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About 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).
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* One of the top 50 Experts Of 2008 *
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You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Cats > Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral) > cats meowing
Expert: Dear Tabbi - 11/5/2009
Question
Hi,
I have a 6 month old male cat that we got when he was 7 weeks and found abandoned in a drain. He couldn't meow at all for about 2 months and now squeaks when he meows but he mostly 'chirps' like a bird, it is very loud, louder than a meow and tends do it when playing but he has taken to starting this 'chirping' any where between 3am and 5am and goes from room to room - i have tried to ignore it but normally end up getting up to lock him in the laundry, which is where the litter tray is etc. I have another cat who sleeps all night, no problems. I'm not sure we can keep going like this - please help, thank you.
Answer
Paula,
Is the cat neutered yet? If not, that could be a lot of his behavior problem and I would get him done as soon as possible.
Suggestion: 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!
Then give him 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!).
Also, as cats get older their dietary needs change. Your cat may be experiencing hunger pangs in the middle of the night and is trying to tell you that by his behavior. If you don't already, leaving a bowl of good quality dry cat food (cheaper brands have too many fillers which do not satisfy the cat's hunger) available all the time helps when the cat gets the munchies so he doesn't need to wake you up to eat.
The way to stop him waking you up is to ignore him. COMPLETELY! It is very difficult to do and annoying, but you can NOT acknowledge his actions in ANY way. He will EVENTUALLY stop when he doesn'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 wants the only way he knows how. If some behavior got your attention before, then that is how he will do it again...and again.
It also sounds like your kitty could be bored. Getting another kitty about his age and temperment might help. Cats need cat mates to play kitty games with, cuddle with, and keep them company.
I hope this helps..
Tabbi
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