Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/Cat
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Question
Hi,
My question is, will my cat sleep through the night (like my dog) not needing to get up to go outside. This is my first cat and I'm not familiar with the habits of how often they need to relive themselves. His liter box is outside...
Thanks, Jackie
Jackie,
It's always safer to keep a litterbox inside. If the cat has to go he will go on clothing, carpet, etc. and after that he will think it is OK. Some cats will sleep through the night, and others go at least once.
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. A full tummy will help him sleep longer. Leaving a bowl of dry food out at night will help too. If he gets the munchies, he won't have to try to wake you and it will tide him over until morning.
Cats usually should have a kitty friend to play kitty games with, to snuggle with and to be companionship and comfort when they are alone. Single cats can be destructive due to boredom. That is just a suggestion.
Tabbi
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Answers by Expert:
Dear Tabbi
Expertise
My expertise is in helping people understand their cat (or cats) and their behavior. Questions are welcome even if you don't have a cat....just a question about them. Hopefully my experience, suggestions, and comments will be of help to you...and your cat (or cats). Looking through my past responses to questions will give you additional information and/or answers too. Domestic Cats = cats (no matter what breed) who are tame or not wild, or abandoned cats who were pets that became wild, but can be tamed again. Ferals = cats who are born with one or more parents who were wild stray cats. They usually have had no interactions with people. They have an inbred distrust of humans and are difficult to socialize. They are skittish, hide, and are afraid of people. They take a lot of time and patience to work with them. A lot of kittens from shelters had a feral parent.
Experience
Since I was a child, over 45 years, I have been owned by a LOT of cats and kittens of almost every temperament, behavior, and personality. I have had experience with neurotic, disabled (including blind), stray, and 'problem child' cats and kittens. (A few normal cats too!) Plus all the things a lifetime of owning cats and research has taught me. I also have experience in feral cat behavior (which is different from domestic cats), and some experience with feral colonies that includes colony feeding and feral cat TNR (trap/neuter/release).
Education/Credentials
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Awards and Honors
* One of the top 50 Experts Of 2008 *
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