Why does my cat seem to be most active at nights?
Some cats are active at night or awake and “raring to go” very early in the morning. Since many cat parents are out at work or school during the day, the cat may spend the daytime hours in rest and relaxation, especially if it is the only pet in the household. The cat’s day then begins when the owner arrives home to provide the cat with feeding, play and social interaction. This is also the most natural time for cats to be active since they are most active in hunting and exploration at dusk and dawn (this is known as crepuscular). Typical complaints from cat owners include cats that nibble on or attack the owner’s ears or toes in bed, walking across the sleeping owners, nighttime vocalization, or explosive, uncontrollable play sessions across the furniture and/or owners during the night or early morning. Some owners inadvertently reward the behavior by giving the cat a little food, affection, or attention to try and calm the cat.
How can I stop my cat from keeping me up at night?
You must learn to schedule and encourage play and feeding during the daytime and evening hours, so that the cat’s schedule more closely matches yours. Adjusting the timing of feeding or the type of food may help to alter the cat’s sleep schedule. For example, eating a few hours earlier or later, or increasing the evening meal to one that is higher in carbohydrates, may help to alter the cat’s schedule just enough that it sleeps through the night.
Some cats can be retrained by keeping the cat awake and active by playing, feeding and interacting with the cat throughout the afternoon and evening. Catnaps in the evening should be discouraged.
If the cat continues to disturb you during the night, confining your cat out of the bedroom, and providing it with a comfortable sleeping area with a litter box may do the trick. Do not provide food through the night as this encourages the cat to stay awake. On the other hand, if the cat remains active, providing the cat with ample opportunity for scratching, climbing and play in a confined area may occupy the cat until it becomes tired.
Cats that are vocal when locked out of the bedroom must be ignored. Going to the cat or giving attention in any way will only serve to reward the demanding behavior. Cats that scratch or bat at the bedroom door can be kept away by the use of an upside down carpet runner, electronic pet mat or perhaps a motion detector (although it might disturb the owner). Citronella spray avoidance units are also available. If the cat is overly vocal, lock it away in as sound proof an area as possible such as a washroom. Of course, make sure that it has everything it needs in the room if you choose this option.
Is there medication that might help?
If all else fails and the cat does not sleep through the night with behavioral techniques alone, your veterinarian may be able to provide some medication to help your cat fall asleep for the first few nights.
