Just for Kids: Where Should Your Cat Sleep?

You may have noticed that cats really like to sleep. Depending on their age and personality, most cats spend 13 to 16 hours every day curled up in slumber. Where cats sleep isn't usually a problem, like this poem says:

Cats sleep anywhere, any table, any chair.
Top of piano, window-ledge, in the middle, on the edge.
Open drawer, empty shoe, anybody's lap will do.
Fitted in a cardboard box, in the cupboard with your frocks.
Anywhere! They don't care! Cats sleep anywhere. (Eleanor Farjeon)

When it comes to sleep, your cat likes warm and cozy. She looks for a place that feels comfortable and safe and has the right temperature. When the weather is warm, she likes to stretch out in high shaded places. During the cool winter months she might find a place in the warm sunshine or near a heat source, and there she'll curl up into a ball with her face tucked between her paws. This keeps her nice and warm.

Make Your Own

You can make a comfortable bed for your kitty yourself. Cats like to sleep on something – and this can be anything from a folded towel or blanket to a pad purchased in a pet store. This type of bed is portable and usually washable. Some are electro-statically charged to capture dander and hair; and some are made of fake fur or sheepskin to provide extra warmth. Your cat may also enjoy climbing into a large basket or cardboard box lined with a blanket just as well.

Buy One at the Pet Store

You can also buy a bed at the pet store. There are all kinds and all prices of cat beds – anything from cup-style beds to hammocks to bunk beds are available, with a variety in between.

• Cats like cup-beds because the circular design follows the natural contour of a curled up cat. Some of these are fleece-lined with a lining that you can detach and wash in the washing machine.
• Bunk beds, chaise lounges and stuffed chairs or sofas are available for your cat, too. They are a bit bulky and not quite so portable, but they are comfortable and attractive.
• Cat trees provide a natural setting that appeals to your cat's love of heights. Some trees also give your cat a place to scratch – something she likes to do when she wakes up – and if you have more than one cat, they may all find a place to sleep in their "tree."
• Your indoor kitty may enjoy a bit of the outdoors and would love stretching out on a window perch, maybe in a nice sunny location where she can see some backyard action. However, take care with open windows; make sure screens are sturdy and secure because your cat has little regard for screens and may knock one out to get outside.

Be sure to place your cat's bed in an area that is comfortable, safe and has the right temperature. Don't put it where there is a lot of family activity and don't put it in a cool or damp place. Don't put it near the family dog. Don't put it near the front or back door. Place it in a quiet corner where the family gathers like the family room or kitchen, or if you like you can keep it in your bedroom. Some cats have been known to be quite cozy on top of the refrigerator where they can watch the family while enjoying the warmth of the motor.

Let Your Kitty Sleep With You

If your parents and your cat like this idea, you can let your kitty curl right up with you. Pets love to cuddle up in a cozy bed with their best friend and you might like it too. But there are some things you might want to consider before you allow this.

• Cats don't usually sleep through the night and they often wake up too, too early. This might be 4 or 5 am. At this point they may want to be fed and they may also want to play.
• Cats are fascinated with anything that moves, and if the nearest thing is your toes, you may have a painful awakening.
• Although cats are known to be very clean, they still step in and out of the litter box.
• You might have allergies and may need to have time away from your kitty, especially when you are sleeping.

Most of these problems can be handled, however, and training your pet is always worth the effort. Your cat can learn to stay quiet when she wakes up, or she can learn to leave the room by herself. A firm "no" a few times may stop the batting game with your foot – a few hundred times may get her to stop all together. And you can help keep her paws clean if that is an issue or provide a towel or blanket on top of your bed.

Like the poem says, Cats sleep … anywhere … any table … any chair… With any luck, you will be the one to decide.