Why does my cat seem to be most active at nights?
Some cats are active at night or awake and 'raring to go' very early in the morning. Since many owners are out at work or school during the day the cat may spend the daytime hours relaxing, especially if it is the only pet in the household. The cat's day begins when the owner arrives home to provide the cat with feeding, play and social interaction. This is also the most natural time for cats to be active since they normally hunt and explore at dusk and dawn. Typical complaints are cats that nibble or even attack the owner's ears or toes in bed; walk across the sleeping owners; vocalize or exhibit explosive, uncontrollable play sessions across the furniture and/or the sleeping pet owners. Some owners inadvertently reward the behavior by getting up to give the cat a little food, affection, or attention.
How can I stop my cat from keeping me up at night?
You must learn to schedule and encourage play and feeding during the daytime and evening hours, so that the cat's schedule more closely matches your own. Adjusting the timing of meals or the type of food may help to alter the cat's sleep schedule. For example, eating a few hours later or increasing the evening meal to one that is higher in carbohydrates may help your cat sleep through the night.
Some cats can be trained to sleep at night by keeping the cat awake and active throughout the afternoon and evening. Schedule playtime and meals during times when your nocturnal companion would normally be resting and interrupt catnaps.
If the cat continues to disturb you during the night, confining your cat out of the bedroom and providing it with a comfortable sleeping area and litter may do the trick. Do not provide food through the night as this encourages the cat to stay awake. Providing the cat with ample opportunity for scratching, climbing and play, on the other hand, will occupy the cat until it becomes tired. Make sure that your cat's area has toys and you might avoid hearing cries of boredom in the middle of the night.
Cats that are vocal when locked out of the bedroom must be ignored. Going to the cat or giving attention in any way will only serve to reward the demanding behavior. Cats that scratch or bat at the bedroom door can be kept away by the use of an upside down carpet runner, electronic pet mat or perhaps a motion detector (although it might disturb the owner).
What if it is necessary to have the cat sleep in the bedroom?
If you decide that your cat would do best if allowed to stay in the bedroom, you must remember that any attention whatsoever will reinforce bad behavior. Try your best to react to the demanding cat by ignoring it completely. If the cat persists or the behavior escalates to a point where it cannot be ignored, however, punishment may be effective.
It should first be noted that punishing cats is generally not recommended for several reasons. Punishment that is too mild is likely to be ineffective and may actually serve to provide enough play or attention to reward the behavior. Punishment that is too harsh, on the other hand, could lead to anxiety, fear of the owner, and even aggression. In general, the most effective way to punish your cat without creating pain, fear or anxiety is by using a spray bottle or squirt gun to startle the cat and interrupt the behavior.
Is there medication that might help stop nighttime activity?
If all else fails and the cat does not sleep through the night with behavioral techniques alone, your veterinarian may be able to provide some medication to help your cat fall asleep for the first few nights. Tranquilizers can have side effects and are dangerous for some pets, however, so it is important that your cat be examined first to be sure he or she is in good health. Medication is not a permanent solution to nocturnal problems, but is sometimes helpful as a last resort to assist with behavior modification techniques.