Dealing with a Cat That Refuses to Sleep in Its Bed
① When it comes to surviving in the wild, the cat's primary concern must always be selfpreservation. This is especially true when selecting a place to rest. Optimal spots are those that are small, concealed, and surrounded by obstacles that offer protection.
② Once these criteria are met, if the terrain allows for a slightly elevated location, the cat will feel even more secure. The phrase 'high and dry' holds true here: being up high gives a cat a better vantage point, enabling it to see further and run faster. Psychologically, the cat feels unseen by enemies, yet it can see everything around. In the event of an emergency, it can quickly assess the situation and make a swift escape.
③ This is a crucial point. Many cats have the habit of changing their resting spots. In the wild, they cannot rely on one location for hunting and survival indefinitely.
④ Solutions:
The domestication of cats spans just over 3,000 years (compared to dogs, which have been domesticated for over 10,000 years). Even domesticated cats retain a significant amount of "wild instincts," though the extent and the nature of these instincts vary from one cat to another.
① Provide multiple sleeping locations:
This is a solution I've mentioned many times, and it's the most effective approach. Simple items like a cardboard box can suffice, or you can use other items that match its natural tendencies (like a pet carrier in a car). Offering a variety of choices may prevent your cat from bothering you on the bed.
② If you've invested in a new bed, how can you make it appealing to your cat?
Place items that your cat has used before—such as its old mattress or clothing—inside the new bed. Position it in a quiet corner and observe. Familiar scents can significantly reduce its aversion to the new sleeping area. If it sleeps in it once, there's a 99% chance it will be added to its list of preferred resting spots.
In Conclusion
When it's cold, place the bed in a warm spot where it can bask in the sunlight. Conversely, when it's hot, do the opposite. While a luxurious, highend, trendy cat bed might look appealing, a simple cardboard box can be more enticing. Even if the box is small, your cat will likely be drawn to it, eager to crawl inside.
