If you just adopted or brought home your new kitten, one can naturally get very excited about the life ahead of them: companionship, years of good honest fur-filled memories. But the first night is often difficult. In just a short time, they may have experienced many things like being separated from their mother and littermates, adjusting to a new home, being exposed to strangers and possibly traveling long distances. This can all just feel too much, it might make for a terrible first night or two between you and your pet.
First thing to decide is where you are going to allow your kitten to sleep. And you will likely also want to prepare with necessary supplies for a pleasant environment. The good news is, there are some great ways to soothe your little furball, de-stress the environment and make for a better night’s sleep all round. Here is how you can ease that transition.
How to Make Your Kitten’s First Night as Comfortable and Safe as Possible
The first night in a new home environment can be an overwhelming experience for her although bringing home a new kitten is a fun beginning. First, the new kitten needs a little room to adjust and start to get used to everything around her. So you need a small, secure room and make sure it is kitten-proofed where she can chill out. With a mild winter, you could also use a spare bedroom or even your mudroom as long as it is warm enough, quiet and cozy. It will reduce her stress as she can feel safe in this limited environment before venturing out into the real world. If you want to keep her near during the night, you can use your bedroom as long as she is safe in a pen or crate that is big enough for her kitten size. This peace of mind can be really relieving in those first few hours since it enables you to keep an eye on her and provide comfort. No matter which room, ensure that the room is devoid of anything harmful to her such as houseplants, human food, electrical cords or other small objects she can chew on. For ultra-thoroughness you can even get down to her level and explore the room from her point of view to find other potential hazards that you may have missed. A quiet, warm atmosphere is conducive to an easy transition. Your well done preparations will make your kitten more likely to settle in happily, which in turn will help her to feel at home.Top 6 tips to help your kitten feel at home
In addition to choosing the right bed for your kitten, there are a number of tricks to making an environment conducive to peace — and potentially stopping your cat from crying at night. Below are several tips that can help:-
Comfort Them with a Familiar Scented Blanket
If your kitten has come from a breeder, see if they will be able to give you a small piece of blanket that smells like the mother cat. Especially in the first few evenings, this well-known fragrance can give comfort and assurance. Kittens have a more sophisticated sense of smell than humans; even if you can’t perceive it, familiar odors help them transition. Or a calming diffuser will work too, which may reassure without making a scent so detectable to humans.
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Keep a Comfortable Temperature
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Use a Heartbeat Pillow
A pillow that recreates the mother cat’s heartbeat can bring comfort to a sense of companionship. There is a heartbeat device hidden within the pillow that vibrates in the same way as a heart, which can help ease anxiety and bring comfort.
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Consider a Heated Bed
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Create a Private Hideaway
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Gently guide them to sleep in their own bed
As your kitten adjusts to her new home and gets to know where the litter box is, you may want to give her a spot of her own to sleep rather than allowing him or her to sleep in with you, as much as that may be appealing. Give it a few weeks, and you can always re-evaluate if necessary.
Becoming Friends on First Night to Ease Your Kitten Adoption into Her New Place
The first night or two with your new kitten will probably be a bit tough in the beginning, but so long as you have her living setup comfy, cozy, warm and safe she should mostly transition well and start getting to know her new family. If you take time to plan for her and make sure that she is okay, then the transition will be easier, making her feel safe and relaxed in this new place. A bed, a cuddle, some gentle words and patience will do the trick. Soon these initial nights will be happy memories as your kitty settles into a treasured family member.
Why is my kitten crying on her first night at home?
Kittens often cry during their first night in a new environment due to anxiety and loneliness. Being separated from their mother and littermates can be overwhelming, especially in a strange place. Providing comfort through familiar scents, a warm environment, and soft bedding can help ease her anxiety. Gradually, your kitten will adjust to her new home and the crying should decrease as she becomes more comfortable.
How can I help my kitten feel safe on the first night?
To help your kitten feel secure, create a calm and cozy environment. Provide a private, safe space where she can retreat and feel safe. Use a familiar blanket or a piece of clothing with your scent to comfort her. Also, ensuring the room is quiet and dimly lit will make her feel more relaxed.
Should I let my kitten sleep with me on the first night?
While it’s tempting to let your kitten sleep with you for reassurance, it’s generally better to encourage her to sleep in her own bed. This helps establish boundaries and encourages independence. However, placing her bed near yours can provide comfort and reassurance without encouraging dependence.
What is a heartbeat pillow, and how does it help my kitten sleep?
A heartbeat pillow is a small, soft pillow that mimics the rhythmic sound of a heartbeat. It provides comfort to young kittens who are missing the presence of their mother and littermates. The sound can be soothing and help calm your kitten, making her feel less alone. These pillows are especially helpful during the first few nights in a new home.
Can I use a heating pad to keep my kitten warm at night?
Yes, using a heating pad can help your kitten stay warm, but it’s important to do so safely. If you use a heating pad, make sure it is on a low setting, and cover it with a blanket to avoid burns. Alternatively, a heated bed designed for kittens is a safer option. Always ensure your kitten has the ability to move away from the heat source if she gets too warm.
How do I create a private hideaway for my kitten?
A private hideaway can be as simple as a cozy bed or a small, enclosed space where your kitten can retreat when she feels scared or overwhelmed. You can use a soft, padded box or a covered cat bed in a quiet, low-traffic area of the house. This gives your kitten a space to call her own, helping her feel safe and secure.
How can I help my kitten adjust to her new home beyond the first night?
The first night is just the beginning of your kitten’s transition to her new home. Establishing a routine, offering regular meals, playtime, and gentle affection will help her feel more at ease. Over time, allow her to explore different areas of the house, always ensuring she has a safe space to retreat when needed.
Should I wake my kitten if she’s sleeping during the night?
It’s usually best to let your kitten sleep undisturbed during the night. Kittens need a lot of sleep for healthy growth and development. If your kitten is sleeping soundly, it’s a sign she feels comfortable and safe. Let her rest, and provide a consistent sleep schedule to help her establish a routine.
When should I start training my kitten to sleep in her own bed?
You can start encouraging your kitten to sleep in her own bed right from the first night. Gently guide her toward her bed, but be patient and avoid forcing her to stay there. Kittens, like human babies, need time to adjust. Consistency is key—each night, guide her back to her bed, and she will eventually understand that it’s her designated resting place.
Can I use calming products to help my kitten sleep?
There are calming products available for kittens, such as pheromone diffusers or sprays. These mimic the calming scent of a mother cat and can help ease anxiety. If your kitten seems particularly stressed or anxious on her first night, you can try using these products in conjunction with other comfort measures to promote relaxation and a better night’s sleep.