Getting your cat to use their new bed might feel like trying to convince a teenager to clean their room. It’s an uphill battle! But with a little creativity, you can turn that brand-new bed into your cat’s favorite spot.
From sprinkling catnip to placing the bed in a sunny spot, there are plenty of hilarious and effective ways to make it happen. Let’s dive into some paw-some ideas that’ll have your kitty snuggling up in no time.
💤 Sprinkle Some Catnip Magic
Cats love catnip! Sprinkle a little on the new bed and watch your kitty go from “meh” to “mine!” in no time.
🧸 Add Their Favorite Toy
Place your cat’s favorite toy in the new bed. Whether it’s a fuzzy mouse or a crinkly ball, they’ll dive in to retrieve it and might just decide to stay.
🧦 Use Your Scented Socks
Cats are weirdly obsessed with your smell, so toss an old (clean!) sock or t-shirt in there. It’s like a cozy hug from you, but in bed form.
☀️ Place It in a Sunbeam
Cats are solar-powered! Put the new bed where the sun shines through, and you’ll have one toasty, happy cat who refuses to leave.
📦 Trick Them with a Box
Place the bed inside a box. Cats can’t resist the allure of a good box, and they’ll soon find the bed just as irresistible.
🍗 Offer Bedtime Snacks
Bribery works. Leave a treat on the bed and your cat will quickly associate their new sleeping spot with yummy rewards.
🛏 Move the Bed to Their Old Spot
Is your cat loyal to their current napping spot? Sneakily replace the old spot with the new bed and let them rediscover the joy of sleep.
😼 Try the “Ignore It” Trick
Cats love to be contrary. Pretend like you really don’t care if they use the bed or not. The more indifferent you are, the more they’ll be intrigued.
🛁 Warm It Up
A warm bed is hard to resist! Pop the bed in the dryer for a few minutes or add a heated pad to make it extra toasty.
📺 Let Them Watch TV from It
Cats love a good show. Set the bed in front of the TV or window so your cat can relax while enjoying their favorite bird-watching channel.
🕶 Make It a Hideaway
Drape a blanket over the bed to create a cozy cave. Cats love a private little nook to feel safe and hidden while they nap.
🧹 Sprinkle a Little Cat Hair
Sounds weird, but if you sprinkle some of your cat’s fur in the bed, it’ll smell familiar and feel like home.
🎵 Play Some Relaxing Tunes
Soft music or white noise near the new bed might just lull your kitty into a deep, comfy sleep.
👀 Fake Interest in the Bed Yourself
Pretend the bed is the coolest thing ever! Act like you want to sit in it, and your cat will quickly claim it just to keep you out.
🌱 Add Some Fresh Cat Grass
Cats love to nibble on cat grass. Place a pot nearby or sprinkle some in the bed to attract your kitty’s curiosity.
🧶 Drag Their Bed Around
Drag the bed across the floor with them inside it for a fun ride. Once they’re in it, they might just decide to stay.
💤 Match It with a Blanket
If your cat has a favorite blanket, lay it in the new bed. Familiarity is comforting, and they’ll settle in more easily.
🐾 Try a Little Paw Massage
Gently press their paws into the bed so they get a feel for the cushy softness. It might just convince them to stay.
🚀 Play the “Launch Game”
Gently place your cat in the bed and then launch them into a game of chase. When they’re tired, they might just settle in for a nap.
😻 Praise and Petting
Cats love positive attention. Give them lots of love and pets when they’re in the bed to reinforce that it’s a good place to be.
Getting your cat to love their new bed is all about making it irresistible. Whether it’s through bribery, comfort, or just a little reverse psychology, you’ll have them napping like a pro soon enough.
Remember, every cat is different. So, try a few of these tricks and see what works best for your furry friend like Whiskers or Mr. Fluff. Happy napping!
