Bringing home a new kitten is pure joy—until you realize your tiny furball thinks 3 a.m. is party time. For first-time cat parenting, adjusting to your kitten's nighttime zoomies can be a challenge. But don’t worry, with a few gentle changes, you can guide your kitten into a peaceful nighttime routine.
Understand Their Natural Sleep Patterns
Kittens sleep a lot—up to 20 hours a day! But their sleep often comes in short bursts. Since cats are crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk), your kitten may naturally be more alert during the evening.
Create a Cozy, Safe Sleep Environment
Help your kitten feel secure with:
- A warm, soft bed in a quiet area
- A cozy blanket or piece of your clothing for comfort
- A dim nightlight to ease any fear of the dark
Did You Know?
Kittens are more likely to sleep through the night when they feel safe and familiar with their surroundings.
Burn Off Energy Before Bed
An energetic kitten will have trouble settling down. Try this routine just before bedtime:
- Set a specific feeding time and feed your cat Carniwel’s high-quality kitten food with Omega 3 Fatty acids for shiny skin and fur.
- After your kitten has eaten, play a few rounds of chase or feather wand games in the evening.
- Wind down with gentle petting or brushing.
This helps mimic natural hunting, playing, and resting cycles.
Feed a Light Evening Meal
Just like us, kittens tend to nap after a good meal. A small portion of high-quality kitten food can help signal that it's time to rest.
Carniwel’s Fresh Fish & Shrimp Kitten Food is protein-rich and easily digestible, making it ideal for evening feeding.
Avoid Late-Night Attention
If your kitten meows or paws at you at night, resist the urge to play. Gentle redirection back to bed and keeping the environment quiet helps reinforce nighttime as sleep time.
Try This at Home:
Place a warm (not hot) water bottle wrapped in a towel near your kitten’s bed to mimic the warmth of their littermates.
Gradually Build a Routine
Consistency is key. A predictable bedtime routine helps your kitten associate certain cues—like a final play session and meal—with sleep.
Checklist for Better Kitten Sleep:
- Light Night Meal
- Evening Playtime
- Cozy Bed in Quiet Spot
- Calming Petting or Grooming
- Dim Nightlight
- No Midnight Play Sessions
Helping your kitten sleep through the night takes patience, but it’s all part of the adventure of first time cat parenting. With a little love and consistency, your kitten will soon learn when it's time to snooze and when it's time to pounce.
Know: How Long Do Kittens Need to Be with Their Mother?