How to Get Your Cat to Sleep in a Cat Bed: A 7-Night Plan
Want to know how to get your cat to sleep in a cat bed instead of the laundry pile? Put the right bed type in the spot your cat already likes, make it smell like home, and reward every visit for about a week. Most cats ignore a new bed because of where it is or how it feels, not because they dislike beds.
Below is a calm 7-night plan, a quick "sleeper type" quiz, and a fix-it table for the most common problems. Happy National Cat Day, by the way. A comfy nap spot is a lovely way to celebrate.
Why Your Cat Ignores the New Bed
Cats are choosy sleepers for a good reason. They feel vulnerable when they nap, so they look for places that feel safe, warm and quiet. The Ohio State University Indoor Pet Initiative notes that cats pick secure, comfortable spots away from household traffic, and that a resting cat should be left in peace (OSU Indoor Pet Initiative).
So when a bed sits unused, it usually fails one of these checks:
- Wrong place: a busy hallway, next to the litter box or near a loud appliance.
- Wrong style: an open cushion for a cat that loves to hide, or a closed cave for a cat that likes to watch the room.
- Wrong smell: new fabric smells like a factory, not like your home.
- Wrong temperature: a bed on a cold floor near a draughty door.
What Kind of Sleeper Is Your Cat?
From the Cutier Store team: here's what our customers ask us most. "Which bed will my cat actually use?" Our honest answer is to watch where your cat naps for three days. Then match the bed to the habit.
| If your cat naps… | They are a… | Try this bed style |
|---|---|---|
| Under the duvet, in boxes or in closets | Burrower | Covered cave or sleeping-bag bed |
| On top of the sofa back or a shelf | Watcher | Raised or hanging bed with a view |
| Right next to you, every night | Cuddler | Bedside bed at mattress height |
| Stretched out on warm floors or sunny spots | Sprawler | Large flat cushion or mat |
Many cats are a mix, and that's fine. VCA Animal Hospitals suggests cats should have at least two resting areas, kept away from food and litter (VCA feline environmental needs). Two different bed styles in two spots covers both moods.
The 7-Night Plan
Nights 1–2: Put the bed where they already sleep
Place the new bed on or right beside your cat's current favourite spot. Don't move it to where you want it yet. Lay a worn T-shirt or their usual blanket inside so it smells familiar.
Nights 3–4: Make it the best seat in the house
Drop a few treats inside at bedtime. Play a short wind-down game nearby, then let your cat settle. Never place them in the bed or shut them in. A cat that chooses the bed is a cat that keeps choosing it.
Nights 5–6: Slide it slowly
If you want the bed somewhere new, move it about a metre a day. Keep it warm, off cold tiles and away from doors that slam. Keep the same blanket inside.
Night 7: Add a second option
Add a different style somewhere else, such as a covered bed in a quiet room plus an open bed near you. Your cat now has a "hide" spot and a "hang out" spot.
How to Get Your Cat to Sleep in Their Bed Instead of Yours
Some cats will always love your pillow, and that's okay if you're happy with it. If you'd like a little more room, give them a spot that still feels close to you. A bedside cat bed lets a cuddler stay near you without sitting on your face at 3am. Put your worn pyjama top inside for the first week.
Keep bedtime routines the same each night. Play, a small snack, lights down, then the bed. Cats love predictable evenings.
Quick Fix Checklist
- Bed is at least a few steps away from the litter box and food bowls.
- Bed is off cold floors in winter, and out of direct heat in summer.
- Inside smells like home (your clothes or their blanket).
- Covers are washed with a mild, unscented detergent.
- There's a second bed in a different style somewhere else.
- You reward visits with calm praise or a treat, never by grabbing them.
One important note: if your cat suddenly changes where or how much they sleep, hides more than usual, or seems stiff getting up, please ask your vet. Sleep changes can be a sign that something needs checking.
How to Choose a Cat Bed Your Cat Will Use
Here are a few picks from our shop that match the sleeper types above:
- For burrowers: our cat cave bed is an enclosed plush house with a removable, machine-washable cushion. It comes in three sizes and brown or grey.
- For cuddlers: the hanging bedside cat bed keeps your cat right beside you and saves floor space.
- For snugglers who love a blanket: a cat sleeping bag bed gives that under-the-duvet feeling.
- For chilly rooms: the warm indoor cat house is a cozy winter hideaway.
Browse every style in our cute pet beds collection. For more cold-weather ideas, read our guide on how to keep your cat warm in winter indoors.
Give your cat a nap spot they'll choose on their own. Every Cutier Store order ships free. Orders are dispatched within 24–48 hours and usually arrive in 2–12 days.
FAQ
How long does it take for a cat to use a new bed?
Some cats hop in on day one. Others need one to two weeks. Keep the bed in a favourite spot, add a familiar smell, and stay patient.
Should I put catnip in my cat's bed?
A small sprinkle can make some cats curious. Not every cat reacts to catnip, so a worn T-shirt or their own blanket is often more reliable.
Why does my cat sleep in the bed in the day but not at night?
Your cat may want to be near you at night. Try moving a second bed into your bedroom, ideally close to your side of the bed.
Is a covered or open cat bed better?
It depends on your cat. Burrowers and shy cats often prefer covered beds. Watchers and sprawlers usually like open or raised beds. Many homes do best with one of each.
Where is the best place to put a cat bed?
Pick a quiet, warm spot that your cat already likes, away from litter and food. A raised spot or a place near you often works well.
