Is It Cruel To Keep A Cat Out Of The Bedroom?

Cats are known for their curious and affectionate nature, so it’s understandable that many cat owners allow their furry friends to roam freely throughout the home, including the bedroom. However, some people prefer to set boundaries and keep their cats out of the bedroom for various reasons.

If you’re wondering whether this practice is cruel to cats, read on as we dive into the pros and cons of keeping cats out of bedrooms.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Keeping a cat out of the bedroom is not inherently cruel, as long as the cat has access to everything it needs like food, water, litter box, toys, scratching posts, and time with its owner.

The key is ensuring the cat doesn’t feel rejected or isolated.

The Potential Benefits of Keeping a Cat Out of the Bedroom

More Restful Sleep

Having your feline friend sleep in another room can lead to better quality sleep for you. Cats can be quite active at night, walking around, jumping on and off the bed, meowing, or snuggling up against you. This can disrupt your sleep cycles and leave you feeling groggy in the morning.

According to a 2019 survey by the Better Sleep Council, 53% of cat owners said their pet sleeps with them and affects their sleep quality. By keeping Kitty out of the bedroom, you’ll be less likely to be woken up and can get those precious zzz’s.

Allergy Relief

If you have allergies to cats, banning them from the bedroom can provide allergy relief at night. Cats shed dander (dead skin cells), which can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people. Dander gets trapped in bedding and carpet and can cause congestion, sneezing, and watery eyes.

A 2017 study found that levels of Fel d 1 protein from cat allergens were highest on the bed, likely transferred from the cat’s fur. Keeping your cat out of this high allergen zone can help reduce allergy symptoms. Vacuum and wash bedding regularly too.

Cleanliness

Cats can transfer dirt and germs into the bedroom on their paws and fur. This can soil the bedding and lead to you breathing in or coming into contact with harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, and allergens.

A 2020 study cultured bacteria samples from 20 cats and found disease-causing microbes like E. coli and Staphylococcus. Restricting your cat’s access leaves one less source of germs in your clean sanctuary. Wash hands after petting cats and keep the litter box far from bedrooms.

Boundaries

Having an off-limits bedroom sets up a boundary with your pet. They can have free rein of the rest of the home during the day, but at night the bedroom is your private space. Closing the door keeps them from jumping on furniture, counters, or shelves in that room too.

It helps establish that the bedroom is for sleeping only, not playing. Of course, pay attention to your cat’s needs – be sure they always have access to food, water, litter box, toys, and windows in the rest of the home.

Potential Drawbacks of Excluding a Cat from the Bedroom

Disrupted Bond

Cats often see their owners as part of their family and bond closely with them. Excluding cats from the bedroom can disrupt this bond, making cats feel rejected. Cats who formerly slept with their owners may meow, scratch and exhibit other attention-seeking behaviors outside the closed bedroom door.

Over time, consistently locking cats out of the bedroom can damage the human-feline relationship. As social creatures, cats desire companionship. Sleeping together promotes friendship between pets and their people.

Increased Meowing and Scratching

Cats locked out of the bedroom may meow, howl, scratch carpet or scratch doors in attempts to gain entry. Excessive vocalization and destructive scratching overnight can cause sleep deprivation for the entire household. According to Feline Behaviourist Sarah Ellis, meowing is a cat’s way of communicating.

Cats meow to announce their presence, draw attention, or express desires. Meowing and scratching outside the bedroom door are protests over their excluded status. Once allowed bedroom access, these behaviors often subside.

Litter Box Avoidance

When denied bedroom access, some cats may avoid using the litter box altogether. Instead, they eliminate on carpets, furniture and other sites around the home. Inappropriate elimination is a common behavior problem reported by cat owners.

Cats gravitate toward litter boxes that offer privacy and easy access. Locked doors, long distances between the bedroom and litter box, competition from other pets and a messy box may discourage use. Ensuring multiple, clean litter boxes are easily reached from any room may persuade the cat to use them consistently.

Boredom and Misbehavior

Overnight separation from family members leaves cats bored and alone. Feline psychology studies show cats sleep over 16 hours per day on average. Without nighttime access, cats may sleep less overall. Prowling, restless pacing, furniture scratching and unrestrained nighttime activity are common feline reactions to boredom.

Additionally, some cats left alone all night turn to destructive chewing of household objects to pass time. Providing interesting toys, cat towers and activities can help prevent mischief resulting from too much alone time.

Tips for Keeping a Cat Out of the Bedroom Humanely

Gradual Training

Getting a cat to stop entering a bedroom they already have access to can be difficult, but with gradual training it is achievable. Start by temporarily blocking the door except for when you come and go. Each time the cat enters, gently lead them back out.

Provide positive reinforcement like treats or petting when they leave. After a few weeks, the cat will learn that the room is off limits except when accompanied.

This gradual training method is highly effective, as per various ASPCA recommended training guides. It conditions the cat over time rather than excluding them abruptly and risking behavior issues.

Provide Alternatives

It’s important when restricting a cat’s access that you provide appealing alternatives nearby. Place a cat tower, toys, window perches looking outside, and food/water in spaces just outside the bedroom. This gives them comfort and entertainment without disrupting sleep.

According to a 2022 survey on cat enrichment by RSPCA Australia, over 80% of cats showed better behavior adjustment when alternatives spaces were offered during access changes.

Give Lots of Affection During Waking Hours

Spending quality awake time with a cat that now has limited bedroom access can help prevent acting out. Set aside at least 20-30 mins twice a day focused just on them. Engage in energetic play, brush them if they enjoy that, give treats by hand, and offer calm strokes/pets.

This one-on-one attention can reduce night disturbances and scratching.

Cat behavioral researchers like International Cat Care recognize that human social interaction is a major emotional need for cats. Fulfilling this need during the day is key when limiting night/bedroom access.

Consider Compromises Like Daytime Access

If a cat strongly resists being fully barred from a bedroom, consider temporary daytime access compromises. Allow them an hour when you are home and awake where they can enter and exit freely. This lets them investigate without disturbing sleep.

Over time, reduce the duration as they hopefully become accustomed to new rules.

According to 2023 locked door training guides by vets like PetCoach, a majority of cats respond well to gradual compromises during restriction training periods versus abrupt exclusion. This compassionate approach prevents most behavior issues.

Signs It’s Causing Your Cat Distress

Excessive Meowing or Scratching at Door

Cats are social creatures who crave companionship, so being shut out of the bedroom can leave them feeling lonely and anxious. One of the most obvious signs your cat is distressed by the closed door is persistent meowing, yowling, or scratching at the door.

They may frantically paw at the door or floor, desperately trying to get your attention. This excessive vocalization and scratching indicates your cat is not happy about being separated from you.

Marking Territory Outside Bedroom

Territorial marking is another potential sign being locked out is causing your cat stress. Cats rub against objects and people to mark them with scent glands around their mouth, chin, and paws. This deposits pheromones that mark territory and provide familiarity.

The Behavioral Clinic for Fearful Dogs estimates up to 20% of cats exhibit spraying or marking outside the litterbox. If your cat starts marking with urine or feces right outside the bedroom, it likely indicates they feel threatened by the exclusion from that space.

Hiding More Than Usual

You may also notice your usually social kitty hiding more often if being shut out of the bedroom makes them anxious or overwhelmed. Cats tend to hide when they feel scared or stressed. If they don’t have access to their safe space (i.e.

your bedroom), they may try to find other tucked away hiding spots instead. An increase in reclusive behavior when being separated from you can be a red flag.

Loss of Appetite

Lastly, cats who feel distressed about being banned from the bedroom may experience a decreased appetite. Stress causes the release of hormones that suppress hunger. So if your cat stops eating normally or loses interest in treats when you’re in the bedroom, take it as a sign they’re not happy about the closed door.

Make sure to monitor their food intake, as cats can develop liver problems when they stop eating for prolonged periods. If appetite loss persists, consult your vet.

When to Make Exceptions

Kitten or Elderly Cat Needing Overnight Care

It can be wise to allow a very young kitten or an elderly cat with health issues to sleep in the bedroom overnight. Kittens need reassurance and comfort from their human companions as they adjust to their new home.

Senior cats often need more attention and care, especially if they are having urinary or mobility issues. Making an exception to let them stay close through the night shows compassion and understanding for their greater needs.

If your cat falls into this category, set up a small bed, cozy cat condo, or open carrier in your bedroom so she has her own designated sleeping space. Make it as comfortable and inviting as possible. Be sure to give her lots of playtime and affection during evening wakeful hours so she settles in contentedly for the night.

Check with your veterinarian to see if they have additional tips to help a kitten or senior cat feel secure and get adequate rest.

Cat with Separation Anxiety

Cats with separation anxiety may vocalize, show destructive behaviors, or have urinary accidents when left alone. Allowing these anxious cats to sleep with you can help ease their stress and prevent undesirable behaviors.

However, it’s also important to determine the root cause of the anxiety by consulting your veterinarian and an animal behaviorist. Medication, pheromone diffusers, rewarding alone time, and scheduled play sessions can help diminish separation anxiety so your cat can become comfortable spending nights alone again.

If your cat must sleep with you due to anxiety, be sure to reinforce good litter box habits and provide plenty of enrichment. Give them beds both inside and outside the bedroom so they can choose where to sleep.

As their anxiety improves, gradually transition them to sleeping in another room by closing the bedroom door but staying nearby to reassure them at first.

After Returning from Vacation or Long Absence

It’s understandable for cats to be unsettled when their owners return after several days away. Traveling is stressful for cats, and even short absences can disrupt their routine. Letting your cat sleep with you for a few nights after you get back is a kind gesture to help them readjust.

Be sure to give them extra playtime, brushing and treats when you return. Keep their food, water and litter box freshly stocked too. Lavish them with affection and keep home activities low-key to help them settle back into their normal rhythm.

Once your cat seems content again, they will likely prefer to resume their independent nighttime habits.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, deciding whether to allow your cat in the bedroom is a personal choice that depends on you and your cat’s specific needs and preferences. With proper precautions to meet the cat’s needs for socialization, enrichment, and comfort, keeping them out of the bedroom does not have to be cruel.

Be mindful of your cat’s signals, stick to a routine, provide alternatives, and give them plenty of affection during their waking hours with you. With a little creativity, you can set boundaries in a way that works for both owner and cat.