Your cat is naturally more high-energy at night, but there are a few parts of their schedule that you can change to help your cat adjust to your sleep patterns.
If your cat seems particularly high energy at night, it’s because they are not on the same natural sleep schedule as humans. Instead, cat’s are naturally crepuscular, which is similar to nocturnal except that it means they are likely the most active at twilight and dawn. Because your cat’s sleep schedule is incompatible with yours, this can lead to nights of them climbing on you in bed and keeping you up. But there are a few parts of your cat’s schedule you can change to help your cat adjust.
Sleep
First of all, cats will tend to sleep most of the day. Although this can be encouraging through when you have to be away at work during the day, it means that your cat will be rested up and ready to run around at night. One way you can get them used to going to sleep at night is by establishing a regular bedtime routine. Give them their last meal for the night and turn down the lights in the room where they usually sleep.
Playtime
When your cat has been alone most of the day, they are bored and ready to play when you come home. If you are home, it’s alright to intersperse their napping routine with playtime to help them adjust to your level of activity during the day. Also, play towards the end of the day can help your cat get out excess energy. Be sure to add evening playtime to the bedtime routine. But be aware, if your cat still acts up or yowls for attention at night, try not to give them attention unless you think something is wrong. Otherwise, you are encouraging them to continue that behavior.
Feeding
Hunger could be a reason that your cat is meowing for you at night. A meal before bedtime can help a cat settle down and for some cats, will be enough to keep them satisfied through the night. Depending on what type of food you give your cat, you can also invest in a timed feeder that will dose out a portion of food for your cat. Take note of what time of night your cat gets hungry. As always, if any of your cat’s nighttime behavior concerns you, it’s better to take your cat for a check in at the vet to make sure there are no underlying health issues.
CONTACT CATONSVILLE CAT CLINIC TODAY!
For 20 years, the Catonsville Cat Clinic has been providing quality veterinary care to the cats of Catonsville and beyond! Dr. Pam Nesbitt, who purchased the practice in July of 2011, runs the Catonsville Cat Clinic with compassion in mind. A team of professionals with an advanced level of veterinary medicine is at your service to make sure your cat is healthy and happy. So stop on by; we’d love to get to know you and your cat! For more updates and advice, be sure to follow our Facebook, Twitter, and Google+! You can get in touch with the Catonsville Cat Clinic by giving us a call at 410-869-0800 or visiting our contact page.