How to prepare a bed for a cat?
You should give your cat a designated place to sleep and rest. Cats usually sleep 12 to 16 hours, so they need a comfortable place to sleep.
A dedicated bed gives them a sense of security and can help reduce stress by providing a familiar, cozy retreat where they feel protected and can relax undisturbed.
How can I make a cat bed at home? You can make a comfortable bed for your cat using just a few things. Below are some things that you can use to make a nice bed for your cat.
Cardboard box: Here’s how you can make a bed for your cat using a cardboard box.
- Select a box: First, you need to select a cardboard box. Choose a box in which your cat can sleep comfortably without difficulty in moving around.
- Cut the box: Cut the top part of the box and keep only the bottom part. Keep the height of the box about 10 inches.
- You can cut a 7-inch U-shape on the side of the box that you want to put in front, which will make the box look nicer and allow your cat to get around easier.
- Decorate the box: You can decorate the box with colored paper or any beautiful fabric. Then you can put soft towels, pillows, or blankets inside the box. Whatever you use, make sure the bed is soft because cats like to sleep in soft places.
Here’s how you can make a cute cardboard bed for your cat.
Old t-shirt or sweater: You can even use your old t-shirt/sweater to make a bed for your cat.
Necessary materials: a t-shirt/sweater, some cotton or clothes, needle, and thread.
How to make: First, take an old long-sleeve t-shirt/sweater. Then sew the neck and shoulders of the t-shirt/sweater.
Fill the chest area and the two sleeves of the t-shirt/sweater with cotton or fabric.
After stuffing with cotton or fabric, sew the bottom of the t-shirt/sweater and the two sleeves. Sew the two sleeves together around the t-shirt/sweater. You can place soft towels or blankets on the bed you make for your cat.
Suitcase: You can make a bed for your cat out of suitcases.
How to make: First, you need to get a clean suitcase. You can remove the top of the suitcase if you want, or you can keep it if you prefer.
You can decorate the suitcase as you like. Inside the suitcase, you can put clothes, pillows, or blankets for your cat’s comfort. Make sure that the cat’s bed is soft because cats like to sleep in soft places.
Thus, with the help of suitcases, you can make a nice and comfortable bed for your cat.
Can my cat sleep in my bed with me?
Yes, your cat can sleep in your bed with you.
Benefits of sleeping with a cat in the same bed:
Sleeping in the same bed with your cat has some advantages.
- It relieves stress: Sleeping with your cat can help reduce stress and improve your mood. Sleeping in the same bed with a cat can lower your cortisol levels and increase your oxytocin levels, which can make you feel happier and less stressed.
- Improve sleep quality: Sleeping in the same bed with a cat makes you feel happier and less stressed, which in turn improves the quality of your sleep. Also, sleeping with a cat can increase your endorphin levels, which will help you fall asleep faster.
- Bonding: Sleeping in the same bed with a cat provides intimacy and a sense of security and trust. This trust will make your bond stronger. If your cat likes to sleep in the same bed with you, it is a sign that your cat trusts and loves you a lot.
The harm that can be caused by sleeping in the same bed with a cat:
- Parasites and bacteria: Cats can sometimes carry harmful bacteria that can make people sick.
- Toxoplasmosis: Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Pregnant people can pass the infection on to a fetus. Those with weakened immune systems are at risk for life-threatening complications.
- Roundworms (Toxocara): These parasites can cause visceral larva migrans, a potentially serious disease that can affect organs, including the liver and central nervous system. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, coughing, wheezing, and abdominal pain.
- Hookworms (Ancylostoma): These parasites can cause cutaneous larva migrans, an itchy skin disease. Symptoms include inflammation, itching, pain, and raised, red linear lesions in the skin.
- Campylobacter: This bacterial infection is transmitted from pets to humans via the fecal-oral route. Children under three years are at an increased risk.
- Allergic reaction: If you already have allergies, sleeping in the same bed as your cat can make your allergies worse.
- Disrupted sleep: Cats can disrupt your sleep by jumping or moving around in bed. This can make it harder to get quality sleep, which can negatively impact your physical and emotional well-being.
It would be best to let your cat have a separate bed.
Do cats need covered bedding?
Most cats generally do not like covered bedding. However, there are some cats that feel more secure in covered areas.
Before you give your cat a bed, you need to see where your cat feels more secure and comfortable.
Covered beds go a long way in keeping cats warm in cold weather.
It would be best to give the cat a bed that will let in enough light.
Where is the best location to place the bed in your room?
You should keep the cat’s bed in a quiet corner, away from drafts, where your cat can feel safe and secluded.
Another important thing to take care of is that the place where you put your cat’s bed is warm and has access to sunlight.
If your cat likes a high place, you can put the cat bed on a high surface. Make sure the bed is easily accessible for your cat to get in and out of.
Is it possible to keep multiple cats in a single bed?
If your cat’s bed is big enough for multiple cats to sleep easily and move around without difficulty, you can keep several cats in one bed.
But it is better to give each cat a separate bed. Generally, cats don’t like to share their sleeping space with anyone.
If two cats are not very friendly, they will not want to sleep together.
How to choose the right bed for your cat?
There are a few things you need to keep in mind when choosing a cat bed:
- Size: Get a bed that is the right size for your cat to play, sleep, and move around in comfortably.
- Easy to clean: Cats love clean places. That’s why you need to get a bed that you can clean easily.
- Soft and warm: Cats like to sleep in soft and warm places. Make sure the bed you choose is soft and helps keep your cat’s body warm.
