How to keep the cat off the bed without upsetting the cat or feeling as though you are being a mean greenie, can be tricky and dangerous.
When I say dangerous, I am jesting, however a cat scratch at 2 am isn’t pleasant and will guarantee extreme grumpiness the next day.
Some people love having the cat sleeping on the bed, on top of them, next to them, on the pillow, under the covers and so on.
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As a cat owner and cat lover, I feel reluctant to banish my lovely cats from the bed for fear of being seen as an ogre.
We see that kitty cat, sleeping in a ball and looking so comfy.
However, it doesn’t suit all of us to have the cat sleep on the bed.
Other cat parents do also seek ways to keep the cat off the bed.
Reasons Why The Cat Could Be Banned From The Bed
Cat fur can contain large quantities of dust mites, which can aggravate allergies and asthma.
Dust mites are tiny creatures that thrive in warm, moist environments, like bedding.
Their droppings can cause serious respiratory problems for people with asthma or allergies.
That’s why it’s a good idea to keep your cat off the bed – especially if you suffer from one of these conditions.
In some breeds excess cat hair can is also an issue.
Cats can carry parasites, including Toxoplasma gondii, which can be harmful to pregnant women and their unborn children.
Cats can also carry other parasites, including roundworms and tapeworms, which can be harmful to both adults and children.
Although this is not common, it may depend on where in the world you live and your situation, so don’t discount this reason.
These parasites can live in the cat’s fur and be transmitted to humans through contact with the cat, or by ingesting contaminated soil or water.
Cats can spread bacteria, including Salmonella, which can cause food poisoning.
As well as carrying parasites and bacteria that can be harmful to humans, cats can also be a nuisance in the bedroom.
They may jump up on the bed or furniture and scratch or claw at anything they can reach.
This can not only be disruptive but also damaging to furniture and bedding.
Insufficient rest – Is the cat disturbing your sleep? Some cats insist on sleeping on the pillow? That is enough of a reason to keep the cat off the bed.
Because cats are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk, it is not uncommon for cats to take a stroll in the middle of the night.
That’s fine for them, they can snooze when the alarm goes off at 6 am, when it’s time for you to get up.
Cats sleep for up to 16 hours a day and elderly cats even longer.
We can’t really blame the cat for our sleepiness. We are in control surely.
How To Keep The Cat Off The Bed
1. Get A Cat Bed For The Bedroom
Get a cat bed and put it in the bedroom.
When the cat gets to know that the cat bed is where he is supposed to be, that is where he will go – most of the time.
Cats also love heated cat pads and will be drawn to the pad for its warmth.
Make it more appealing for the cat by popping in a microwavable heating pad into the bed.
Place the cat’s bed at a point where the cat can see you and also see the door.
Warming a cat bed, using a microwavable pad, is one way to make their own bed so inviting that they cant resist a little slumber in the warmth.
2. Close The Bedroom Door
Close the bedroom door. This may work at night but it is mostly not practical during the day and takes a fair amount of effort to maintain.
3. Use a Physical Undesirable Barrier
This may sound a bit strange but does work. Hang a row of upside-down vinyl shower curtains along the perimeter of the bed to form a physical barrier between the cat and the bed. This is to train the cat and will be able to be discontinued after a while.
How do I know this works? I know because I successfully trained the cat to not jump up onto our leather couches using a very similar method.
Along similar lines…Cover the bed with a sheet or tarp to prevent the cat from jumping onto it.
4. A Bird Feeder
Hang a bird feeder outside of your window to distract the cat from jumping onto the bed.
If you have a bird feeder near the bed, the cat will be less likely to jump up on the bed. This is because the cat will be more interested in the birds and won’t want to jump up on the bed where they can’t see them.
This will be even more effective if you install a cat window perch.
Often bedrooms may be tight on space and a cat tree may just take up too much room.
5. A Cat Window Perch
Install a window perch near the bed, the cat will be more likely to sit there instead of jumping up on the bed. A cat window perch attaches to the window and the cat can gaze out of the window all day long.
Make it a comfy place for your cat. If a bird feeder is within sight of the window, that cat window perch will be the place to find the cat.
This will give them a place to watch the birds and other animals outside without having to get up on the bed.
6. Sprinkle Cayenne Pepper Or Citrus Peel Around The Bed
Another idea to deter the cat from jumping on the bed is to sprinkle cayenne pepper or citrus peel around the bed.
The smell and taste of these ingredients are unappealing to cats, so they will likely stay away.
This may have to be part of a broader deterrent scheme. At least the bedroom will smell nice.
7. Install A Cat Tree Near The Bed
Install a cat tree near the bed, the cat will be more likely to use it instead of jumping up on the bed.
This cat tree will give the cat a place to scratch, play, and nap, which may keep them from jumping up on the bed.
Try using a round sheepskin seat cover on one of the cat tree ledges. I found these covers to be super useful.
The rug can be popped into the washing machine when dirty. I moved it around from one place to another, for example into sunny spots in winter. A good size for a cat curling into a ball. No folding or messing about required as it was already a perfect shape and size.
I used real sheepskin but a faux sheepskin would work just as well.
8. Double Sided Tape
Cats don’t like strange sensations, especially sticky ones.
Using some double-sided tape on your cat’s favorite part of the bed may convince your cat that the bed isn’t comfortable and help them seek comfort elsewhere.
How To Keep The Cat Off The Bed – Other Methods To Try
Place a piece of aluminum foil or a runner on top of the bedspread to deter the cat from climbing up.
Many cats dislike the smell of lavender.
Put a few drops of lavender oil on a cloth and place it near the bed to create an unpleasant smell for the cat.
The bonus for us is that lavender has a calming effect and actually helps to promote sleep.
Other smells that the cat doesn’t like are vinegar, or peppermint oil.
Place a large Rubbermaid container on the bed.
A large container in the middle of the bed will make it hard for the cat to get comfortable.
Granted it is a bit of a nuisance to lift a container onto the bed however it could be the thing that works for you.
Cat furniture such as a scratching post near the bed can divert the cat’s attention from sleeping on the bed. The cat has an alternative sleeping spot that is desirable to them.
Why Is My Cat Always On My Bed?
Do you frequently find yourself looking for your cat?
One of the first places I would look for our cat was on the bed.
Often he was on the bed, snuggled up to my pillow. We know that cats find comfort in our scent as explained in this article.
Sometimes the cat would be up there on the bed, before I had a chance to make the bed.
I left him there until he decided to move on and then I made the bed.
For some cats, it is a safe place away from other pets or small children. The bed is their safe place.
Does the warmth of the sun hit your bed at certain times of the day.
Cats seem to know this and that warmth of the sun, coupled with the cosy bed that smell like you is an irrestible combination. The comfy bed beckons.
How Can I Keep My Cat Out Of My Bed At Night?
If none of the methods above work you may just have to limit the cat’s access.
One simple, effective and fool proof way to keep cats off the bed at night is to make the bedroom off limits.
Keep the bedroom door closed at night. You may have to be prepared for the cat wanting in to get in. Some cats can be quite aggressive and are not against throwing themselves at the door or scratching at the door.
If you have several lines of defence, that is, if several doors can be closed, you may have more luck with this method.
Then of course if you open the door, this is rewarding the cat for the behaviors and he will do it again. I know we all get sucked into this behavior.
We are human and cats aren’t!
Using An Electronic Device to Keep Cats Off The Bed
Just a word about using an electronic device.
Have you heard of an electronic deterrent that emits a sound when the cat jumps up on something they’re not supposed to jump? It is a way to train your cat to avoid the area. There is a lot of debate over whether or not electronic devices can be used to keep cats away safely.
Some people believe that the electronic frequencies emitted by the devices can be harmful to cats, while others say that the noise from the devices will frighten the cats away.
This is an example of a cat (or dog) training mat.
I haven’t used one of these devices and offer it here as a suggestion.
The comments from many cat users are positive and mention how quickly they were able to keep cat away from certain areas, including the bed.
Therefore I think it is a valuable method to consider for some.
Reading the literature states quite clearly that an electronic mat should not be used on senior cats, unwell cats, pregnant cats and so on.
I would say, don’t discount this method until you have had a chance to investigate for yourself.
If you’re concerned about the safety of your cat, talk to your veterinarian about the potential risks and benefits of using these cat repellent devices.
Putting any of these methods into place may help to keep your cat off the bed and allow you to get a good night’s sleep.
Whichever method you choose, keep in mind that it may take some time and patience for the cat to learn not to jump on the bed.
Be persistent and consistent with your training, and eventually you will be able to enjoy a good night’s sleep without worrying about your feline friend (until it is breakfast time for the cat).😊
