While there is no denying that most cats spend a lot of time sleeping, some felines might need a little extra sleep support. Restful sleep is crucial to your cat’s wellness, so it’s important for you to create a calming cat bed environment where sleep will come easily. You might also consider some fun cat accessories and supplements to ensure your feline has a dreamy sleep experience every night.
Creating a Calm Sleep Environment for Your Cat
To ensure your feline gets their beauty rest, take the following steps to create a calming sleep environment:
- Decide if you want your cat to sleep with you
- Choose the best calming cat bed
- Keep their sleep space at an appropriate temperature
- Reduce light pollution but allow them to roam
Is It Safe for My Cat to Sleep With Me?
There are some risks associated with sleeping with your dog or your cat. One primary concern is that your cat, who is active at night, will disrupt your sleep. It’s also possible that if you have a mild allergy to cat dander it could become more pronounced if your cat spends time in bed with you. Similarly, if your cat has fleas or parasites, they are more likely to share them if you sleep in the same bed. It’s also possible that you might roll over and accidentally injure your cat in the night.
Despite these risks, many families sleep with their adult cats. Don’t ever sleep with a kitten, as they are small and fragile and much more likely to be accidentally injured. While sleeping with your cat is acceptable and generally safe, your cat might prefer a calming cat bed instead. They should always have the option to sleep somewhere else.
Choose the Best Type of Calming Cat Bed
Your cat’s bed will be one of the most important components of restful sleep. There are many types of calming cat beds specifically designed to comfort cats as they rest. Their small, encompassing shapes make cats feel safe, and they are often made of fur-like material that is reminiscent of the cat’s mother.
When choosing the best calming pet bed for your feline friend, consider factors like:
- Size. The bed needs to be large enough to hold the cat but also cozy so it creates a sense of security and that “held” feeling for your feline.
- Durability. Some cats will knead on their bed or drag it around, while others will be gentle with it. Depending on your cat’s personality, you might want to spend additional money for a durable and sturdy bed that can stand up to some claws and teeth. You also might want to search for a machine-washable cat bed for easy cleaning.
- Design. Some calming cat beds are donut-shaped, while others are cave-like or tent-style. If your cat really loves being in small, dark, spaces, the tent or cave designs might be better than the donut style.
Not Too Hot, Not Too Cold
Temperature is extremely important in ensuring your cat’s calming bed environment is suitable. If it is too hot or too cold, it will be very hard for your feline to calm down and get some restful sleep. It’s very important that your cat is in a climate-controlled environment. If you are uncomfortable, they are, too.
Reduce Light Pollution, But Don’t Trap Your Cat
Cats sleep during both the day and night, so darkness isn’t necessarily a crucial ingredient for their calming cat bed environment. But their sleep cycles are deeply evolutionary and primal, and they developed when cats lived in the wild. This means that part of their day was spent in the darkness, so maintaining a dark environment at night might help your cat stay on a regular sleep cycle.
You don’t need to worry about leaving a nightlight on for your cat – they see just fine in the dark. On the contrary, it’s better to keep the house dark in the evening to encourage your cat to sleep. Never trap your cat in a dark room like a closet. Cats need to be able to roam freely throughout the evening and it’s usually inadvisable to crate a cat at night unless there are extenuating circumstances, such as during a healing period after injury or litter box training. Your cat needs access to water and their litter box during the night – and it’s unlikely they will sleep for the entire night, so they should be able to roam as they see fit.
Comforting Accessories to Help with Your Cat’s Sleep
Your cat’s sleep may also be improved by some toys for cats with anxiety like:
- Pillows that purr
- Soft toys that emit warmth
Purring Sounds Can Comfort Your Cat into Sleep
Your cat’s sleepy bedtime environment might be complemented by a battery-powered toy that makes purring noises. Purring is a comfort sound for cats – it generally indicates pleasure, and hearing a purring sound will remind them of their mother. The Purr Pillow Snoozin’ Sloth Cat Toy is super soft and has a touch-activated purr noise that lasts two minutes, lulling your feline friend off to dreamland (there is a similar toy shaped like a cat, as well).
Warmth Can Also Relax Your Cat and Encourage Rest
Cats are drawn to cuddle with and move towards warmth – you might have seen your feline friend curling up by the heating vent a time or two. If you really want to soothe your cat, you can provide a toy that gives off extra cozy warmth during bedtime. The Petstages Cuddle Pal Unicorn comes with a buckwheat-filled pouch that you can microwave for a few seconds, then place inside the toy for your cat’s cuddling pleasure. Warming beds are especially comforting for older cats that might be feeling joint discomfort as they age.
Supplements for Feline Sleep Support
There are some supplements that can support your cat’s healthy sleep cycle, such as:
- Melatonin
- CBD
- Herbal solutions
Melatonin Supplements for Cats Can Support Healthy Sleep Cycles
Your cat’s body already creates melatonin, which has a natural calming effect and works with your cat’s other hormones to promote healthy sleep patterns. Sometimes, if your cat is struggling to calm down and maintain a healthy sleep regimen, adding extra melatonin can help.
It’s very important to use a melatonin supplement that is designed for cats specifically, rather than giving human melatonin supplements to your cat. There are some minor risks associated with melatonin use and you should never give melatonin to a kitten. It might be a great way to encourage restful sleep for your feline friend, but do your research before using melatonin for cats.
CBD for Cats Can Support a Healthy Routine That Contributes to Proper Sleep
One way to support your cat’s sleep schedule is by providing a consistent and healthy routine. This means your cat should be getting proper nutrition, mental engagement, and exercise daily. A calming CBD oil can also be a supportive, useful part of this regimen.
CBD can support your cat’s physical comfort, making their active play time more enjoyable. It can also help them manage daily signs of stress and maintain a sense of calm. When your cat has good days, they have good nights, and CBD can support their standard health maintenance and be part of a proper wellness routine.
Herbal Solutions Can Also Support Your Cat’s Sleep
There are also many natural, herbal supplements that have been known to help with feline sleep schedules. Chamomile for cats, valerian for cats, and lemon balm are commonly found in many sleep supplements. Talk to your veterinarian about these resources for cat sleep support.
Sleep Is Part of a Healthy Routine for Your Cat
Your cat needs a lot of sleep, and it’s your job to ensure they have an environment that makes it possible. While you can’t force your cat to sleep when you want, you can provide your pet with the necessary tools to feel relaxed. If you provide a calming cat bed, comforting accessories, and healthy supplements, your feline friend should be getting purrfect ZZZs in no time.