Expert: Dear Tabbi - 12/10/2008

Question
My 2 year old russian blue female cat that I adopted around Thanksgiving is a very sweet cat.  She cuddles up and sleeps with me all night until 4:30am every morning she decides it is time to get up.  I have to get up at 5:30am every morning to get ready for work and don't want an interruption in my morning sleep.  But I still want to have the close bond with her by having her sleep with me.  The bedroom door is open so she can go out to eat or drink or use the litter box but she gets right at my head, purrs, and kneads my hands if they are exposed, which of course leaves puncture wounds.  Any suggestions on her waking me up short of closing my door and not allowing her to sleep with me?


Answer
Janet,

Actually her actions are a common behavior problem. You need to change your routine with the cat and get her used to the new one. It is a habit she may have had with a previous owner.

Play with her 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 her out, which is essential for a good nights sleep for you both!  

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

The way to stop her waking you up is to ignore her. COMPLETELY! It is very difficult to do and annoying, but you can NOT acknowledge her actions in ANY way. She will EVENTUALLY stop when she doesn't get any reaction or attention from you. You have to be consistent though. If you even react once to her, then it won't work and it will be worse because the cat will know if she does it long enough eventually you WILL react, so she will keep it up longer.

DO NOT punish the cat.  She is only trying to get your attention and tell you her wants the only way she knows how. If some behavior got your attention before, then that is how she will do it again...and again.

It also sounds like your kitty could be bored and is waking you up to play. Getting a 2nd kitty about her age and temperament might help. Cats need cat mates to play kitty games with, cuddle with, and keep them company. 2 cats are easier than one because it takes the pressure off of you to keep them amused, to constantly play with them, and always be giving them attention.

I hope this helps and gives you some ideas how to go about stopping her morning wakeup calls.

Tabbi