Unlike dogs, cats don't necessarily need a special bed of their own. Independent felines seek out their own napping spots - a snuggly couch corner, their favorite humans bed, or under a table in a quiet corner. As long as it's warm and comfy, they're happy.

Kittens, especially those who have recently left their mothers, prefer to sleep with their new human friends, and often climb under the covers seeking a warm place for a catnap. The sound of your heartbeat is very soothing to them, so they frequently like to bunker down near your neck or shoulders.

Negotiating the Sleeping Arrangements

Problems can arise if you dont want your cat to snooze with you or your children. The only way to avoid feline companionship is to close the bedroom doors from the start, and you're likely to hear protesting meows for a few nights. Try to soothe your fuzzy friend by offering her a special sleeping place, complete with a snuggly blanket, cuddly toys, and a clock that ticks gently.

Some owners also strive to keep their living room furniture relatively fur-free - an ambitious and probably foolhardy goal. If you're determined to try, encouraging your cat to use a bed can help.

Setting Up the Feline Four-Poster

Choose a bed that is easy to clean and put it near a spot where your kitty already naps. You'll have better luck converting a kitten into a bed-sleeper than you would an adult, but the transition may still take time and patience.

Consider comfort foremost when selecting a nest for your little napper. Cats like some of the commercially available beds, particularly the multi-tiered kitty condos and the fleece-lined cup-shape beds you can get with heaters - a bonus for heat-seeking kitties.

Another option: window beds. These fun fixtures mount onto your window frame and provide a warm sunny place where your cat can relax and check out the local wildlife during the day. Most kitties love them.