Our question this week was:

I have two cats that I adore and have tried MANY times to have them sleep in my room with me. I am gone 12 hours a day for work and felt that this one of our only times to "bond". However, I am an extremely light sleeper and wake up constantly when they are in there. I have been putting them in the bathroom to sleep at night with their big beds and blankets. No litterbox in there with them. They were not using it when they were in the room with me at night, so I didn't think it was necessary to put it in there. So, my question is: is this a really bad idea? I feel guilty and I feel bad, but I don't know what else to do. HELP!

Sandy B.

Answer

Hi Sandy– thanks for your email. Goodness. Sounds like a difficult situation. First, I don't think it is ideal to put the cats in the bathroom at night and especially without a litterbox. They should have a box in case they need it. But in general, I don't think that is a good quality life for a cat. I don't think it is bad that you don't have the cats sleep with you but I think they should be in an environment that they find interesting – where they can look out the window, play or be stimulated in some way if the opportunity arises.

Have you tried playing with them when you get home from work? Using a feathery flyer or some other type of toy to get them good and tired? That may help them to sleep better at night and minimize their changes of waking you up.

Best of luck!


Dr. Jon


P.S. Do any of you have other suggestions for Sandy? email us!







To read most recent questions Click here!

Click here to see the full list of Ask Dr. Jon Questions and Answers!