Expert: Jessica - 6/27/2010

Question
Dear Jessica,

 I have recently adopted a 10 wk old half Siamese kitten. I am having a very difficult time getting sleep with him. I have tried warm food and exercise to wear him out and he will sometimes lay down and go to sleep;however, he always wakes up in the middle of the night and meows constantly until I'm forced to put him outside of my room to get sleep. I have even tried misting him in the face when he cries during the night but he likes it. Do u have any advice on how to reduce or stop the late night crying. Thank you for your help.

Answer
Hi Joy,

I really recommend adopting him a playmate.  Siamese and Siamese mixes don't tend to do well without some form of constant companionship and often have trouble with separation anxiety while their owners are away from home or are asleep.  If at all possible, adopt another kitten a year old or under that would be willing to occupy him during the night.

However, remember that cats are nocturnal.  Most cats can be trained to be more active during the day and less active at night to more closely mimic their human’s sleep schedule, but it does take time.  Frequently, it takes a few months of consistent behavior modification, and this little one is very tiny, still.  You are on the right path, though.  Wear the baby out with a good half hour of play before bed time, then feed him a full meal.  Get up and put the baby out of the room when he becomes too active, or if this disturbs you too much, don’t allow him to sleep with you at all.  If he cries at your bedroom door, you can set him up in the bathroom with a litter box and water overnight to get some sleep.  

I certainly understand your frustration, as I have had some of the neediest, noisiest Siamese rattling my bedroom doorknobs and crying all night long.  Unfortunately, you are likely to lose a little more sleep before the situation improves.  But providing him with a kitty companion and then consistently ignoring his demands for attention at inappropriate times will pay off in the long run.

Good luck!

Jessica