Why does my cat wake me up when I sleep in?

You're in bed sleeping when all of a sudden your cat is running laps around your bed. Then they sprint into the the darkness crashing into something, waking you up. Ugh. But you could have slept another hour and a half. Now you're laying there wondering why on Earth your cat has so much energy. You groan and roll over. Now your cat knows you are awake and starts walking on you and meowing. 

WHY?

IT’S REINFORCING!

Chances are that your cat has created a reinforcing pattern. The cat goes crazy at night, they wake you up, and they get something out of it.

They may become so persistent that they get a meal out of it, when you decide you can’t stand it any longer and give them a bowl of food. On the other hand, they may get scolded to leave you alone. Either way, getting food or attention, including negative attention, is rewarding to the cat. When something is rewarding, the cat is more likely to repeat the behavior again and again.

CREPUSCULAR HUNTERS

Cats are small predators that are crepuscular hunters meaning that they hunt at dawn and dusk. Cats tend to be active during these times as they search for small prey animals.

For some cats, the issue lies in their own sleep schedule. If your cat sleeps for a good portion of the day, chances are that they will be active during the night. After all, they are rested and refreshed when you are ready to go to sleep!

The cat may be more playful at this time of night, looking for you to play with them. This activity can increase their metabolism making them hungry at night.

FEEDING FREQUENCY

Unlike dogs, cats need to eat more frequently during the day. Their stomachs are only about the size of a golf ball, so multiple feedings will make for a more regular digestion. Multiple feedings can prevent cats from seeking meals at what we deem inappropriate times of the day.

WHAT TO DO

HEALTH CONCERNS

For cats that are usually asleep at night, but all of a sudden start to vocalize or otherwise attempt to wake you, a health concern may be the case. A visit to your veterinarian is recommended to rule out any possible medical conditions.

IGNORE

Since your cat has likely created a pattern of negative behaviors resulting in attention, the pattern must be changed for progress to happen. Even negative attention such as scolding the cat can be rewarding to them, so you will need to ignore them. Every person involved will need to ignore the cat’s attempts to get a reaction.

The key is consistency. Despite how annoying the cat may become, you must consistently ignore them. If you give in periodically by scolding them, indulging their needs or interacting with them, the cat will continue to engage in these disruptive behaviors.

Once you have started to ignore your cat, they may realize that their previous efforts to get your attention are not working. At this point, the cat may exhibit the behaviors more intensely. This is called an extinction burst. With consistency of training, the cat will learn that their efforts to wake you are not rewarding and the behavior will decrease.

CHANGE PATTERN

In addition to ignoring the cat, it is beneficial to find the root of the cause.

Is your cat hungry at this time of night? If so, you will need to change your cat’s feeding schedule to a later feeding time so they are satisfied during the night.

Does your cat want to play? For active cats, you will want to play with them before going to bed so that they are more likely to sleep during the night. Automated toys work well if you are busy.

ENRICHMENT

Many cats will sleep through the day if there isn’t anything to do. Provide different forms of enrichment for your cat to keep them busy. Enrichment plays on all your cat’s senses.

Placing a bird feeder outside a window can keep your cat engaged by watching the birds feed. If the window is screened, you can open the window, so the cat can smell and hear the birds as well. If you are unable to set up a bird feeder, you can put on videos of birds feeding or small animals scurrying. There are Youtube channels dedicated to these CatTV opportunities.

TRAIN WITH YOUR CAT

Training is a great way for your cat to engage in an activity. This will help to reduce their mental and physical energy. Cats can be taught many of the same tricks and skills that dogs know. Training alternative behaviors to their problem ones can be helpful in improving communication between you and your cat.

GO FOR A WALK

Some cats enjoy the outdoors. We recommend bringing cats out in a cat proof fenced area, on harness and leash, or in a cat backpack. The options depend on the cat’s preferences. Some cats enjoy the comfort of an enclosed space such as the backpack to feel safe while they watch birds and hear the sounds of nature. Other cats prefer to walk instead of being confined to a back pack.

PUZZLE TOYS

Puzzle toys are any type of toy that your cat engages with by pushing it around to dispense food or treats. These toys are a great way for your cat to burn mental and physical energy as they try to solve the puzzle. You can give your cat part of or their entire meal in these toys.

If you would like more enrichment options, click here.

If you usually feed your cat in the morning, you need to make sure your cat is not associating wake-up time with breakfast time. Leave a gap between when you get out of bed and when you feed kitty breakfast – aim for at least half an hour.

You can also train your cat to associate something else with getting fed, such as saying “breakfast time!”

If you usually feed your cat in the morning, you need to make sure your cat is not associating wake up time with breakfast time.Credit:iStock

2. They don’t have a routine.

Cats love predictability. Keeping a regular routine has even been associated with reduced stress levels in cats. To maintain a routine, keep mealtimes, play times and any grooming close to the same time each day.

Loading

Empty litter at regular, predictable intervals (dirty or disturbed litter may also be a reason your cat is waking you up). Try not to move litter trays, bowls or scratch posts around unless needed.

If something changes in their environment – you go on holiday, move furniture or have a new house guest or pet – your cat may return to early morning wake-up calls. This is typical for cats. Keep the routine as consistent as you can and eventually your cat will settle in to the new normal.

Cats get bored easily. Keeping variety in your play times is important.Credit:ThinkStock

3. They’re not using up their energy throughout the day.

It’s common knowledge cats love to sleep, but they also love to play and move their bodies just like us. It’s important to give your cat access to a variety of toys and resources around the house to interact with, especially if you’re not home often.

Loading

Scratch posts offer cats a place to climb and stretch. Balls, soft and motorised toys give them an opportunity to play and exercise.

When you are home, engage your cat with an interactive toy (like a cat wand) or play a game of chase around the house. You can even try making up a game your cat will enjoy.

Cats get bored easily. Keep variety in your play times. And don’t play with your cat in the hour before you want to go to bed. Ideally, a play session before you go out and once you get home should help to keep your kitty quiet overnight.

Help! I’ve made these changes and my cat still woke me up!

Your cat might still wake you up for some time. This behaviour may even get worse in the short term as your cat adjusts. The key is to ignore your cat’s behaviour at night or in the early morning. Don’t get up and, if you can, don’t interact with your cat when they wake you.

Loading

If you’ve tried everything and your cat still wakes you up, it’s time to go to see your veterinarian. There might be a health reason causing the behaviour.

Hopefully, you and your cat can come to an agreement about when it’s sleep time and when it’s wake-up time. It is definitely possible to love your cat and still get your sleep.

Susan Hazel is a senior lecturer at the School of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Adelaide. Julia Henning is a PhD candidate at the University of Adelaide.

This article is republished from The Conversation.