Q&A for How to Get Your Cat to Sleep With You

Absolutely. Although adult cats have good bladder and bowel control, you never know when nature is going to call. If he didn't have access to a tray and soiled in the bedroom, this lays down a scent marker which could make him think its an acceptable place to toilet in the future.

Most cats are night-time hunters. They are most active at night and therefore are either playing together or getting into fights. Kittens especially have yet to reset their time clock (as adult cats can learn to be active during the day and sleep at night), so they are at the greatest risk of fighting during the hours of darkness.

This could be a sign she is anxious in your absence. Be sure to play with her regularly, so she is tired just before you go out. Schedule a meal for just before your departure, so she has a full tummy and is sleepy. Also, provide her with a comfortable place to sleep that is covered with a T-shirt that smells of you, and perhaps put a heat mat underneath to make it especially attractive.

It sounds like the cat has day and night switched around. Try and get her to exercise during the day so that she is more tired at night. Also, feed her about 30-60 minutes ahead of bedtime, so her stomach is full (but she has a chance to relieve herself before settling down). Provide an especially comfy bed for her, perhaps with a heat mat, and ignore any attempts to play or get attention.

If the cat is over 7 years of age and hasn't responded to the advice in the guide, then she might have a medical problem. Some health conditions can stimulate the cat's metabolism, which means that she is wide awake all the time. These cats often have big appetites and still lose weight. Your vet can check this out for you.

Be sure to provide both mental and physical stimulation for the cat during the day. Play with the cat, and use puzzle feeders to occupy their mind. Get a tall cat platform and put it beside a window so they can watch the world outside. Provide plenty of cat scratch posts near the places the cat destroys, so they can divert natural territory marking behavior onto something appropriate. Try a Feliway diffuser to soothe the cat and help them feel more secure.

Place an item of your clothing on your cat's favorite sleeping spot. This helps the cat get used to your scent and find it comforting. After a while, your bed, which also smells like you, will become a comforting spot, and your cat will be cozying up to you!