Written in collaboration with vets
How to help your kitten sleep better
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Helping a newly arrived kitten to sleep well is an important job. It reassures you that the kitten is happy and content in your home. To support you during this settling-in period, we’ve answered the common questions you may have such as ‘how long do kittens sleep?’ as well as ‘how can I get my kitten to sleep at night?’, especially when they are wide-awake and climbing the curtains!
Tips for getting a kitten to sleep at night
Give a small nighttime meal before bed
Just like humans, kittens will feel sleepy after an evening meal. Feeding your kitten wet food half an hour before bedtime may well encourage them to settle down to sleep with a fuller tummy. For advice on the correct portions of wet kitten food by age, see our article on ‘How much should I feed my kitten in a day’.
Use wet food in your regular feeding schedule
Kittens need to eat multiple meals during the day. Feeding them a quality wet kitten food that’s full of protein will not only fuel their growth, but slowly release energy throughout a 24hr period. Conversely, dry food often contains higher carbohydrate content that can quickly release unwanted bursts of energy when fed at bedtime thus affecting how long your kitten will sleep. Learn more about the benefits of wet food at ‘What to feed kittens: guidance and advice’ .
Play with your kitten to tire them out
After a busy day of play with all their favourite toys, kittens will naturally fall asleep quicker. Try a focused session of fun activity during the early part of the evening which will also relax you after a stressful day. Avoid playing late at night though as your kitten will be too excited to sleep!
Provide a cosy bed where they feel protected
Although cats can sleep all over your house, sometimes in unexpected places, having a dedicated bed for your kitten is a must. How much your kitten sleeps at night is likely to increase with a snuggly bed that has high sides, or even a dome-shaped ‘cave bed’ that makes kittens feel safe from predators. Cats like to sleep away from where they eat, drink and go to the toilet, so make sure they have clear areas for each of these activities.
Use familiar smells for a sense of security
If a kitten is new to your house, bringing a blanket from their previous home, where they lived with their Mum, will help them to feel secure and sleep soundly. Equally, once a kitten has established a bond with you, a piece of your clothing in their bed will be comforting and lengthen how long your kitten sleeps at night.
Try a herbal sleep remedy
If none of the suggestions above are working, there are several herbal remedies that will gently support how much kittens sleep. These should only ever be given after you have discussed your options with a vet and always make sure that you read the label carefully to check suitability for kittens, by age or weight.
Above all, be patient!
Just like babies, kittens will take a little time to establish a routine. Some experts recommend bringing your kitten’s bed into your bedroom for the first few nights. Others believe a kitten can be left alone with access to a litter tray, a bowl of kibble and even some toys so they can entertain themselves when they wake up. Whatever you decide, be patient as it’s in a kitten’s nature to be more active at night than us humans.
How long do kittens sleep?
On average, kittens sleep for 18-20 hours per day. The amount of sleep kittens need depends on their age. The chart below provides more detail on what to expect. If you think your kitten has suddenly changed its sleeping pattern and is napping more or less than usual, please talk to your veterinarian as it could be a sign of a treatable problem such as anaemia.
| Kitten age | Hours of sleep needed per day | Percentage of time spent sleeping | Sleeping habits |
| 2 weeks – 3 months | 22 hours | 92% | Kittens sleep extensively to fuel growth with short blasts of energy in between resting. |
| 3 months – 6 months | 18-20 hours | 75%-83% | Senses are more fully developed and your kitten may exhibit plenty of spirited energy at human bedtimes. |
| 6 months + | 15-18 hours | 63%-75% | A kitten’s routine is more akin to an adult cat, with naps throughout 24 hours. Most active at dawn and dusk in order to hunt. Cats that are allowed outside will often spend more time awake than indoor cats. |
Do kittens sleep through the night?
Kittens do not normally sleep through the night. It is common for them to wake up fairly regularly, especially when they are in a brand-new environment with unfamiliar surroundings and are getting to know their new pet parents. Like cats, older kittens are often active at night when they would naturally hunt and catch their prey. Our human bedtime is therefore likely to be an active time for a kitten and they may want to pounce and play when we are dropping off to sleep.
Should I let my kitten sleep all day?
When they arrive in your home, younger kittens should be left to sleep for as long as they like. Sleep allows the body to focus its energy on rapid growth. As kittens can sleep for up to 20 hours, this is pretty much ‘all day’ but be prepared for short bursts of frantic energy in between napping! Older kittens over 3 months of age are likely to exhibit boundless energy. Active play during the daytime is a great idea as it stimulates kittens both mentally and physically, so they nap less when we are awake and sleep more at night.
As your kitten becomes a young cat, you can discover more about adult, feline napping habits with our article about ‘How long cats sleep for’ as well as all sorts of handy tips and useful advice on ‘Caring for your cat’.
