Litter Box Lessons: Setup Tips for a Cleaner, Happier Home

You might think that Zero is a strange name for a cat. And it is. But that's okay. I will respond to it with cute meows if you say it to me. It keeps people from getting me confused with other cats.  After living outside and having problems giving birth to a litter, I went to get cared for by people. Unfortunately, none of my kittens made it. But I did, and because I'm so grateful to the people who helped me, I love being around you two legged creatures. I will call out to you if I notice you're around and I've gotten to know you. Soon, I'll follow you around and ask for you to brush my unusual coat. Come and see me in the cat lounge and I'll be happy to talk to you.

My life almost ended before it got a chance to start. I was on the euthanasia list at a shelter when The Rescue House swooped in to save me. I'm so grateful they did and I show that to everyone with my enthusiasm and playful personality.  When I say playful, I mean it. I will turn down food for the opportunity to play. Don't get me wrong, I love my food but playing is more enjoyable. And when it's time to relax, I'll find a place to sleep by my people. Come on in and meet me. Maybe you'll decide that I'm the cat you want snuggling next to you and purring.

Cats are famous for their luxurious lounging habits, and for good reason. 1. They’re Natural Predators Even the fluffiest house cat shares ancestry with wild hunters. In the wild, big cats like lions and leopards conserve energy by sleeping for long stretches between hunts. Domestic cats have inherited the same instinct: to sleep often and deeply, so they’re ready to pounce when needed. 2. They’re Crepuscular Creatures Unlike humans, cats are not strictly diurnal (awake during the day) or nocturnal (awake at night). Cats are crepuscular , which means they’re most active at dawn and dusk. That leaves plenty of hours in between for rest, often totaling 12–16 hours of sleep per day , with kittens and senior cats sleeping even more. 3. Sleep Supports Growth and Brain Health Just like in humans, sleep plays a vital role in a cat’s physical and mental health. During deep sleep, cats release growth hormones, build immune strength, and process stimuli from the day. It’s essential for kittens (who may sleep up to 20 hours!) and older cats recovering from activity or illness. Types of Cat Sleep: Light Snoozing vs. Deep Sleep Not all cat sleep is the same. You might notice your cat’s ears twitch or tail flick while they nap. This is likely light sleep, also known as a "cat nap," where they’re still partially alert to their surroundings. Cats also cycle into REM (deep) sleep , where you may see muscle twitches or whisker movement. This is when true restorative rest happens, and it’s essential for their physical health and emotional well-being. Signs Your Cat is Getting Good Sleep They nap in a variety of safe, quiet spots They seem relaxed, paws tucked, belly up, or stretched out They wake up slowly and comfortably They play, eat, and socialize well during active periods On the flip side, if your cat is constantly startled awake, sleeps in odd places (like the litter box), or seems overly lethargic, it may be worth checking in with your vet. How to Help Your Cat Sleep Well at Home Cats are self-soothers, but you can support their sleep routine by creating a calm, cozy, and enriched environment. Here are a few tips: 1. Create a Safe Sleeping Space Offer a variety of cozy nap spots in different parts of your home. Think: Window perches for sunbathing Covered beds or boxes for privacy Soft blankets in quiet corners Cats love options, so try giving them a mix of high and low spaces to choose from. 2. Stick to a Routine Cats thrive on predictability. Keeping consistent feeding and play times helps regulate their internal clock. Play with them during their naturally active times (early morning or evening) to encourage restful sleep later. 3. Minimize Noise & Disruption Make sure their sleep spaces are free from loud or jarring noises. Cats are light sleepers and easily startled. Turn off loud TVs, avoid vacuuming near nap spots, and provide a space where they won’t be bothered. 4. Enrich Their Waking Hours A well-stimulated cat will rest better. Offer interactive toys, climbing shelves, puzzle feeders, and play sessions throughout the day. A satisfied cat is a sleepy cat! How Cat & Craft Supports Cat Naps At Cat & Craft , we’ve designed our café and cat lounge to honor cats’ natural rhythms. You’ll find: Cozy corners and soft beds in both private and communal areas Vertical shelves for climbing and lounging A calm, welcoming atmosphere that encourages trust and comfort Respectful visitors who understand the golden rule: let sleeping cats lie 💤 Our cats are free to nap when and where they choose, which helps reduce stress and promote positive behaviors. It also gives adopters a glimpse into a cat’s relaxed, natural side, a key factor in finding the right match. Conclusion: Celebrate the Cat Nap Cats aren’t lazy, they’re efficient. Their frequent naps are a biological necessity and a sign of comfort, health, and trust. By understanding your cat’s sleep habits and creating a supportive environment, you’re helping them live their best (and most rested) life. So next time your cat curls up and drifts off mid-afternoon, take it as a cue to slow down too. Brew a cup of coffee, grab a book, and enjoy the peace of a cat nap kind of day. Want to see cat naps in action? Visit us at Cat & Craft, where the coffee is hot, the cats are cozy, and the vibes are always chill. 🐾☕

We're pleased to share the good news that we're reopening the cat lounge again this weekend. Our staff and volunteers were hard at work making sure that everything was cleaned this week due to the health issue some of our cats had. That hard work paid off and we've been bringing in cats over the past few days. Because all of the cats are new to the space, we'll be limiting reservations to no more than eight for the weekend. We hope, as time goes on and more cats arrive, to go back to our normal limit of 12 starting next Tuesday. Thanks for your patience as we worked through this. We look forward to welcoming you back into the cat lounge!

Calling all little cat lovers! 🐱✨ Join us at Cat & Craft on Saturday, April 6th, at 9 AM for a very special Kiddie Kat Fun Time featuring children’s book author Kathleen Kastner! Kathleen is the author of the Karma Cats book series, which inspires kids to be kind and compassionate to animals. She will be sharing her newest book, Karma Cats Kitten Adventure , which is based on her very own Rescue House kittens, Alijah Blue and Olivia Sue . This fun and interactive session will be filled with stories, giggles, and of course—plenty of adorable cat moments! Following the reading, Kathleen will be hosting a book signing in the café , giving fans a chance to meet her, chat about her books, and grab a signed copy of their own. Meet the Author: Kathleen Kastner Kathleen lives in Encinitas with her husband and three rescue cats and volunteers at Rancho Coastal Humane Society. Her books encourage children to develop love and respect for animals, making them perfect for young readers and animal lovers alike. Fun fact—her cat Noah, the star of Karma Cats to the Rescue, was recently voted Newsweek’s Pet of the Year! 📍 When & Where? 📅 Saturday, April 6th ⏰ 9:00 AM 📍 Cat & Craft Café Don't miss out on this purr-fect morning of reading, fun, and feline friends! 🐾 Mark your calendars and bring the whole family for a heartwarming event at Cat & Craft. ➡ Learn more about Kathleen and her books at www.kathleenkastner.com  We can’t wait to see you there! 🐾✨