Every cat owner knows from bitter experience what it’s like to be woken up at night or around 6am. Also, we know very well that if a cat is left alone for a long time during the day (especially if it is active and likes to play), it will hardly do anything but sleep. This is wonderful for one thing because it won’t make whites. On the other hand, however, this means that it will be more active at night.
What we need to know is that yes, cats do tend to be more active in the evening and at night. However – they can be taught on a different schedule and this requires your commitment and patience.
The biggest myth about cats is that they cannot be trained.
Because many owners believe this, they completely refuse to teach their meowing companion certain behaviors. This is a very wrong approach as cats are adaptable animals. In no way can we compare them to dogs, but then again – we can’t rely on myths without trying.
Why cats wake their owners
By waking you up, your cat accomplishes certain goals:
• Gets attention
• Wants to cuddle
• He wants to play
• Gets food
• Kills boredom
If the cuddly pet meows at night for food and you respond to this need – your cat will learn that you are responding and will beg for food. This action on your part will “cement” the behavior of the meowing pet, as there is no greater motivation for the cat to do anything than food.
How to teach the little kitten to stop waking us up
If you have a little one at home who hasn’t been taught many things yet, now is the time to take the time! You can prevent the little ones from nocturnal activity in several ways:
• Let the kitten pretend to hunt by playing with interactive toys.
• Get involved in the game by using a fishing line or by throwing toys for the cat to chase.
• Let the little one eat the last part of his food before you go to bed.
• Do not react when the kitten meows at night.
How to teach an elderly cat to stop waking us up
Tips for an adult cat are similar to those for a small kitten. The only difference is that it would be good to provide known games and entertainment for the meowing pet, to enrich its experiences. This will surely keep him away from boredom and he will be one idea calmer at night:
• Interactive playtime – try interacting with fishing rod toys
• Feeding treats but after playing or playing a puzzle
• Environmental enrichment — create opportunities for more sights, sounds, smells and things to do, such as periodic leash walks
While teaching your cat not to wake you up at night, you will certainly need to take care of yourself as this process takes time. In other words, a purring pet will most likely be meowing loudly while you’re trying to sleep. You can approach as follows:
• Close your bedroom door
• Use earplugs
• Set up an automatic feeder to put out some food for the night
A word of caution: If your cat suddenly develops annoying habits at night, it could be a sign of a medical problem, including pain, infection, or hyperthyroidism. Consult your veterinarian immediately.
Photo: iStock
