kitten ends up spending a lot of the day and night sleeping, as it’s quite natural for them to sleep for anywhere up to 20 hours a day! But if you do feel like your kitten isn’t getting enough sleep you take them to the vet and get them checked over!
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​Do Kittens Sleep At Night?

Much like when you have a baby, it’s probably best to be somewhat realistic about whether or not your kitten is going to sleep overnight, of course, you would hope that they would simply get comfortable and sleep in the night just like we do, but the reality is that your kitten might find themselves awake in the night whilst you’re asleep. 

It’s also actually quite common for younger kittens to be awake during the later hours, so if you find that your kitten is awake overnight, then there’s no need to panic too much. 

Kittens do sleep a lot, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that this is done whilst you sleep too, so it's likely that there will be a period of time where you’re asleep and your kitten is actually wide awake!

In fact, dusk and dawn are probably your cat’s most active hours, and when you factor in that your cat is in an entirely new environment, you have to give them some time to settle into your routine and sleeping hours!

​What Should I Do If My Kitten Isn’t Getting Enough Sleep?

If you feel like your kitten isn’t sleeping enough, there are a few things that you can do to help boost their sleep, but a visit to the vet should also be the first thing you do. 

If the vet has given your kitten the all-clear but they still aren’t sleeping enough, then thankfully there are a few ways to help ensure that they’ll get the sleep they need. So try some of these steps to help your kitten sleep:

• With kittens being as sleepy as they are, then it means that they can’t really just sleep when you want them to sleep. But, you can help by creating a routine for your kitten, and sticking to it, you’ll help bolster their sleep! 

 

• Ensuring that your cat has a comfy place to sleep is important, keep it warm and cozy and the chances are your cat will love it! 

 

• You can help to tire your kitten out by playing with them whilst they’re awake, just be sure not to overdo too much, so if your kitten seems exhausted, then let them get some sleep. 

 

• If your kitten isn’t sleeping through the night it could be due to hunger, so try feeding them their dinner a little later on in the day. 

 

• Sleep toys are a good idea, a toy or blanket that smells like their mother or their previous home is a good way of getting them to sleep as they adjust to their new home. 

It is important that no matter how tempting it is, you don’t let your cat sleep in bed with you, as you may accidentally injure them if you move in your sleep!

​the sleeping patterns for a kitten

Kittens, much like human babies, require a lot of sleep. However, their sleep patterns differ quite a bit from mature cats. Here's a general overview of a kitten's sleeping patterns:
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1. Age: Birth to 2 weeks (Neonatal period)
   • Sleep Duration: Almost constantly, up to 22 hours a day.
   • Activity: Most of their time is spent eating or sleeping. They'll wake up for short periods, primarily to feed from their mother.
2. Age: 2 weeks to 3 weeks
   • Sleep Duration: Still around 20-22 hours a day.
   • Activity: Eyes open, and they begin to wobble-walk a little. They're still mostly feeding and sleeping, but there are increased awake periods.
3. Age: 3 weeks to 9 weeks (Socialization period)
   • Sleep Duration: 18-20 hours.
   • Activity: This is a crucial time for socialization. They become more active, playful, and curious about their surroundings, though they still sleep a lot. Play periods are intense but short-lived, followed by long naps.
4. Age: 2 months to 6 months (Most active kittenhood)
   • Sleep Duration: 16-20 hours.
   • Activity: Kittens are most active during this time, with frequent playtimes. They're curious and will often explore their environment. However, after bursts of energy, they'll retreat for a good long nap.
5. Age: 6 months to 1 year (Adolescence)
   • Sleep Duration: 16-18 hours.
   • Activity: Activity levels are still high, but there's a gradual decrease as they approach their first year. They may adopt more of an adult cat's sleeping pattern, which includes more nocturnal activity.

General Notes:

• Sleep Location: Kittens prefer warm and cozy spots, close to their siblings or mother. If you're raising a kitten, providing soft bedding or a cat bed is a good idea. As they grow, they might find various napping spots throughout the house.
• Activity Peaks: Like adult cats, kittens are crepuscular, meaning they're most active during dawn and dusk. This pattern is instinctual and aligns with the natural hunting times of wild cats.
• Growth During Sleep: Just like human babies, kittens do a lot of growing during sleep. Hence, their high sleep needs during their early months.
• Disturbances: Try not to disturb a sleeping kitten too much. Adequate rest is crucial for their development. However, interactions and play when they're awake are essential for socialization.
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As with any general guidelines, individual variation exists. Some kittens might be more active than others, and sleeping patterns can change based on health, diet, and environment. If you're concerned about your kitten's sleep or activity level, it's always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian.

What should I do if my kitten isn’t sleeping enough?

If you suspect your kitten isn't sleeping enough, it's essential to first determine whether there is genuinely a problem. Kittens are often very playful and curious, and during their awake periods, they can be incredibly active. However, there are some steps you can take and things to consider:

1. Observe and Document:
   • Before jumping to conclusions, track your kitten's sleep for several days. This will give you an accurate picture of its actual sleep patterns.
   • Remember, while kittens sleep a lot, they don't necessarily sleep for long stretches like adult cats. Instead, they often take multiple short naps throughout the day and night.
2. Environment:
   • Ensure the environment is conducive to sleep. Provide a quiet, dark place with a comfortable bed or blanket.
   • Reduce loud noises or disruptions that might be keeping your kitten awake.
   • Consider using white noise machines or soft music designed for cats to help soothe them.
3. Play and Engagement:
   • Ensure your kitten gets plenty of playtime. Active play can tire them out and help them sleep better.
   • Use toys like feather wands, laser pointers, or interactive toys to engage with your kitten.
4. Diet:
   • Ensure your kitten is on a balanced diet suitable for its age. A hungry kitten may have trouble sleeping.
   • Stick to a feeding schedule. Avoid feeding them too close to bedtime, as it can make them more active.
5. Health Concerns:
   • Overactivity or restlessness can sometimes be due to underlying health issues.
   • Signs like diarrhea, vomiting, excessive thirst, or noticeable weight changes could be indicative of health problems and warrant a visit to the vet.
   • Certain parasites, like fleas or intestinal worms, can cause discomfort, leading to restlessness.
6. Routine:
   • Try to establish a routine for your kitten. Cats, in general, thrive on routine, and having set times for feeding, play, and rest can help regulate their internal clocks.
7. Consult a Veterinarian:
   • If you've tried various strategies and still feel your kitten isn't sleeping enough, consult a veterinarian. They can offer guidance tailored to your kitten's specific situation and can rule out potential health concerns 

​Remember, each kitten is unique. Some may naturally be more active than others. It's crucial to understand your kitten's individual personality and habits. If they seem healthy, are eating well, and are active and playful when awake, they are likely getting the rest they need, even if it seems less than expected.

Does my kitten need to have their own bed?

​Kittens don't need their own bed, but they often benefit from having a designated safe and cozy space. Whether your kitten sleeps in its own bed or with you is a personal decision, and both options have pros and cons.
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Benefits of Providing a Bed for Your Kitten:

1. Safety and Security: Especially for tiny kittens, having a space that's just theirs can provide a sense of security. A bed with raised edges can also offer warmth and a feeling of protection.
2. Established Territory: Cats are territorial animals. Providing a bed for your kitten gives them a designated spot that they recognize as their own.
3. Hygiene: It's easier to regularly clean a cat bed than it is to wash human bedding. Cats, especially kittens, can sometimes have accidents or bring debris into bed.

Benefits of Letting Your Kitten Sleep with You:

1. Bonding: Sleeping together can strengthen the bond between you and your kitten.
2. Warmth and Comfort: Kittens love warmth, and there's nothing warmer than a human companion.
3. Security: Being close to their human can provide kittens with a feeling of safety and security.

Things to Consider Before Letting Your Kitten Sleep with You:

1. Disturbances: Kittens are often active at night and early morning. This could disturb your sleep.
2. Safety: Ensure there's no risk of rolling over onto your kitten in your sleep. This is especially crucial for very young or tiny kittens.
3. Allergies: If someone in the household has allergies, allowing a kitten in the bed may exacerbate the issue.
4. Behavioral Issues: Setting boundaries early can prevent future issues. If you decide later that you don't want your cat in your bed, it can be challenging to change the established habit.
5. Health: Ensure your kitten is free from fleas and other parasites before allowing them in your bed.

A Compromise: Some cat owners choose to provide a cat bed in the bedroom, but not on their own bed. This way, the kitten is close by and can benefit from the bond and security while still having its designated space.

​Ultimately, the decision is personal. Some cat owners cherish the experience of snuggling with their feline companions at night, while others prefer to set boundaries from the start. Whatever you decide, make sure it works for both you and your kitten.

​How to get a kitten to sleep at night

Getting a kitten to sleep at night, or at least be more calm during nighttime hours, involves a combination of environmental manipulation, scheduling, and patience. Here are some steps to encourage your kitten to sleep during the night:
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1. Play and Activity During the Day:
   • Engage your kitten in active play several times during the day. This can tire them out and make them more likely to sleep at night.
   • Use toys that mimic prey, like feather wands or battery-operated toys, to allow your kitten to use its hunting instincts.
2. Evening Play Session:
   • Have a vigorous play session with your kitten right before your bedtime. The idea is to tire them out so they'll be more inclined to rest when you do.
3. Feeding Schedule:
   • Cats tend to sleep after a big meal. You can use this to your advantage by feeding your kitten its largest meal right before your bedtime.
   • Consider splitting their daily food allowance into smaller portions given throughout the day, culminating in a larger meal before bed.
4. Establish a Routine:
   • Cats, in general, are creatures of habit. By establishing a consistent routine for feeding, play, and bedtime, your kitten will be more likely to adapt to your schedule over time.
5. Create a Comfortable Sleeping Area:
   • While your kitten doesn't necessarily need its bed, providing a warm, cozy space might encourage sleep. This could be a soft blanket in a quiet corner, a plush cat bed, or a heated bed if your home is on the cooler side.
6. Limit Distractions:
   • Ensure your kitten's environment is calm at night. This might mean turning off televisions or radios and dimming lights to signal "bedtime."
7. Safety and Security:
   • Some kittens might be more nocturnal because they feel insecure or unsafe at night. Ensure their environment feels safe. This might involve providing hiding spots, ensuring they aren't being disturbed by other pets, or even using feline pheromone sprays or diffusers to create a sense of calm.
8. Avoid Reinforcing Bad Behavior:
   • If your kitten wakes you up in the middle of the night wanting to play, don't reinforce this behavior by giving in. It can be challenging, but try to ignore nighttime disturbances. Responding to them can create a routine that's difficult to break.
9. Patience is Key:
   • Remember that kittens are naturally more nocturnal, and it might take some time for them to adapt to your schedule. Be patient and consistent in your efforts.
10. Consider a Companion:
    • Sometimes, having another kitten or cat as a companion can help. They can play with each other and keep each other company, making them more likely to sleep during the night.

​If you've tried multiple strategies and are still having difficulty, you might consider seeking advice from a veterinarian or a feline behaviorist to ensure there are no underlying health or behavioral issues.

​Conclusion

Overall, it’s common for your kitten to sleep for most of the day and the night, especially when they’re still very young, and if your cat is struggling to sleep, then you can follow some of our helpful tips to help them out!