Why are cats active at night?

Is your feline pal keeping you awake at 2 am? Well, this definitely poses a problem for you if you are not a night person and especially if your kids have school and you have a heavy schedule in the morning!

If you are clueless about your cat’s behaviour and are wondering how to stop this night jamming with your pet this is what you need to consider – your feline buddy’s wildcat ancestors are nocturnal as they hunt during the night. Despite the fact that your pet is domesticated they still have this wild instinct to keep awake at nights.

Once your cat is up at night, he wants you to hang out with him. You would be encouraging this behavior by giving them the attention and cosseting. You need to slowly stop giving them too much attention. But just closing your door and letting them yowl their hearts out is not the answer to your problem. Here is what you need to do:

• Keep your cat awake and active during the day by getting them plenty of toys to get busy with while you leave to work. You could get your pet some battery operated toys for them to run around with. Install a window perch which will keep them away from napping as they get slowly engrossed by watching the world outside.
• You could consider getting your pet another feline companion. This will increase their activity level, keep them entertained and they will want to spend their night time with their new companion.
• Increase your playtime with your pet in the evenings and encourage them by running and jumping which will tire them and they will want an early night. Feed them a big meal before bedtime so that they do not wake up hungry in the middle of the night.
• Follow a consistent night time routine of eating and sleeping at a particular time so that your cat knows that it is time to hit the bed.
• Lastly, no matter what your cat does to get your attention you must never give in. Put on your earphones and keep your bedroom closed. Once your pet knows you will not give in they will stop disturbing you at nights.

You can always contact your Vet or a Behaviourist for their professional guidance.

Happy Parenting!