Because cats are crepuscular, meaning they’re most active around dusk and dawn, they often take to roaming around the house in the middle of the night. They might visit you in bed, hunt for any bugs that have gotten into your home, or try to start a game of tag with your dog or other cat. But sometimes it’s necessary to restrict your cat’s movement for everyone’s benefit!
Crating a cat at night can help with injury recovery, can aid in litter box training, and might even be necessary to help keep your cat safe. Not to mention the benefit of a good night’s sleep! If you’re considering crating your cat, you’ll need to be prepared with the right type of crate and introduce it carefully to help your cat learn to accept it. Crating a cat isn’t always easy, but these tips can better your chances of success.
Reasons for crating a cat
There are a number of situations when it can be helpful to crate your cat. Some are temporary, while others may be long-term solutions, such as when your cat disrupts your sleep.
To keep a new kitten safe
If your kitten is constantly exploring the house, they could potentially get into a dangerous situation while you sleep. Crating them can help prevent this and keep them safe while you’re not around to supervise them.
To aid in healing
If your cat is recovering from an injury or surgery, it might be necessary to restrict their movement so they can fully heal.
To help with litter box training
By keeping your cat in a crate with a litter box, they can’t go off and urinate elsewhere. They’ll be more likely to use the litter box than soil their bedding since they’re in such close proximity to it. Crating your cat can help them get used to the initial process of litter box training or be a tool when dealing with inappropriate urination.
To get a good night’s sleep
Some cat owners may crate their cats at night because their kitties otherwise disturb their sleep. By crating your cat, you’ll prevent them from getting into bed with you and waking you up. Keep in mind, though, that some cats don’t like being crated and will make plenty of noise to keep you up until you let them out again.
Providing safety and comfort to mother cat and kittens
Sometimes, a crate makes a wonderful nesting space for a mama cat and her newborn kittens. It’s a safe spot where the kittens can’t escape or get hurt, but it’s important to make sure that your crate is spacious enough for mama cat to maneuver around and clean herself.
Tips for successfully crate training a cat
If you feel your cat would benefit from spending time in a crate, these tips can help make the transition easier for you both.
Introduce the crate gradually
This can increase the chances that your cat will accept it. Feed your cat treats and meals in the crate while the door is open. As your pet gets used to the crate, start closing the door briefly while they’re inside. After just a minute or two, let them out again. The goal is to teach your cat that the crate is enjoyable without making them fearful.
Make the crate a pleasant place to be
Put your cat’s bed on one side of the crate and their litter box on the other side. You’ll also want to get a non-spill water dish, as cats should have access to water at all times. You can even introduce a reward, such as catnip or a cat treat, to create positive experiences in the crate.
How long can a cat stay in a crate? In most cases, it’s best to leave your cat in the crate only overnight. They will be more comfortable moving around and stretching out freely in an unrestricted space during the day.
What to look for in a crate
The crate you choose can contribute to your cat’s comfort and safety. First, look for a crate that’s large enough for your cat’s litter box and food and water dishes while still affording your cat a separate sleeping area. A larger dog kennel is often ideal, giving your cat enough space while still being small enough to fit easily into your home.
An optimal crate will be made of strong metal and will have multiple latches that curious and clever paws can’t operate. Choose a crate that has a spacious door, so it’s easy to get your cat in and out. A crate with a waterproof, removable bottom that you can scrub down and wash is a must.
Crating feral and sick cats
Although most pet owners consider crates for short periods of time, like overnight or while you’re out of the house, some cats may need to be crated for longer. This could be the case when catching feral cats for a trap-neuter-release program, or even for keeping outdoor cats safe in one place in anticipation of a vet appointment. Most of the time, a crate will be used until it’s time to transport the cat. At that point, a travel pet carrier will be most helpful, but you can travel with your cat in a crate if no other options are available.
For cats that are sick or that may need to be separated from other felines in the home, a crate can be a helpful tool. Of course, giving them a separate room or a larger space, like a cleared-out closet, is even better, but a large crate can also be used in the meantime. Cats that are recovering from contagious illnesses or that have come from rescues may need to be quarantined for over a month, so using a crate will only be a short-term fix.
Should all cats be crated?
While there are plenty of arguments in favor of crating cats at night, not all cats benefit from crating. Just like us, cats have their own distinctive personalities. Some cats may develop emotional problems like depression if they’re crated nightly. Other cats are largely nocturnal and may spend the night attempting to escape. Only you and your vet know what’s best for your cat, and some cats find being crated more upsetting than calming.
Crating a cat at night can be beneficial in some situations. It can be helpful while you’re litter box training a kitten or important for keeping your cat safe. Carefully introducing your cat to the crate can help them feel comfortable in the space, but there’s no guarantee that your cat will accept it.
Some cats will never be happy in a crate and may stress and fuss until you let them out again. While crating can be helpful, it’s not worth it if it causes your cat too much stress. Remember, it’s essential to prioritize your cat’s safety, and you may need to find another solution to the issue you’re facing.
