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 Expert Tips & Advice

cat sleeping

While cats are mostly nocturnal, 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’t 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
  • HAPPY COZY CATS - Your kitty will bask in luxurious sherpa-lined comfort while feeling warm, safe,...
  • MODERN DESIGN - Contemporary styling with upholstered fabric construction; just like your human...
  • WARM FLEECE LINER - Self warming, thick sherpa fleece with microfiber trim.

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

Cats can be a bit timid, and when they’re trying to sleep, they can feel especially insecure. 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’s also a fair risk of physical health concerns it can cause. Some of these concerns include potential parasites and breathing issues. 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.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Is It True That All Cats Have Henry’s Pocket? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

It’s not where we would choose to have a pocket, but Henry’s Pocket isn’t there for cats to keep their keys and change...

Why Is My Cat Peeing on My Bed? 6 Vet-Reviewed Reasons for This Behavior

If you come home to find a damp patch of cat pee on your bed, it can be pretty frustrating. But rather than...

Can Cats Eat Raw Eggs? Vet-Reviewed Health & Safety Guide

As cat owners, we often find ourselves wondering if our feline friends can indulge in the same foods we enjoy. As obligate carnivores,...

What Do the PrettyLitter Colors Mean? Explanation with Color Chart

Staying on top of your cat’s health can be difficult, even if you religiously take your pet to the veterinarian for regular checkups...

More related

Can Cats Eat Prosciutto? Vet-Approved Nutritional Advice & FAQ

One might not think cats would be beggars like dogs when it comes to our food, but they can be! If your cat...

National Pet Preparedness Month 2025: When & What Is It?

Throughout recorded history, countless pets and animals have been lost to the unfathomable forces that are natural disasters. From hurricanes savaging the South...

How to Identify and Stop Food Aggression in Cats: Vet-Reviewed Advice

Cats are in touch with their wild side. You’ll see examples in their behavior, which may seem inappropriate in the home setting, but...

Scented vs Unscented Cat Litter: Our 2025 Comparison, Pros & Cons

There are so many types of cat litter on the market that choosing the right one can be a bit of a struggle....

Keep reading

Can Loud Music Harm a Cat? Vet-Reviewed Info

Ears, unfortunately, don’t have the handy ability to shut. If you enjoy listening to loud music, you’re forcing your cats to endure it, too. If you share your house with a cat, you might already be aware that loud noises...

cat lying between speakers

Aural Hematoma in Cats: Vet Reviewed Signs, Causes & Care

Your cat’s ears are fascinating parts of their body. They can give you information about how your cat is feeling, and petting, scratching, or massaging them will strengthen your bond. However, various ear problems can occur in cats, one being...

Cat with Aural Hematoma

Do Our Cats Feel Happiness? 5 Signs & Playing Tips

Research shows that cats have systems of emotions that trigger certain emotional and behavioral responses.1 However, the word emotion in this sense refers to something a little bit different than feelings. While cats and humans don’t experience the same range...

white British long haired cat smiling or happy

How to Make My Cat More Active: 10 Vet-Approved Exercises & Tips

Do you have a lazy cat? Are you trying to figure out how to make your cat more active? Cats are undoubtedly different from dogs in this department, and sometimes, it takes a little creativity to ensure your cat is...

cat-playing-ball

Can Cats Eat Limes? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

Our feelings about our pets have changed. Many people see themselves as parents instead of owners. That’s reflected in the fact that some manufacturers label their products as human-grade, although no legal framework for this term exists; it’s simply marketing....

Can Cats Eat Limes

Cat Urinary System: Vet-Verified Health Guide (With Diagram)

Cats’ urinary systems remove waste products, ensure proper electrolyte balance, and help with vitamin D processing. The urinary system has several organs, including the kidneys, bladder, urethra, and ureters, which run from the bladder to the kidneys. The urethra is...

cat coming out of a litter box

Why Is My Kitten Always Hungry? 9 Vet-Approved Reasons

Striving to meet your pet’s needs and ensuring their overall happiness and well-being is imperative and something you will be doing daily. It can be bothersome at times if your kitty seems to be eating non-stop, though. A relentless hunger...

Do Cats Eat Less in Summer? Vet-Approved Seasonal Feeding Guide

Have you ever noticed that when winter comes, you start to eat more and crave heartier foods, while when summer rolls around, you move more and eat less? Believe it or not, cats may also eat less food in the...

Bengal cat beside food