how do i get my cat to sleep on her bed?

Question

My 1 year old cat adopted me 3 mos. ago one day when she followed me home. First time I've ever had a pet so I'm a bit of a lose about behaviors. She's an extremely friendly cat and loves being around people. She took to sleeping on my bed but I'm getting very little sleep now as when I turn there she is next to me so I'm afraid of hurting her one day. My sister got my cat her own little bed for X-mas but I don't know how to get her to sleep on it. I've tried rubbing a bit of catnip but that doesn't work. Seems she doesn't like catnip (she won't go near her toys that have catnip). Tried putting her toys on their to make it seem a "safe" place and have even tried putting one of my t-shirts there as well. I've tried placing the bed everywhere I see her napping....Any suggestions? I know she'd be more comfy if she slept in her new comfy bed.....

Answer 1

I had the same problem with my cat...and when I got another kitten, he was jealous and slept on the bed and would fight her off...so since neither would sleep in their beds, I decided to put their bed next to mine and use one of my blankets [ you can also use a piece of clothing ] on their beds...it seemed to do the trick, they got used to sleeping on their own beds and stopped fighting each other...Hope it works! Good Luck!

http://4friendlypaws.tripod.com

Rosie

Answer 2

My year and a half old cat would never sleep in her bed. She has always felt more at home sleeping in my bed. I even tried laying down on the floor next to her bed in hopes that she'd lay down in it. No luck. I tried the catnip trick, too. She rolled around in the catnip and walked away. I watched where she napped and put her bed there and she stopped sleeping in those places. I put the blanket off my bed in her bed hoping that was what she really wanted...no luck. I finally gave up.

When I first got my cat, she was an 8 week old kitten that weighed just over a pound. I was worried about her sleeping in bed with me. I thought for sure I'd crush her. (I'd had cats in the past that slept in bed with me, but they were always much larger.) I soon discovered that if I accidently kicked her, she'd just get up and move. If I pulled the covers and she fell off the bed, she was ok. I also discovered that once I stopped worrying about hurting her (or worse yet killing her - she was so very tiny) I slept much better.

Sometimes you just have to give in. I think she's sleeping in your bed because she needs to feel close to you and safe and secure. So, look at it this way, you're making that poor little stray that followed you home feel very happy, safe and loved. :)

Answer 3

Cats will sleep wherever they please. You should get a cat bed just in case (a little cheap one will do) and put it somewhere like the top of your dresser, since some cats like to sleep higher up than other cats. It might choose to sleep on the bed when it's comfortable with you, especially because people are warm and cats like to be cozy when they sleep. It really all depends on the cat. If it's a huge concern, you can ask the people you're getting the cat from if it likes being high up or likes to hide etc.

Answer 4

"Women and cats will do as they please and men and dogs should get used to the idea."

I honestly have never been able to make a cat sleep where I want it to. They are very "choosie" and tend NOT to sleep where you want them to! I know most cats prefer a secluded area, kinda hidden away. You might try putting the bed next to a place where you sit a lot and put her in it and pet her alot while she is there. Put her favorite toys and treats in the bed. Brush her when she is in the bed (if she likes that).

The reason she gets in bed with you is for warmth and companionship. I have had cats sleep w/me (usually more than one at a time, too) for 10 years and I have never rolled over on one or squashed or hurt one. and I am a very deep sleeper. Their whiskers work as radar and warn them when you move. If you want, you might even try putting her little bed on your big bed.

One more thing, find something she likes to sleep on (mine always liked to sleep on mail or newspapers) and put some in the bed. But truth be told, she will sleep where she wants.

And by the way, when she rubs her forehead on you, that is a cat's way of saying "I love you."

Answer 5

Only about 30% of cats are responsive to catnip so she obiviously isn't. Cat beds are very attractive to the humans who purchase them and a cat may or may not care for a particular bed. Unless she is a very young kitten you will not hurt her if she sleeps beside you.

Cats choose the places they prefer to sleep and no matter how pretty, soft or comfortable you think the bed is it is obviously not her preferred sleeping place.

Answer 6

When she is napping, lift her gently and put her on her bed. Make the bed very appealing for her. My cat likes to nap or sleep in cosy spaces like my closet. Some cats like to sleep on a perch where they are "high up." All it will take is for your cat to sleep comfortable in the bed once and she'll go bck there to sleep again. And oh yes... it is quiet natural for cats to sleep with their owners in bed. My two cats do sleep with me all the time... neither had been sqooshed. And if you are a restless sleeper, your cat will know that right away and sleep by your feet.

Answer 7

One thing you could try is putting her new bed on your bed hoping she will get into it.

If not, then just try to get some sleep and don't worry about her. If you toss and turn and she doesn't like it she will move, otherwise don't worry about hurting her.

I worried just like you when I adopted a 5 yr old cat that just loved sleeping at the bottom of my bed, but I soon learned they are quite able to survive most anything and move in seconds.

Answer 8

Their sleeping locations are as varied as their personalities. Some like to be secluded and out of the way. Others like to be where they are close to the action. Some like soft warm places, others like sunny nooks and crannies. I have seen cats that love to sleep high up on top of cupboards and bookcases. Where they choose to sleep is often part of each cat’s unique personality and response to their environment.

I put my cats bed right next to my deck window where she always stands looking out. She naps and sleeps most of the time there.......but i do admit i love when i wake up and she is sleeping at the bottom of my bed!!!!
I use to worry too about hurting her but did research and read about the whiskers being radars like a comment above.

Answer 9

I can't help you with your question, my cat sleeps on my head, no joke! She moves off when I roll over. It's so nice that there are still people like you out there. Your cat is very lucky to find a loving owner to adopt!

Answer 10

First off, don't worry about rolling over on her. In the 13 years i've had my cat who insistes on sleeping against my legs, he has never been smushed... at least, he doesn't seem to be hurt by my turning over. Cat's a funny animals... you can't make them do anything, nevermind sleep where you want them to. The only way to get her to not sleep in your bed is to close her out. You could do this and leave the cat bed out in an area she likes.