How To Get A Cat To Use Their Bed
05.01.23 January 05, 2023 Owning a Cat

How To Get A Cat To Use Their Bed

For many cats, their bed represents their very own happy place within your home - an ideal place to sleep and relax throughout the day. Some cats, however, simply won’t take to their bed and may even opt for the box it came in. Whether your cat has recently stopped sleeping in their bed or was never fond of it at all, our blog will identify potential causes and offer effective tips to get them sleeping soundly in their cat bed once again.   Why won’t my cat sleep in their bed? Cats are particular animals and often want things to be just right, and as their bed is such a significant item in their life, it’s important that it meets their lofty standards. However, there could be a number of reasons why they’re refusing to sleep in their bed. Below, we’ve outlined some common causes: 1. Comfort - Humans and many animal breeds choose their beds based on the sponginess of the surface, the softness of the material and the overall feeling of comfort. Cats are different and sometimes find too much comfort to be unpleasant. For example, if a bed is super soft, it may suit a dog, but a cat may prefer a harder surface such as wood flooring and window shelves. 2. Location - You may choose to put a cat bed where you want it or based on the design of your home, but you should really think more about where your cat may want it. Cats are particular about the location of their bed and, more often than not, would prefer to sleep on the floor in a good location than on their bed in a bad one. 3. Smell -  As cats possess twice the amount of scent receptors in their nose as humans, smell plays an important role in how they perceive the things around them. Many cat owners are confused when their cat sticks their nose up at a brand new bed, but as it doesn’t smell like the things they’re used to - i.e. their home or owners - it can end up feeling unfamiliar.   Why has my cat stopped sleeping in their bed? If your cat has recently stopped sleeping in their bed, you may be wondering what caused the change. You should first consider if anything you’ve done recently could have put them off using it. For instance, if you’ve recently washed their bed, you may have thought you were cleaning away fur and eradicating any nasty odour, but you were in fact removing the scent that makes your cat feel cosy and at home. Alternatively, you may have moved your cat’s bed to somewhere they’re unhappy with, or you may have given them too much comfort by adding a new blanket or extra cushions. Other potential causes include feeling too hot or cold at certain points in the year, more of an emphasis on asserting their territory through a new animal coming into the home, a natural change of preference as they grow or a general desire to sleep elsewhere.   How to train your cat to sleep in their bed In an effort to help anyone that is having trouble getting their cat to sleep in their bed, we’ve provided a few tips to bear in mind below: 1. Consider the best bed for your cat - You should pick a bed that would suit your cat, choosing a tougher bed if they tend to sleep on hard surfaces or a softer bed if they’re more likely to sprawl out on the sofa. If your cat likes privacy, an igloo bed may be more suitable than an open bed, or they may simply prefer to have their bed in a more secluded area of the home. Not only is it difficult to choose the best bed for your cat, but it may be the case that they change their preferences as they get older. In order to keep your cat sleeping soundly in their bed, keep tabs on their behaviour and adapt to their preferences with beds that are more suitable. 2. Deter them from alternative sleeping spots - Cats often sleep in peculiar locations such as in laundry baskets, baths, in drawers and on top of hard-to-reach items of furniture. It may sound cruel, but by limiting their ability to reach these areas, you should be able to get your cat to sleep in the correct place. You could even place harmless deterrents in these areas such as tin foil and formulated sprays or close off certain areas of your home. By doing this, your cat should see their bed as being the more suitable place to sleep. 3. Lead them to bed - Primarily using treats, you can communicate to your cat that their bed belongs to them and should be used whenever they need to sleep. All you need to do is lure your cat to the bed using treats, encourage them to move into the bed and then keep a treat in your hand above their head until they sit down. Then, when they’re sitting correctly, give them the treat and lots of praise as a reward. Although this approach is best suited to kittens that are still learning how to behave, many older cats are likely to respond to treats too, so you could use this as a way of getting your adult cat to sleep in their bed or get used to a new bed. If, however, your cat isn’t fond of treats, you may decide to use their favourite cat toy or catnip as an alternative. 4. Pick the right spot - Working out the preferred place for your cat’s bed may be the difference between them using it or sleeping elsewhere. You can determine the correct place by monitoring where your cat often sleeps. However, while this is likely to help find the best place to put your cat’s bed, you should always bear in mind that your cat may change their preferred location in the future and the bed may eventually need to be moved elsewhere.

By Megan Willis

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For many cats, their bed represents their very own happy place within your home - an ideal place to sleep and relax throughout the day. Some cats, however, simply won’t take to their bed and may even opt for the box it came in.

Whether your cat has recently stopped sleeping in their bed or was never fond of it at all, our blog will identify potential causes and offer effective tips to get them sleeping soundly in their cat bed once again.

 

Why won’t my cat sleep in their bed?

Cats are particular animals and often want things to be just right, and as their bed is such a significant item in their life, it’s important that it meets their lofty standards. However, there could be a number of reasons why they’re refusing to sleep in their bed. Below, we’ve outlined some common causes:

1. Comfort -

Humans and many animal breeds choose their beds based on the sponginess of the surface, the softness of the material and the overall feeling of comfort. Cats are different and sometimes find too much comfort to be unpleasant. For example, if a bed is super soft, it may suit a dog, but a cat may prefer a harder surface such as wood flooring and window shelves.

2. Location -

You may choose to put a cat bed where you want it or based on the design of your home, but you should really think more about where your cat may want it. Cats are particular about the location of their bed and, more often than not, would prefer to sleep on the floor in a good location than on their bed in a bad one.

3. Smell - 

As cats possess twice the amount of scent receptors in their nose as humans, smell plays an important role in how they perceive the things around them. Many cat owners are confused when their cat sticks their nose up at a brand new bed, but as it doesn’t smell like the things they’re used to - i.e. their home or owners - it can end up feeling unfamiliar.

 

Why has my cat stopped sleeping in their bed?

If your cat has recently stopped sleeping in their bed, you may be wondering what caused the change. You should first consider if anything you’ve done recently could have put them off using it.

For instance, if you’ve recently washed their bed, you may have thought you were cleaning away fur and eradicating any nasty odour, but you were in fact removing the scent that makes your cat feel cosy and at home. Alternatively, you may have moved your cat’s bed to somewhere they’re unhappy with, or you may have given them too much comfort by adding a new blanket or extra cushions.

Other potential causes include feeling too hot or cold at certain points in the year, more of an emphasis on asserting their territory through a new animal coming into the home, a natural change of preference as they grow or a general desire to sleep elsewhere.

 

How to train your cat to sleep in their bed

In an effort to help anyone that is having trouble getting their cat to sleep in their bed, we’ve provided a few tips to bear in mind below:

1. Consider the best bed for your cat -

You should pick a bed that would suit your cat, choosing a tougher bed if they tend to sleep on hard surfaces or a softer bed if they’re more likely to sprawl out on the sofa. If your cat likes privacy, an igloo bed may be more suitable than an open bed, or they may simply prefer to have their bed in a more secluded area of the home.

Not only is it difficult to choose the best bed for your cat, but it may be the case that they change their preferences as they get older. In order to keep your cat sleeping soundly in their bed, keep tabs on their behaviour and adapt to their preferences with beds that are more suitable.

Different styles of cat bed

2. Deter them from alternative sleeping spots -

Cats often sleep in peculiar locations such as in laundry baskets, baths, in drawers and on top of hard-to-reach items of furniture. It may sound cruel, but by limiting their ability to reach these areas, you should be able to get your cat to sleep in the correct place.

You could even place harmless deterrents in these areas such as tin foil and formulated sprays or close off certain areas of your home. By doing this, your cat should see their bed as being the more suitable place to sleep.

Cat trying to sleep in a laundry basket

3. Lead them to bed -

Primarily using treats, you can communicate to your cat that their bed belongs to them and should be used whenever they need to sleep. All you need to do is lure your cat to the bed using treats, encourage them to move into the bed and then keep a treat in your hand above their head until they sit down. Then, when they’re sitting correctly, give them the treat and lots of praise as a reward.

Although this approach is best suited to kittens that are still learning how to behave, many older cats are likely to respond to treats too, so you could use this as a way of getting your adult cat to sleep in their bed or get used to a new bed. If, however, your cat isn’t fond of treats, you may decide to use their favourite cat toy or catnip as an alternative.

Cat in their bed with treats

4. Pick the right spot -

Working out the preferred place for your cat’s bed may be the difference between them using it or sleeping elsewhere. You can determine the correct place by monitoring where your cat often sleeps. However, while this is likely to help find the best place to put your cat’s bed, you should always bear in mind that your cat may change their preferred location in the future and the bed may eventually need to be moved elsewhere.

Cat asleep in their bed

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    14.07.25 July 14, 2025 Health

    A Step-by-Step Guide to Switching Your Pet’s Food: Tips for Both Dogs and Cats

    Transitioning pet food can feel daunting, especially if you’re unsure how your furry companion will react to the change. Whether you need to switch dog food to address specific dietary needs or try a new cat food formula for your feline’s sensitive stomach, a smooth food transition can help prevent tummy troubles and ensure your pet maintains optimal health. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about changing your pet’s diet—from the reasons behind a healthy pet food transition to practical tips on avoiding digestive issues in pets. Let’s dive in! Why Consider Changing Your Pet’s Diet? There are several reasons why you might consider transitioning pet food for your dog or cat: Age and Life Stage: Puppies and kittens have different nutritional requirements than adult or senior pets. As your pet grows, switching to an age-appropriate formula can support their changing needs. Health Concerns: Some pets develop allergies, intolerances, or medical conditions (like kidney disease or obesity) that require specialised diets. How to switch dog food without stomach upset is a common concern here, especially if you’re moving to a prescription diet. Picky Eaters: Some dogs and cats become bored with their current food, or they might simply prefer a different flavour or texture. Quality of Ingredients: You may decide to switch to a higher-quality or more natural ingredient list for better long-term health outcomes. Regardless of your motivation for a gradual diet change for pets, it’s important to do so carefully to keep your pet comfortable and healthy. Step-by-Step Pet Food Transition A step-by-step pet food transition typically takes about 7-10 days, but it can be extended if your pet has a sensitive stomach. Below is a general guide for both dogs and cats: Step 1: Consult Your Vet Before making any dietary adjustments, have a quick chat with your vet. They can help you choose the best formula based on your pet’s age, weight, and health status. This is especially important if you’re wondering about a step-by-step cat food transition for sensitive stomachs or dealing with a dog who has chronic digestive issues. Step 2: Gather Your Supplies Stock up on enough of your pet’s old food so you can mix it with the new pet food gradually. It’s also handy to have measuring cups or a kitchen scale to ensure consistent portion sizes. Step 3: Start With a Small Percentage of New Food For the first two to three days, mix about 25% of the new food with 75% of the old food. This ratio helps your pet get used to the new taste and texture without overwhelming their digestive system. Example: If your dog eats one cup of food per meal, use ¾ cup old food and ¼ cup new food. The same principle applies to cats—simply adjust the measurements to your cat’s usual serving size. Step 4: Increase the Ratio of New Food Gradually Over the next few days, adjust the ratio to 50% old food, 50% new food, and then to 25% old food, 75% new food by days 5-6. Monitor your pet’s response; if you notice digestive issues like diarrhoea or vomiting, slow the process down and remain at a 50-50 ratio for a bit longer. Step 5: Move to 100% New Food After about a week (or up to two weeks for sensitive pets), you should reach a point where your pet is comfortably eating 100% of the new food. Keep an eye on their stool quality, energy levels, and appetite. If everything seems normal, you’ve successfully completed a healthy pet food transition! Tips for Avoiding Digestive Upsets Go Slow: If you’re concerned about how to switch dog food without stomach upset, the key is patience. Rushing the transition can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, or loss of appetite. Add Probiotics: Consider introducing pet-safe probiotics or digestive enzymes to help maintain gut health, particularly for sensitive cats and dogs. Hydration is Key: Offer plenty of fresh water, especially if you’re switching from wet food to kibble or vice versa. Watch for Allergies: If you notice itching, skin rashes, or recurring ear infections, consult your vet to see if the new diet might be causing an allergic reaction. Common Mistakes to Avoid Sudden Changes: Never switch from one food to another overnight. It can upset your pet’s stomach and lead to poor acceptance of the new food. Overfeeding: Keep an eye on portion sizes. Sometimes, when introducing a new food, owners accidentally overfeed because they’re not measuring carefully. Ignoring Individual Needs: Every pet is unique. A dog food transition guide won’t necessarily be one-size-fits-all for every breed, and the same goes for a cat food transition guide. FAQs: Your Pet Food Transition Questions Answered Below are some frequently asked questions to help guide your smooth food transition for pets: 1. How long does it take to transition dog food? It generally takes 7-10 days to switch dog food, but for sensitive dogs, you may want to extend the transition period to two weeks. Monitor for signs of an upset stomach, and slow down if necessary. 2. Can I use the same transition timeline for my cat? Yes, cats typically do well with a 7-10 day timeline as well. If you’re doing a step-by-step cat food transition for sensitive stomachs, don’t hesitate to stretch it out to two weeks to avoid digestive distress. 3. What if my dog or cat refuses to eat the new food? Some pets are picky eaters. Try warming up wet food slightly or adding a small amount of low-sodium bone broth (for dogs) or fish broth (for cats) to make the new food more appealing. If refusal persists, consult your vet for alternatives. 4. Should I be worried if my pet has soft stools during the transition? It’s normal to see mild changes in stool consistency when changing your pet’s diet. However, persistent diarrhoea or vomiting is a red flag. If these symptoms last more than a day or two, contact your veterinarian. 5. Can I switch between wet and dry food using the same method? Absolutely. The same gradual diet change for pets applies whether you’re moving from kibble to canned, canned to kibble, or even between two different textures or brands. 6. Do I need to add supplements when transitioning pet food? Not necessarily. If you’re feeding a nutritionally complete and balanced diet, supplements may not be required. However, some pets benefit from pet nutrition tips like probiotics or omega-3 fatty acids. Always check with your vet before introducing new supplements. When to Seek Veterinary Help If your dog or cat experiences persistent digestive issues (vomiting, diarrhoea, or complete loss of appetite) beyond the initial few days of transition, consult your veterinarian. They can rule out underlying health issues, suggest a slower transition pace, or recommend a different diet altogether. Conclusion Switching your pet’s food doesn’t have to be an overwhelming ordeal. By following this step-by-step pet food transition guide, you can avoid digestive issues in pets and keep them happy, healthy, and well-fed. Whether you’re learning how to switch dog food without stomach upset or mastering a step-by-step cat food transition for sensitive stomachs, the key is to go slow, stay attentive, and prioritise your pet’s comfort. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to ensuring a smooth food transition for pets—and giving your furry family member the best possible diet for their unique needs. Looking for a new food to switch your dog or cat to? Check out our range of nutritious dog food and cat food. We stock leading brands like Orijen, Acana and Proplan as well as many more - there’s sure to be something to tickle your pet’s taste buds.

    By Megan Willis

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