Expert: Dear Tabbi - 1/12/2009

Question
Hello ! Well, i have had my cat since July of last year. He was about 8 eights old when my sister gave it away since she was going to take them to the pound, so we decided to save one from that. He is the sweetest, most loving cat i have ever met. He is very smart as well. We kind of assigned a room for him where we keep his litter & food & water. He also has his little bed there. The only problem we have with him is that he wakes us up EVERYNIGHT at 4:30 - 5:30 am. He cries and cries until he sees us. We sleep with the door close because he likes to jump on the bed to lay with us and although i am not allergic to animals, my skin gets very itchy if my cat or my dog jump on the bed therefore none of the animals are allowed on the bed. He walks around the house and comes and goes as he pleases but when he doesnt see us, Oh dear ! It's has never stopped ! not one night. We ADORE our cat. He's out little baby boy, but we would hate to have to get rid of him when time comes to have children because he's going to wake the baby up every night with his cry. What do you think it could be? & What can we do?

Answer
Michelle,

One suggestion would be to get him a kitty friend about his same age and temperament. Cats need a friend to play kitty games with, to snuggle with, and to be comfort and company when they are alone. A single cat becomes too dependant on humans for companionship and that is not good for either one. 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.

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, he won't have to try to wake you and it will tide him over until you get up.

Feeding a cat first thing in the morning will only increase his desire to wake you up earlier and earlier because he will associate your waking up with the reward of being fed.  To discourage this, take a shower, have your breakfast, play with him for a few minutes and THEN feed him.

The way to stop him waking you up is to ignore him. COMPLETELY! It is very difficult and annoying, but you can not acknowledge his actions in ANY. He will EVENTUALLY stop when he doesn't get any reaction or attention from you. You have to be consistent 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.

Anytime a cat's personality or behavior noticeably changes it is good to have him checked by a vet because that could be a symptom of something medically wrong with the cat. Meowing persistently is sometimes the only way they know how to tell you.

I hope this helps you get a good nights sleep.

Tabbi