How To Make A Cat Sleep Instantly

​Our feline friends can be stubborn creatures at times. Often playing by their own rules, it can be hard to get your cat to wind down and sleep soundly.

Having a restless cat can affect its temperament and mood throughout the day, as well as give you sleepless nights.

​This article will give you some top tips on how to make your cat sleep quickly so that both of you can have the rest you need.

​What Is Your Cat Like?

​The first thing you need to think about is the personality of your cat. As we all know, every cat is different, but some share similar characteristics. There are certain tricks you can use for your cat’s personality when trying to get them to sleep.

If you have an anxious cat, it might not be able to relax. For this type of cat, you can change your cat’s bedding so it doesn’t have the scent of other cats you might own.

If your cat is particularly attached to you, you can put an item that has your scent in your clingy cat’s bed to calm them down and make them feel like you’re nearby.

Greedy cats benefit from having food and water close together on the same level and in the same place, so it knows where they can get food if it wants it. This will make your cat less likely to wake up and go searching for food.

​Use Catnip

​You can induce a happy and sleepy state in your cat by giving it some catnip before bed. There are several types of catnip with different effects, but all of them should help your cat get a good night’s sleep. 

Catnip acts as a mild sedative that mimics the happy hormones your cat produces. Keep in mind that your cat may not react well, as fifty percent of cats experience a negative reaction.

​Make sure you do a test with a small amount before committing to catnip and explore different calming products, such as lavender and chamomile.

Feed Your Cat A Meal Before Bed

​It is a cat’s natural tendency to sleep after eating, so feeding your cat a meal before bed will help them doze off. 

Fill up your cat’s food bowl at least an hour before bed, and it should be ready for a good night’s sleep.

You can also invest in a smart feeder that automatically fills your cat’s food bowl that you can set at specific times of the day.

​Feeding your cat before bed also reduces the chance of it waking up and pestering you for a midnight snack.

​Keep Your Cat Occupied

​If you have more than one cat, then they’ll likely keep each other busy during the day so they’re tired in the evening. However, it can be more challenging with just one cat.

To keep your cat occupied, switch up their toys on a regular basis and think about getting some interactive toys and puzzles, as they are the most effective for stimulating your cat.

Toys with timers are also a great option, as you can occupy your cat several times throughout the day.

You should also keep cat toys in different rooms throughout the house to occupy them. It’ll encourage them to move around and keep active.

​Once bedtime rolls around, gather your cat's toys and place them near where your cat sleeps. If your cat does wake up in the night, it can tire itself out with these toys and you will continue to sleep.

​Play With Your Cat Before Bed

​Cats need playtime no matter their age, and one of the best ways to get them to sleep is to tire them out yourself by playing with them.

​Not only will this help you bond with your cat, but it’ll also make them tired so they can sleep easily and get rid of some excess energy. 

Give Your Cat A Comfortable Place To Sleep

​Of course, your cat needs a comfortable place to sleep at night. Load your cat’s bed with blankets and pillows for maximum comfort.

It might also be beneficial to put an old item of your clothing in its bed so your cat is comforted by your scent, helping them relax and drift off.

​Familiar objects may also help, such as their favorite stuffed toy or an old blanket from when it was a kitten.

Create A Routine

Cats tend to function better when they are fed and their litter boxes are cleaned at the same time every day. This also goes for a bedtime routine.

Performing your own bedtime routine at the same time every day around your cat can tell it when it’s time to sleep, so it will instinctively begin to wind down to sleep.

​Adding an activity, like grooming, to your cat's bedtime routine can also help it understand that it's time to sleep.

​Turn Down The Lights And Volume

​When it’s time to sleep, keep your sleeping space and your cat dark and quiet, especially if you are both sleeping in the same room.

Cats have excellent vision meaning they can be just as active in the night as they are during the day. They are less likely to wander if their sleeping space is calm. If you are staying up late, your cat is more likely to as well.

​Conclusion

​It can be challenging to get your cat to sleep when you want it to, as most are independent and will do as they please most of the time.

​But, with these tips and tricks, you’ll increase the likelihood of your cat sleeping through the night at the time you want.