About Dr Sarah Wooten Dvm Cvj
A 2002 graduate of UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Sarah Wooten is a well known international speaker in the veterinary and animal health care spaces. She has 10 years experience in public speaking and media work, and writes for a large number of online and printanimal health publications. Dr. Wooten is also a certified veterinary journalist, a member of the AVMA, and has 16 years experience insmall animal veterinary practice. To learn more, visit drsarahwooten.com.
Provide Appropriate Bedding For Your Cat
Unlike dogs, cats do not like to nap at ground level, even if offered comfortable beds in baskets on the floor. They like to embrace hideaways and occupy nooks as places for concealing themselves for uninterrupted rest.
Your cat should have varied bedding areas around the house but away from the litter box, food, and water. For anxious/fearful cats, provide additional hiding opportunities with igloo-type beds or those with high sides.
A cat-safe heated bed or pad may be required when temperature regulation is diminished as the cat ages or during illness/recovery.
If your cat insists on sleeping in your bedroom, place a cuddler, blanket, or your scented shirt close to your bed.
Why Does My Cat Not Want To Sleep In Their Bed
Cats are independent animals that spend about fifteen hours a day sleeping, so it is not strange that they change places to rest and explore new areas where they can sleep comfortably.
However, many cat owners would prefer that they sleep in the beds they have purchased for them. Mainly to prevent them from taking naps on furniture, tables and their own beds!
In principle, you should understand that if your cat does not want to sleep in their own bed this does not mean that they don’t like it. Yet, other surfaces available may have what felines are looking for when they choose a space to rest: warmth, comfort and safety.
That’s why some cats choose their sleeping place on furniture or tables, or even on your bed. In the first two cases, the decision is often related to the comfort of these spaces and even the height they provide, as cats feel more secure when they sleep in high places that protect them from “predators.”
If they want to sleep in your bed, this may indicate deeper reasons:
- The cat feels safe with you, so looks for your protection at bedtime.
- They consider you part of their pack, so sleeping near you is normal, since that’s how they rest.
- They prefer the height of your bed, because it gives superiority to them against possible threats.
- They are looking after your body heat, because the temperature of your body goes down while you sleep.
- They miss you, especially if you spend a lot of time away from home, so they take advantage of this time to be close to you.
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Is It Bad To Move A Sleeping Cat
Cats who are deprived of these stages of sleep can become lethargic or irritable. If your cat is in REM stage, you probably want to let them sleep to allow them to restore their bodys immunity.
Kittens especially need sleep to allow them to build their bones and muscles so avoid waking them at all if possible.
Bedtime On A Full Tummy
Giving your kitten a meal before you go to bed may help, but make sure this is from their daily allowance – dont be tempted to give them a little extra just to make them sleep – this will soon lead to an overweight kitty!
Cats will naturally doze after a meal, so a high protein meal before they retire for the night could help them to sleep longer.
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Invest In An Automatic Feeder
If your cat gets hungry in the night and cant find any food, then theyre going to come looking for their human to provide them with snacks.
Using an automatic feeder is a great way of giving your cat a limited amount of food during the night, without having to get it yourself! Your cat will soon learn to sit and wait for the feeder to dispense their food, rather than coming and waking you up.
You can also get slow feeders in the shape of little mice. You can fill these with kibble before you go to bed and place them around the house for your cat to sniff out and hunt while youre sleeping.
An American expat living in Metro Manila, Philippines for over a decade, Christian is a lifelong cat lover and the proud papa of two rescue cats, Trixie and Chloe. Both girls were formerly among the droves of strays that roam the cities and countryside. Three-year-old Trixie was pulled from a litter found under the porch of a neighbors house, while two-year-old Chloe was brought home by Christians young son, Henry, who found the kitten crying in the parking lot. As Editor in Chief of ExcitedCats.com, Christian is thrilled to be a part of the pro-feline movement.
Daily Play Time Attention And Interaction With Owner
Since night time activity may be a form of social play and attention seeking behaviour, the first consideration is whether the cat is getting sufficient amounts of social interaction and social play during the daytime and earlier evening. This may be particularly problematic for an only cat in the household and an owner who works all day. Offering several social play sessions in the afternoon/earlier evening will help to expend some of their energy and meet some of the cats social and behavioural needs earlier on in the day.
Owners may also provide a variety of safe cat toys. Ensure all toys are safe for cats and avoid string toys or smaller objects that may be swallowed as these can become an intestinal obstruction, which can be fatal. Play time using safe cat toys is a great way to provide daily exercise and to positively enhance the relationship between pet and owner. Cats often have different preferences i.e. some will like toy birds while others prefer toy lizards it is important to remember this when buying toys. Buy a few different varieties and see which ones your cat likes the best. Remember novelty is the key, so its best if you have 10 toys then only have a few out at a time then rotate them every few days.
If an owner happens to be at home for the day, playing and interacting with the cat should also help to expend some of that energy.
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Even Small Changes At Home Can Be Stressful For Cats
Has there been a recent change in family members? Have you moved? Are there new people involved in the cats life? What is happening with their vertical space? said Hartstein. Even a change in the scent of a favored human can stimulate or irritate a cats nose and trigger a change in behavior, Hartstein explained. Cats are extremely sensitive to noise and smells, so there are many factors that you need to consider.
Once the potential stressor is discovered and addressed, the cat may stop its nighttime capers.
Give A Restless Kitten More Exercise And Comfort
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Does Punishment Work On Cats
Its important not to use punishment, or negative reinforcement, with your cat. Cats dont respond to negative reinforcement, said Castro.
Cats dont make the association between their inappropriate behavior and negative reactions from you, Castro explained. However, they will associate the behavior with getting attention from you. Reprimanding your cat when hes clawing your rug, meowing excessively, or otherwise keeping you awake may encourage him to continue that behavior, because you are giving him the attention he is seeking.
So if reprimands wont work, what will?
Ideally, ignore them, said Castro. And whatever you do, dont respond with food. If you do, she says, the cat will think that each time he acts the way he did the last time you responded with food, you will feed him.
Are They Happy Sleeping In Your Bed
Some felines dont care much about where they sleep. They may not even want to spend time in bed with you. On the other hand, you may have a cuddly creature that thrives on close contact with you. If it makes your pet happy and it doesnt interfere with your bedtime, then we think that having your kitty in bed with you is sweet and comforting.
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Q Our Young Cat Is Keeping Us Up All Night I Think He Sleeps All Day When Were At Work And All Night He Wants To Play What Can We Do
A. Cats have night vision that puts any man-made invention to shame. When you think about that, its not surprising that a lot of cats, especially young ones, love prowling about in the dark. If you have other plans they really dont care. Its showtime at the Cat Cabaret!
The solution to this problem used to be to put the cat outside, turn out the lights and go to sleep. But these days we know that remedy isnt the best. Free-roaming cats generally dont live anywhere near as long as indoor cats, because of the hazards of life outside. From cars and coyotes to cat-hating neighbors, there are plenty of dangers for a cat outside. And, of course, theres an argument to be made that these cats cause problems just by doing what comes naturally, including hunting and burying their feces in the neighbors gardens. Keeping your cat inside is safer for your cat and more considerate of your neighbors.
When you bring a cat indoors, though, you can’t just shut the door on him and call it a day. You have to provide for a cat’s physical and mental needs by creating an enriched environment for him. Thats the subject of a wonderful new book called Your Home, Their Territory: Creating the Right Habitat for Your Indoor Cats. The author is my friend and colleague Dr. Tony Buffington of The Indoor Pet Initiative at The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center.
Kneading & Facial Petting
Ahhh…the sure sign you are really making progress with your cat — kneading! This is a place of deep satisfaction for your cat during your snuggle time. Your cat may also start petting YOU!
WHY DO CATS KNEAD?
“In adulthood, a cat supposedly will knead when it’s feeling happy or content because it associates the motion with the comforts of nursing and its mother. Adding further weight to the explanation: Some cats even suckle on the surface they’re kneading. Another hypothesis proposes that kneading harks back to a time before domestication, when wild cats supposedly patted down foliage to make a soft surface for sleeping or giving birth. The behavior may now be an instinctual part of settling down. On the other hand, kneading may just be another way for cats to scent and claim an area â cats have scent glands in the pads of their paws.” -Found here
WHY DO CATS PET YOUR FACE?
Cats may pet your face for a number of reasons. During snuggle time, however, it’s to show affection to you, put his scent on you from the pads of his paws, and to pet you just like you’re petting him.
However, during other times, a cat petting you with his paws is to communicate something to you. More information about other reasons your cat pets you here.
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Feed Your Cat Right Before Bedtime
Make Your Bed Inviting To Your Cat
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Proven Ways To Calm A Cat Down At Night
We all love our cats, but if theyre suddenly full of energy as soon as the sun goes down and youre trying to get to sleep, it can be a little frustrating. Cats are naturally more active at night-time, and your kitty may want to play just when you want to rest.
Luckily, there are quite a few things that you can do to calm your cat down before you head off to bed. Some are super simple and can be tried right away others need a little more time to organize. Either way, were sure that our tips will help you get a better nights sleep and help your kitty get the attention they deserve.
What Can I Give My Cat For Anxiety
Your veterinarian may also recommend Benadryl has a mild sedative. Most cats arent the biggest fans of travel. Being confined to a crate for a couple of hours is enough to cause total panic. In these cases, Benadryl can be used to calm your cat and allow them to rest peacefully until you reach your final destination.
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How Do I Stop My Cat From Waking Me Up At 4am
Instinctively cats are active at dawn plus dusk specially during spring and summer when its main prey of small creatures are active in addition theres extended daylight hours. The 4am wakeup call is the time most humans have their deepest sleep but the time your cat is most likely to seek attention.
To stop your cat from pouncing on you while you are fast asleep, keep your cat stimulated during the day and avoid over-stimulation before bedtime.
Avoid getting up to feed or play with your cat since it may reinforce the behaviour. An automatic cat feeder or a sanctuary room may be the solution in your household.
Why Sedate A Cat
There are several reasons why you will need to sedate a cat. And outlined below are some of them:
- Recovery Purposes: While recovering from surgery or an injury, many cats will need mild sedation to keep them from hurting themselves accidentally.
- Travel: Some cats do not like to travel. For these felines, the whole experience tends to leave them feeling anxious, ruffled, and stressed out. So, if you love traveling with your cat, sedating your kitty in preparation for a trip will be a good idea, mainly if your feline furball is prone to get agitated and anxious at the slightest chance of distress. Sedation will help to keep your cat calm and quiet throughout the journey.
- Veterinarian Visits: Many cats tend to need sedation to handle or deal with the stress of vet visits. From having to fit into and remain in the uncomfortable carriages, to the journey to the hospital, and then, the usually crowded vet hospital waiting rooms.
- Routine Grooming: Besides petting, which can successfully happen when they are in the mood, cats seldom tolerate any handling. More so, the mere task of holding down a cat, even with help, can be almost impossible. Not to mention holding the feline down in one position long enough to complete the routine grooming Due to these challenges, most cat owners or professional cat groomers often use a cat sedative when preparing a kitty for grooming. And once sedated, the feline goes off to sleep to awaken after the entire process.
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The Advantages Of Kitty Zzs
Allowing your cat to sleep with you on the bed can also have benefits for you and your meow mate. It.
- Reduces stress Petting a sleeping cat has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce anxiety, depression, and stress.
- Strengthens the bond Cats who sleep with their humans are closer to them. This comfortable snuggle helps them feel more trust and safety with their owners.
- Its warm For those who get cold easily, a cat in the bed is the perfect feet warmer.
- Good company Whenever you are lonely, having a cat as a companion is the perfect feel-good friendship.