Many cat lovers face the problem when their pet wakes them up at night, demanding attention, food or play.
This can negatively affect the quality of sleep and human health. Why do cats behave this way and how to deal with it?
Reasons for cats to be restless at night
Cats are nocturnal animals, active at dusk and dawn. This is due to their hunting instinct, which is not lost even in domestic cats.
Additionally, cats may wake up at night due to hunger, thirst, loneliness, stress, illness, or old age.
Some cats may also wake up their owners to show affection or simply because they are used to that routine.
Ways to retrain a cat
To teach your cat not to disturb your sleep at night, you need to follow a few rules.
Set up a feeding schedule for your cat that does not include nighttime. Do not give in to your cat's persuasion and do not feed her food at night, even if she meows or scratches the door.
Provide your cat with enough physical activity during the day. Play with it, give it toys that will occupy its attention. This will help the cat get tired and sleep peacefully at night.
Create a cozy and quiet place for your cat to sleep, where it won't be disturbed by noise and light. You can give it an old sweater or pillow so that it can smell you.
Ignore your cat's attempts to wake you up at night. Don't respond to her meowing, scratching, petting, or jumping.
If you pay attention to her, she will believe that this behavior brings her the desired result. Be patient and consistent, and over time, the cat will understand that you need to sleep at night.
This way you can establish a harmonious relationship with your cat and ensure a sound and healthy sleep.
Earlier we talked about why a dog whines when its owner leaves.
