Cat Waking You Up at Night

It's the middle of the night and you are lost in the world of dreams. Suddenly, you feel a soft paw touching your face or a warm furry body on your chest, purring. Or worse, you hear the deafening sound of things falling down. Your beloved feline is wide awake and she wants company, or maybe food, or just playtime. This becomes a common occurrence, disturbing your beauty sleep. Yes, welcome to the cat-owner club!

So, why do cats have the tendency to disturb your sleep at night? How can you tackle this situation while ensuring your kitty's needs are taken care of? Here's everything you need to know. Why Cats Wake You Up at Night Cats are naturally nocturnal creatures. Their ancestors, wildcats, were night hunters. So it's in their genetics to be more active during the dawn and dusk. While cats do sleep for an average of 13-14 hours a day, they have light sleep patterns, staying alert for potential prey or danger. Many times, a cat's disruptive night activities are because of their feeding schedules. Feeding cats right before your bedtime means they will have lots of energy to burn at night. And what better way than playing and creating a ruckus? The situation becomes worse if your kitty is alone the whole day while you're at work. Lack of stimulation or companionship can make them bored and lonely, pushing their active hours to night when you are home. Dealing with the Midnight Cat Capers Your kitty waking you up at night isn’t good for either of you. It disturbs your sleep cycle, and it's an indication that your cat's natural routines are being disrupted. Here are some effective ways to handle it: - Keep them Active During the Day: Engage your feline friend with different activities throughout the day to keep them busy. This will also ensure that they sleep better at night. Cat toys, climbing trees, and interactive games can do the trick. - Set a Proper Feeding Schedule: Feed your cat their biggest meal right before your bedtime. This would mimic their natural cycle of hunting, eating, and then sleeping. - Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment: Make sure your cat has a comfortable, warm, and quiet place to sleep. You can even get them a cozy cat bed. - Consider a Playmate: If your cat is alone the whole day, consider getting them a companion. Don’t reinforce your cat’s night wake-up calls by feeding or playing with them. Ignore the disruptions as much as you can, and with consistency, your cat will eventually adjust to your sleep schedule. Having a pet can be demanding and it does come with its share of challenges. But the joy of having a feline companion by your side is unmatchable. A bit of understanding and adjusting can help ensure that you and your furry friend can enjoy each other's company without losing sleep over it.

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