You bought a bed. Your cat is sleeping in the cardboard box it came in. This isn't stubbornness; it's a preference that can be understood and worked with.
What a Cat Looks for in a Sleeping Place
- Height. A vantage point that allows them to see without being seen.
- Enclosure. Walls around the body provide security. This is exactly what a cardboard box offers.
- Warmth. A cat's comfort temperature is higher than ours. They will find the warmest spot in the room.
- Quiet. Not a hallway, not next to a washing machine, not in front of the door.
Closed or Open Bed
A cave or dome bed is suitable for shy cats, for cold homes, and for cats that like to curl up. An open bed is more comfortable for cats that stretch out in their sleep and for summer. Many cats switch between the two depending on the season, so two beds are better than one perfect one.
How to Get Them to Use It
- Place the bed where they have already chosen, not where it's convenient for us.
- Put a cloth with their scent inside, a blanket they've slept on, not fresh laundry.
- Do not pick them up and force them in. This associates the bed with an unpleasant experience.
- Give it a few days. Cats check out a new place before committing to it.
In a Home with Multiple Cats
As a rule of thumb: the number of sleeping places is greater than the number of cats. A cat that doesn't have its own spot will start taking over another's, which is a common source of tension in the home.
Laundry
A bed that can be put in the washing machine will stay in use much longer. It's advisable to wash without fabric softener. Strong smells are a known reason why a cat abandons a bed it once loved.