Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Where Should Cats Sleep at Night? 7 Vet-Approved Tips & Advice

Share

cat sleeping

While cats are mostly crepuscular, many of our furry companions like to match our schedules to spend more time with us. If that sounds like your cat, where should they sleep? And what are some tips you should follow?

We’ve highlighted some tips for setting up their sleeping area for you below.

divider 2 cats

Top 7 Tips for Setting Up a Cat Sleeping Area

If you’re trying to find the perfect area for your cat to sleep at night, there are a few things you can do to help them out. We’ve highlighted seven great tips you can follow to help your cat get a little more sleep.

1. Set Them Up High

Cats love high perches, so if you’re trying to set them up with an area to sleep at night, you’ll want to add some height. Find some spaces up high throughout your home and see if you can set their beds there. This can be with a tall cat tower, or you can make use of other higher elements in your home.

cat rubbing face on cat tower
Photo Credit by: Ellie Burnett, Shutterstock

2. Give Them Options

Cats like having different areas to sleep in, so if you only set them up with one area to go to bed, you’ll find them sleeping in other areas all the time. But if you can set them up with several options, they’ll be more likely to choose one of them to use.


3. Consider a Cat Bed

While you don’t need a cat bed, and your cat might not use one, having one or two strategically placed in your home is a good idea. Cats love insulated and soft spaces, so if you put the bed in an area they like, they should use it.

Our Favorite Cat Bed

Hepper Cat Nest Bed
  • COMFY KITTY - Your cat or kitten will have an amazingly deep sleep in this self warming, nesting cat...
  • PRETTY HOME - This round cat bed has a modern and unique design that’s perfect for a sleek indoor...
  • SPACE SAVER - Reclaim your desk, window sill, or couch from kitten encroachment. This calming nest...

Cats sleep away the majority of the day, so finding a bed that's supportive, warm, and secure is key. Most cats find the modern design of the Hepper Nest Bed irresistible, making it a practical option if you're looking for a rest spot your cat will use consistently. It's supportive and caters to felines of all ages, sizes, and ailments. The portability means that your cat can nap wherever you go — your desk, couch, side table, or even your bed. Learn more about the heavenly Nest here.

At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!


4. Find Low Traffic Areas

When cats are sleeping, they don’t like people constantly waking them up, and if people do, they will try and find a different place to sleep. So, if you have a quiet area where you can set their beds up, it’s more likely that they’ll come back to use it again.


5. Give Them a View

Cats like watching the world around them, and sometimes they’ll laze around before they fall asleep. If you give them something to look at and enjoy before they fall asleep, they’ll be more likely to use that bed again in the future.

cat sitting on cat bed
Photo Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock

6. Make It Comfortable

Everyone wants a comfy place to sleep, and your cat is no exception. Give them a soft place with plenty of insulation and try to keep it away from drafts. The more comfortable you make it for them, the more likely it is that they’ll come back and use it again.


7. Give Them Hiding Spots

Some cats can be a bit timid, and when they’re trying to sleep, they can feel especially exposed. Giving your cat a few hiding spots where they can cuddle up and go to sleep and not feel like they’re on full display makes it more likely that they’ll use that spot.

A cat sleeping between croshceted linen
Photo Credit: Bairyna, Pixabay

divider 2 cats

Should Cats Sleep in Your Bed?

Cats are social creatures, and you might find they want to sleep in your bed. If that’s the case, there are pros and cons to letting them sleep in your bed. There are emotional perks to letting your cat sleep in your bed, including an increased sense of security and emotional well-being.

However, there are also potential risks involved, such as accidental scratches and ingestion or inhalation of cat hair, particularly in susceptible or immunocompromised individuals or those suffering from cat allergies. It’s up to you to balance the potential pros and cons and make the best decision for you and your cat!

divider 2 cats

Final Thoughts

Now that you know a little more about how and where you should set up sleeping areas for your cats, all that’s left is for you to do it! Remember that they need multiple locations, so set up a few different areas for your cat and let them pick their favorites.

When you do, let them pick their favorites and then leave them to it at night!


Featured Image Credit: KatinkavomWolfenmond, Pixabay

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.




How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


Catster's Digital Magazine is Back!

Vet-approved health & behavior advice

Real cat stories & community features

Ask Dr. Paola – My Cat Loves Eating Grass, But It Makes Her Vomit! (June 29, 2026)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

Learning to Speak Cat with Anthony Smith

Many cat lovers know me through Learn to Speak Cat and Cattitude – Doggonit, cartoons that explore the often mysterious, occasionally mischievous, and...

Weird Cat Behaviors That Actually Make Perfect Sense

We have been sharing our lives with cats for thousands of years, yet we still find ourselves genuinely stumped by what they get...

The Dream of Talking to Cats Just Got Closer to Becoming a Reality

If you’ve ever wished your cat could simply tell you what they wanted, you’re not alone. From the meow that wakes you before...

More related

4 Health Cat Food Review of 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary 4health is the cat food brand from Tractor Supply Company, but you can also buy it at a few places online....

8 Common Litter Box Issues & How to Fix Them

It’s a common myth that cats always use their litter boxes without issue. For the most part, cats indeed learn to use a...

How Do You Know When Cat Labor Is Over? 5 Vet-Reviewed Signs

If you have ever been in a delivery room or seen a character give birth on a television show, you have an idea...

National Pet Day 2026: When & What Is It?

Pets have a magical way of making every day a special celebration, so it’s only fair they get at least one day when...

Keep reading

Can Cats Eat Melon? Vet-Approved Nutritional Facts

There’s nothing like a juicy piece of watermelon to quench your thirst on a hot summer day. Melons are sweet, refreshing, and full of fiber and nutrients. You might be wondering if your cat can benefit from the vitamins and...

Can Cats Eat Melon

Mobile Vet Clinics & Care: Our Vet Discusses Pros, Cons & FAQ

Your cat is wonderful at home but turns into some sort of Tasmanian devil the moment she gets to your veterinarian’s office. Is there an easier way to get her preventative care done so that you know she’s healthy? Let...

vet holding a cat

Is Dracaena Toxic to Cats? Vet-Reviewed Houseplants Examined

Having live houseplants adds a nice touch to your home and helps to keep your air clean, but our feline companions do enjoy playing with leaves and flowers. While many plants are safe, some common houseplants, like dracaena, are toxic...

Catster_Is Dracaena Toxic to Cats

Why Does My Cat Stare at the Wall? Our Vet Discusses Common Reasons & What to Do

There are many things our cats do that confuse and confound us, and one behavior that can be quite concerning is when they start staring intently at a wall. Are they sleeping with their eyes open? Do they see something...

cat staring at the wall

Does My Cat Need a Veterinary Neurologist? 5 Vet Reviewed Signs

Nothing is more terrifying than having your cat diagnosed with a health condition. It’s tough to see them suffering, whether it’s a minor trauma during playing or an underlying neurological disorder. Many cats show prominent signs when they need a...

cat and vet.

What Is It With Cats & Printers? Vet-Verified Facts

If you’ve ever lived with a feline companion, there’s a good chance you’ve wondered why cats love printers so much. Cats are notorious for sitting and napping on them, indiscriminately hitting buttons (sending paper flying), sitting in the paper trays...

Why Does My Cat Reach His Paw Out to Me? 9 Vet-Verified Reasons

There are several reasons that your cat may reach out to you, whether they are lying down or lightly tapping you with their paw while standing up. As you might imagine, the most obvious reason is to try to get...

cat reaching out

Why Does My Cat Lay Down to Drink Water? 6 Vet-Reviewed Reasons & Treatment

Cats will usually sit, stand, or lay on all four paws when having a drink, but there are times when you might see them having a proper lay down at the water bowl, not supported by their feet. This isn’t...

cat by a bowl

Love Cats? So Do We! Join the Catster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Catster Email Newsletter

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.