How do i get my 7 month old kitten to sleep by himself?

Question

My kitten will not sleep alone but if we are in the room with him he will sleep all night.He panics if we leave him in a room alone and doesnt like to be alone at all.

Answer 1

Hi there...If you would like to change/adjust his schedule so that he'll also sleep at night consider by playing with him using more physical active activities (e.g. laser light) using interactive play for 10-15 minutes prior to bedtime to exhaust him so he'll sleep longer. If your cat isn't free fed (food available at all times) some people who feed their cats on schedule (once in the morning and once at night) have found that by feeding right just before bedtime also note that this has a sedating effect because their tummy's are full.

This particular method isn't known to many as most people are not willing to consider it, however one the things we as animal trainers/behaviourists do to break bad behaviours with animals is to ignore the undesired behaviour. What follows is called an extinction burst where the behaviour becomes progressively worst for awhile hoping for the same positive reinforcement as received in past. Eventually the animal learns this behaviour does not gains them any positive reinforcement and eventually fades away.

Here's another example of how an extinction burst works: This happens when a proven method of doing something that brings a desired response (i.e. stealing socks always elicits a chase from a human), all of a sudden stops working. The extinction burst is the part where the dog tries the proven method again and again, and hundred times stronger before they figure out that it just doesn't work anymore. Human equivalent: you're at the elevator. You pressed the button 10 seconds ago. This has always made the elevator come and pick you up. For some reason, there's no sign that the elevator's coming. You press it again. And again, and again and again, harder and harder, with more force (extinction burst!), until finally you just give up and use the stairs. If the original method doesn't work anymore, why use it?!

More on Extinction Burst:
http://www.shirleychong.com/keepers/archives/bursts.txt

Answer 2

Why is this a problem? If nothing else, sleep with a stuffed animal, baby blanket, or towel in your bed for a few nights. Then put the item in another room, pet taxi, or kennell with the cat at night. You may hear the meowing all over the neighborhood for a while, but he should eventually settle down. Just make sure he has access to water and a litter box if he is locked in for the night.

Answer 3

Try giving him a warm towel or cloth to sleep on and put a clock underneath it....the clock (if you use the right kind) makes a tick tock tick tock noise that reminds them of their mothers heart and helps them sleep better. Good luck!

Answer 4

My dog was like that. He still panics everytime I leave him. I didn't really mind it except he would bark for hours on end when I left him, but he didn't do it so much when he got used to the house

Answer 5

Your kitty is young enough to be trained to travel with you. It's a good idea, for you and the cat. Only time will tell with your girlfriend and her stuff. Cats can travel and be comfortable, ie: ship's cats, and show cats. What better way to enjoy time than with both your cat and your girlfriend? (Please make sure your cat travels in a carrier that is strapped in to the seat belt.)

Answer 6

This may sound weird, but try a teddy bear or other stuffed animal. It worked for my kitten. Best of luck.

Answer 7

sounds like my kitten
my advice to u is to find it a new snuggle buddy or leave him alone
he should get over soon though

Answer 8

try buy him a cat teddy ( just a suggestion)
try work your way though it with the cat teddy, cause 7 months ain't that young!
I find if you get something for him to feel comfortable with, he might stay alone!

Answer 9

Well stay in the room all day

Answer 10

Give him something to lay on that has your smell on it. My cat will lay on my housecoat all day.