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Cats/Cat cries in the middle of the night
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Question
Our cat has gotten in the habit of howling at around 4am for food and he won't stop unless we get out of bed and feed him. He always has dry food out and is fed wet twice a day. It's driving us crazy and making us grumpy with the interruption of sleep. We also have two boys under the age of 3 and we feed the cat because we don't want him waking up the kids.
Hi Courtney,
You are doing exactly what your cat wants you to. He cries, you feed him. You need to get stern and don't do it. It will take a little while but he will stop. When you feed him you are reinforcing his bad behavior. Until he stops try some ear plugs. Once you stop giving him the food he will figure out his crying isn't working. You can also try getting a clicker and clicking it when you feed him. This way you are setting the stimulus for his eating, not the other way around. Good luck.
Ciao, Karen
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Answers by Expert:
Karen Craft
Expertise
I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!
Experience
I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care.
Some thoughts to carry with you.
A Cat's 10 Commandments
My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
Give me time to understand what you want of me.
Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you.
Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you.
If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong.
Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old.
On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so.
Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.
Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.
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