Expert: Dear Tabbi - 11/17/2008

Question
I have two cats and they love sleeping with us on the bed, but they like to wake us up, meow, cuddle, etc., so we've created a cat room for them for the night time.  During the night, however, one of them will constantly meow and paw against the door to get out.  He makes quite a lot of noise pawing against the door!  Is there something we can do to prevent this behavior? When the doors are open (it's a 2 bedroom condo), they will freely go to their room to sleep during the day.  But at night they love to be with us and not let us sleep, so that's why they're sent to the kitty room every night.

Answer
Michele,

Actually his actions are a common behavior problem.
You need to change your routine with the cat and get him used to the new one.

Play with him right before you go to bed. A pet laser light is an excellent interactive toy (you can get them at PetSmart, Petco, etc.)  A good play session before bedtime will tire him out, which is essential for a good nights sleep for you both!  

Give the cat a can of catfood (or his big meal) after you play with him, just before you go to bed. That way he will have a full tummy, be tired from playing and will sleep longer (hopefully!)

Leaving a bowl of dry food out at night will help too. If he gets the munchies it will tide him over until you get up.

The way to stop him waking you up is to ignore him. COMPLETELY! It is very difficult to do and annoying, but you cannot acknowledge his actions in ANY way. Put a piece of plastic on the door to prevent scratches, close the door, and IGNORE the cat. Some cats are more persistant than others and will keep it up for a long time. He will EVENTUALLY stop when he doesns't get any reaction or attention from you. You have to be consistant though. If you even react once to him, then it won't work and it will be worse because the cat will know if he does it long enough eventually you WILL react, so he will keep it up longer.

DO NOT punish the cat.  He is only trying to get your attention and tell you his needs the only way he knows how. If some behavior got your attention before, then that is how he will do it again...and again.

Cats are creatures of habit and routine and they do not like it changed. But to get any rest you need to 're-program' the cat. It may take some time, and some loss of sleep, but when he finds out that that is the way it's going to be he will adapt to the new routine. Be firm and be consistant.

Tabbi