Cat Behavior and Training

Last time we talked about insomnia in cats, where our kitties seem to be getting too little sleep and talked about a couple of conditions that need the attention of a veterinarian.  There are other problems that may not need the help of a veterinarian.

       One of the biggest complaints that people have about their cat’s sleep is that their cat isn’t sleeping over night, but rather is up and active, playing, meowing or howling.  Many times the cat doesn’t have insomnia – she’s getting plenty of sleep, just not when you’re trying to sleep. 

       There are several causes for this feline overnight rowdiness. Kittens are very playful and more likely to wake us with their games when they play overnight, knocking over lamps and biting our toes. Playing with your kitten during the day and in the evenings may reduce the overnight play episodes.

       If your cat has been alone all day with not much to do, she will likely sleep during the day and want to be up with you at night.  You can reduce this by giving your cat more to do during the day to try to keep her awake and active.  Put out toys for her and give her access to windows or aquaria to watch.  Also play with her and spend quality time with her when you are home in the evenings.

       Urges for food can be another cause for early morning awakenings. Our cat Buffett used to wake us very early in the mornings – meowing, walking across our bodies and purring in our faces, all to get us up to feed him. We solved the problem by putting out a feeder with a timer so he could get his early morning meal without us.

       There is a very funny animated film by Simon Tofield that brilliantly illustrates the extremes that cats will go to for their early morning breakfast.  It’s called ‘Cat Man Do’ and can be found at www.SimonsCat.com/catmando.html .  Simon has five other equally hilarious films about cat behavior on his website. I highly recommend them.