How to Get Your Cat to Use a New Bed (7 Tricks That Work)

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It's a classic: you buy the cutest bed you've ever seen and your cat sleeps in the shipping box. Here's how to turn that around.

  • Put it where they already nap — not where it looks best.
  • Add something that smells like you: a worn t-shirt or pillowcase.
  • Sprinkle a little catnip or silvervine inside.
  • Place it in a sunny spot or near a heat source (safely).
  • Raise it up — many cats feel safer off the floor.
  • Leave the box next to it for a while, then retire the box.
  • Be patient. Some cats take a week or two.

FAQ

Why does my cat sleep in the box instead of the bed?

Boxes are snug, insulating and smell neutral. A covered or high-walled bed with a familiar blanket recreates that feeling.

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