kitten in bathroom at night

by raidiris
(nyc)

I have a small studio apartment in n.y.c. and when I go to bed at night I lock my kitten in my small bathroom all night long. When I let her out the next morning she acts really wild and jumps on my bed and even scratches me in the face. Is it ok for me to do this?


Answer by Kate
Yes of course it is, especially if you live in a small place and if your cat would wake you up in the night.

the only thing is to make sure they are warm enough in there, they have their bed,a litter tray, some water and some toys to keep them amused if they do wake up.

her behavior is just her way of showing excitement to see you again etc. She shouldn't scratch you in the face and when she does this put her on the floor immediately, don't look at her or say anything and walk away. Do this every time so that she learns that this is a bad thing to do and gets this negative response.

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Ok to limit to bathroom
by: Anonymous

"Cats are far more social than people give them credit for. They respond very much to love and affection and locking your kitten up in the bathroom all night is denying it something that it would really enjoy. Your kitten may be scratching you because it really needs attention and you're not giving. You really should let it stay out during the night even if it means you'll have to wake up a few times in the night to play. The kitten will grow out of that phase, but will love you much more for the attention. You have to think long term."

Anon that is terrible advice. Just like people that cuddle their dogs who are terrified in thunder storms, you are just reinforcing the behavior which is not going to be good for both of you in the long run. When that cat is 2 years old and 14 lbs and still stepping on your face to play at 2am, you won't be as forgiving as with a new kitten. As long as the cat has all of the food/water/litter it needs at night, that's fine. I live in a studio apt with a rambunctious young cat too and I feel your pain. You can also try getting a timed automatic feeder so that your cat stops relying on you and waking you for food, and making sure to let your cat hunt/play/groom before sleep like in the wild. The cats last portion of food in a slow release toy, plush a brushing before bed, may help her wind down and sleep better.
Not nice
by: Anonymous

Cats are far more social than people give them credit for. They respond very much to love and affection and locking your kitten up in the bathroom all night is denying it something that it would really enjoy. Your kitten may be scratching you because it really needs attention and you're not giving. You really should let it stay out during the night even if it means you'll have to wake up a few times in the night to play. The kitten will grow out of that phase, but will love you much more for the attention. You have to think long term.

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