Your Cat Is Waking You Up For Attention
Just like children, some cats will act up for attention even if that attention is you grumpily telling her to get lost. Any attention, even negative, could paradoxically reinforce attentionseeking behavior, says Cox.
In addition to perpetuating the problem, your harsh reaction can be damaging to her trust in you, and in humans in general. Tough as it may be, keep quiet during her escapades. Shes more likely to learn a lesson from your silence than from your annoyed antics.
No one likes to be roused from sleep. Assess the situation to discover the problem. With a few corrective measures, youll both be on the same sleep schedule.
Does your cat wake you up at night? How did you deal with the problem? Let us know in the comments!
Thumbnail: Photography by Shutterstock.
Put Deterrents Outside The Door
You can also put deterrents outside doors that you dont want your cat to scratch or meow at, such as your bedroom door. Double-sided sticky tape can work as your cat wont like the sticky feeling on their paws, or a sheet of tin foil can deter cats from getting too close to your room.
While this is great for preventing cats from scratching at your door, it is not as successful in preventing meowing. Your cat doesnt need to be stood right up against your door for your to be able to hear them. However, it can help to stop them from wanting to come into your room and therefore reduce meowing.
Another more effective solution that should only be used as a last resort is to get a motion-activated air can. These are cans filled with air that spray short bursts when they detect movement in the vicinity. The air wont do your cat any harm but will make your cat flee from the door and stop meowing.
Meowing For Food At Night
Did you forget to feed your cat? Cats often cry for food or treats and a hungry cat at night is not a quiet cat. You won’t get much sleep if your cat is hungry, so make sure you feed it before going to bed. Do not get up in response to its cries at night, as this will only teach your cat that you will feed it when it meows at you. If you have a difficult work schedule or are concerned about forgetting to feed your cat, consider an automatic cat feeder that controls the meal time and amount of food your cat will get. This will guarantee a regular feeding schedule and your cat is less likely to associate you with getting fed. Also make sure that your cat always has access to clean water to eliminate thirst as a reason for nighttime activity and noise.
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Your Cat Is Bored At Night
If your cat is alone a lot, shes probably resting during the day, leaving her energized to play all night. Look into ways to amuse her while youre out. Toys, window perches, and innovative feeding methods, such as foraging toys or hiding small amounts of food throughout the house, can help, says Cox.
Interactive play with her human family is also important. Get her moving around with a laser toy, dangle a wand while you watch TV, or toss a ball around before you leave for work. Keep her toys fresh by rotating them or bringing home something new.
Tucker her out for the day with a longer playtime in the evening, at least an hour before lights out so she has time to unwind.
Training Your Cat To Stop Waking You Up In The Morning
If you want your cat’s behavior to change, YOU must do something to instigate that change, Dr. Koski says. You can’t just close your door and expect that your cat will do something else you need to give your cat an alternative activity that they enjoy.
In other words, you cant ignore your cat and hope theyll go away. This doesnt mean you should cave and reward your cats unwanted behavior with food or attention, but you cant expect them to stop waking you up unless you give them another outlet for their attention.
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Still Being Woken Up By Your Cat
If youve tried all this and are still being woken by your cat in the middle of the night, it may be time to consult a vet or a trainer. For more information on how to get your cat to stop waking you up in the middle of the night, or to schedule a vet appointment, call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill at 856-662-2662. Or you can check out our blog for more helpful cat tips!
Why Does My Cat Meow So Much In The Morning Silly
Posted by Vittoria | Oct 15, 2020 | Cats And Humans | 0
Why does my cat meow so much in the morning? I have been asking myself for several months, why is my cat so loud and so insistent on waking me up in the morning while I am in the middle of the best sleeping moments? But yet he is quiet during the day. Does he have something against me?
Cats meow in the morning because they are hungry and want you to get up and feed them, or they want to play with you, or they want you to pet them and cuddle, or they want you to open them a door or window so they can go out. Finally, there may be something else they need or want from you, but they always want you to do something.
Let see for what possible reasons cats can meow in the morning.
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Your Cat May Be Bored Or Unstimulated
Cat crying at night may be simply because theyre bored or because they havent tired themselves out during the day. Active play before bedtime may help to ensure that they are more tired out at night, as will trying to keep their minds active and happy during the day. Cat meowing at night can essentially be attention-seeking behaviour.
Although it is important to attend to your cats needs, constantly complying with their asking for attention may lead to them asking for it more frequently, so if this is a frequent occurrence, try not to give in too often.
If you have an indoor cat without access to outdoor space, youll need to make plenty of time for play throughout the day, otherwise they may find themselves a touch hard done by when you go off to bed, leading to your cat yowling at night. Find out more about mental stimulation for your indoor cat with our handy guide.
Cat Talk: 10 Reasons Cats Meow
According to Arden Moore, author of The Cat Behavior Answer Book, cats are capable of making at least 30 sounds, including at least 19 variations on the simple meow.
So why do cats meow? Check out ten possible translations for cat talk and feline language:
10) Im hurt If your cat suddenly begins to meow excessively, take him to be evaluated by a veterinarian immediately. Your cats meows may indicate that there is something medically wrong, especially if the behavior isnt typical. Numerous diseases can cause a cat to feel hunger, thirst, or pain, all of which can lead to excessive meowing, advises Web MD.
9) Im just saying hi Often a cat meows to his human when you come home, says the ASPCA website, or even to greet you when you see each other in the house.
8) I want food The Im hungry meow is likely one all cat parents know well. Lots of cats know just how to tell their families that its time for dinner, says pet blogger, Jane Harrell. My cat Mojo would run around after me, meowing the whole time if she thought dinner was going to be late.
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7) Pay attention to me Sometimes cats talk simply because they want your attention and they learn that meowing gets them just that. Cats often meow to initiate play, petting or to get you to talk to them, explains Web MD.
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Kidney Disease Or Overactive Thyroid
If your cat wakes up meowing and doing it regularly, one needs to have the vet checked for some issues. This intense vocalization could be a hint of some underlying health issues of the cat. Some of the problems it probably can present are related to the thyroid that could be overactive. Also, some points with the cats kidney could be seen. The vet, upon checking, makes a better verdict of it, though.
Hearing A Cat Meowing At Night Is Not Uncommon But If You Are A Cat Owner And Its Your Cat That Is Meowing At Night It May Be Something That You Are Concerned About Also Known As Night Vocalisation Or Night Calling If Your Cat Is Meowing At Night It Can Be A Problem If It Is A Sign Of Their Discomfort Or Its Disturbing Your Rest Read On To Find Out More About The Reasons That Your Cat May Be Being Particularly Vocal At Night
Its widely known that cats are night owls. It seems that the moment we switch off the light they get straight to sprinting around the house like the cat version of dog zoomies. When theyre getting up to their night time antics they may also meow a lot too. And, sometimes your cat meowing at night can be extremely disruptive and get in the way of you getting your much-needed rest.
If your feline friend does this and youre wondering why does my cat meow at night and what can I do about it? Weve got the answers to your questions! Here at Purina, weve put together this guide to tell you all you need to know.
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Why Is My Cat Suddenly So Vocal
Your cat may also get extra vocal when it wants attention or is feeling bored. Petting or playing with your cat can give it the love it desires. However, if the vocalization is constant and attention-seeking, you may want to only give your cat attention when its being quiet to discourage excessive meowing or whining.
How To Stop My Cat Waking Me Up Early
Now that you know the reason why your cat wakes you up in the morning, here are some tips and useful tricks so you can use to stop your cat waking you up early.
If you want to read similar articles to Why Does my Cat Wake me up in the Morning? – Answer & Solutions, we recommend you visit our Behavioral problems category.
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Look Into The Environment Of The Little Fellow
The cat waking up meowing could express several reasons. Try making your cat independent and getting involved in some physical activities. This will direct her to altogether to a different set of activities, if she is meowing soon after waking up. Create a separate area for feeding the cat. Let her get to it herself if she was meowing out of hunger.
One can also surprise and treat a cat by pouring some food at different places. Or the first place she gets to after waking up. Similarly, involving her in some play or scratching activity will also help shut down meowing after she woke from a scary dream.
Sometimes, the cat could be triggered due to a sudden outshine of the sun, alarm, or knock on the door. Try assigning a different area to the cat where she could sleep in peace. If she is not disturbed in the middle, she will probably maintain calm and never wake up yowling.
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Central Nervous System Problem
There may be clues in a neurological exam that the cats excessive vocalization is caused by a central nervous system problem such as a brain tumor. These cats may be circling, having seizures, or acting depressed or dull.
A definitive diagnosis needs more advanced imaging, such as a CT or MRI, and these cats can do very well with surgery.
Often, we tentatively diagnose a meningioma based on the symptoms. Medical treatment can be of some help.
Cognitive Dysfunction
If most of the testing on your geriatric cat is normal up to this point, your cat may be suffering from cognitive dysfunction.
Because of an aging brain, your pet may have a syndrome not unlike Alzheimers in humans. There is no definitive test. I prescribe a number of medications and supplements to see if we can stop or decrease the yowling.
In this quick video, Dr. Wendy McClelland, DVM, explains more about why an old cat meows all the time:
For many people, giving medicine to a cat is hard work.
Some cats are resistant to getting a single pill, let alone up to 4 or 5 pills a day.
If my patient is a hyperthyroid, hypertensive cat with cognitive dysfunction, I may need to prioritize which meds I prescribe first.
This cats pill container could look something like this:
- Hyperthyroid: methimazole
- Pain: gabapentin and/or many others
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories
- Regular exercise and sensory stimulation
- A nightlight
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Why Does My Cat Meow So Much
Are you asking yourself, “Why does my cat meow so much?” Cats communicate through a variety of vocalizations meowing, purring, chirping, and hissing, among others. They display their unique personalities through these vocalizations, a characteristic most people find endearing. When these vocalizations become excessive or occur at inopportune times, however, problems arise.
Your Cat Is In Distress
Rarely, a cat that wakes you up in the morning might be sick or in pain.
If your cat usually sleeps through the night and doesnt bother you, a change in their behavior might indicate illness.
While cats are excellent climbers and jumpers, it takes one bad landing for them to get hurt.
Moreover, some outdoor cats might run into predators or cars and get injured.
Usually, cats have a very distinctive meow when theyre about to be sick on the carpet or are in pain.
Its very different from the sound they make when theyre hungry, so you should check it up as soon as possible.
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Cats Are Naturally More Active At Night
Your cats meowing at night may have much to do with the fact that they are naturally more active at certain hours of the night. Although its popularly thought that cats are nocturnal, this is not strictly true. However, they are crepuscular meaning that they are naturally most active at dusk and dawn. Although many cats do adapt to the routine of their owners, this crepuscular tendency means that your cat may be especially active in the early hours of the morning, when the rest of the house is asleep.
Younger cats have an increased tendency to be active at night, as their instincts tell them that this is a great time to hunt. As they mature, though, it is likely that their rhythm will adapt to that of the rest of the household, which may hopefully mean less cat meowing at night.
Batting At Electrical Cords
Be proud of yourself for clearing your nightstand or dresser of any potential hazard, but kitty is unimpressed. Your cat can, and will, find another way to end your REM cycle. The incessant tap-tap-tapping of your cat whacking a clock or bedside lamp cord against the wall? Seemingly harmless sound during the day, but it is guaranteed to drive you batty when you’re trying to sleep.
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Fun Ways Cats Wake Up Their Owners
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Once you welcome a cat into your life, you’ll never get over how much joy these cuddly creatures bring to your home. You’ll be endlessly entertained by the funny things they do, but keep in mind they are very intelligentthey know exactly what they want and how to get it. This is especially true when it comes to cats waking up their pet parents.
Among other things, she’ll stop at nothing to get you out of bed. Whether it be late at night or early in the morning, she might use one or more of these ten funny ways to disturb your slumber.