Bringing home a new pet is joyful—and exhausting. Whether it’s a playful kitten or a wide-eyed puppy, your furry companion’s first few nights can disrupt your sleep in unexpected ways. Fortunately, with a few smart strategies drawn from expert advice, you can help your pet settle in while still protecting your rest.

For New Puppy Parents: Set the Stage for Peaceful Nights

Puppies thrive on routine, and nighttime is no exception. Experts recommend crate training as a sleep-saver—not just for your rest, but for the puppy’s well-being too. Keep the crate in your bedroom for the first few weeks so your puppy feels secure. This also makes it easier to respond quickly for bathroom breaks, minimizing loud cries or accidents.

Pro Tip: Take your puppy out for a final potty break right before bed, and avoid late-night water to reduce wakeups. Offer a chew toy or a calming food puzzle to help them unwind without getting overstimulated.

Consistency is key. Over time, you can move the crate further from your bed and build toward a longer stretch of uninterrupted sleep for both of you.

New Kitten in the House? Use the Play–Feed–Sleep Routine

Kittens can be surprisingly nocturnal—unless you give them a reason to sleep through the night. According to cat behavior experts and cat parents on forums like Reddit, a vigorous play session in the evening followed by a hearty meal mimics a cat’s natural hunt-eat-sleep cycle. This helps tire them out and aligns their rhythm with yours.

If possible, create a cozy, confined sleep space separate from your bed at first. Young kittens may not be litter-trained or aware of boundaries yet, and having a designated sleep area keeps them—and your bedding—safe.

You can ease separation anxiety by using a blanket that smells like their mother or adding a pheromone diffuser near their sleep space.

Should You Sleep with Your Pet?

Tempting as it is to cuddle up right away, sharing your bed with a new pet—especially in the first weeks—can disrupt your sleep more than you think. A recent AP article explains that while pet companionship can reduce stress, it often leads to lighter sleep, more wakeups, and fewer REM cycles, particularly with cats who roam at night.

Experts suggest starting your pet off with their own space. Once they’re house-trained, calmer, and in a predictable routine, you can decide if co-sleeping works for your household.

Final Tips for Restful Nights

Tip: Stick to a bedtime routine
Why It Works: Signals to your pet it’s time to settle down

Tip: Use calming enrichment (chews, puzzles)
Why It Works: Promotes relaxation without playfulness

Tip: Avoid last-minute meals and water
Why It Works: Prevents overnight bathroom needs

Tip: Start nearby, then create boundaries
Why It Works: Eases your pet’s transition to solo sleep

Sources:

– AP News – “Should You Let Pets Sleep Next to You?”

– Health.com – “Should You Let Your Pets Sleep in Bed With You?”

– DailyPaws.com – “How to Get Your Puppy to Sleep Through the Night”

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We at United Feather & Down wish you a good nights sleep!