Calm Cats: Tricks For A Peaceful Slumber

Cats are crepuscular, which means they're most active at dawn and dusk, so it's natural for them to be awake when we're trying to sleep. However, it's not impossible to change your cat's sleeping schedule. Since cats thrive with a routine, creating a good bedtime routine can help your cat sleep at the same time as you.

Firstly, try playing with your cat before their last meal of the day. Their natural instincts are to hunt, catch, kill, and eat their prey, then rest. You can recreate this scenario by playing with your cat using interactive toys like wand toys or toys they can hunt. This will help regulate their energy levels to meet yours.

Secondly, try to include your cat in your bedtime routine. Set aside certain fun activities that your cat enjoys that only happen before bedtime, such as grooming your cat and feeding them special treats.

Finally, you can try giving your cat lots to do during the day so they're more tired at night. For example, you could hide toys or treats around the house, use a puzzle feeder, or put on TV shows with nature or wildlife.

Tire your cat out with play

Cats are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. This is the time when their prey is most active, so it's the perfect time for a predator like a cat to be up and hunting. Domesticated cats have retained these behaviours and will often be active at night, disrupting their owners' sleep.

One way to prevent this is to tire your cat out with play during the day so that they are more likely to be tired when you want to sleep. Here are some tips to help you do this:

Provide regular play sessions

Try to play with your cat at least 15 minutes every day and twice a day if possible. You can use interactive toys like wand toys, laser pointers, or cat teasers to engage your cat in play. These toys play into your cat's natural hunting instincts, keeping them busy and increasing the likelihood that they will sleep through the night. It is important to create a play environment that gives your cat room to run, climb, and jump. You can also try "prey-playing" by using a wand toy to mimic a prey's movements. Move the toy away from your cat, dart behind objects to hide, or jump away from your cat.

Play hard, then rest, and play hard again

Cats are built for short spurts of energy, so a good play session consists of several highs and lows. Tire your cat out for a few minutes, let it rest, and then restart play. The time it takes for your cat to tire itself out will decrease the longer you play.

Provide daytime activities to keep your cat entertained when you're not at home

If you're at work during the day, your cat may be bored and lonely and will want to spend time with you in the evening when you want to sleep. You can keep them awake and engaged during the day by leaving the television on for them to watch (try nature shows), providing puzzle toys for them to play with, or setting smart bowls to open at certain times to dispense treats.

Feed your cat a small meal at bedtime

Cats tend to fall asleep after they eat, so offering a small meal right at bedtime might encourage your cat to have dinner and go to bed.

Establish a consistent bedtime routine

Cats thrive when a routine is established and maintained, so creating a good bedtime routine can help encourage your cat to go to sleep at the same time as you. This might include grooming your cat, feeding them special treats, and leading them to their sleeping area.

Remember that every cat is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Observing your cat's behaviour and preferences will help you tailor the best solution for both of you.

Establish a bedtime routine

Cats are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk, which is when their prey is most active. This can make it difficult to get your cat to sleep at night. However, establishing a bedtime routine can help your cat get a good night's sleep.

Firstly, try to play with your cat before their last meal of the day. This will help to tire them out and regulate their energy levels to match yours. Use interactive toys, such as wand toys or toys that they can hunt for. Make sure to create a play environment that gives your cat room to run, climb, and jump. You should play with your cat at least 15 minutes every day and twice a day if possible. Try to mimic their natural hunting behaviour by acting as prey and moving the toy away from your cat or jumping away from them.

You can also try to enrich your cat's day with activities to keep them busy and active. For example, you can hide toys or treats around the house, use a puzzle feeder, or turn on the TV to a nature channel.

It is also important to schedule meals for your cat. Stop free-feeding and instead, introduce scheduled feeding times. This can help manage weight and obesity issues and inform you of any health problems that may arise. Gradually introduce this concept to your cat if you have free-fed in the past. You can put away food for short periods of time and then put it back when you return. Over time, decrease the amount of free food available and increase the amount served as meals. It is recommended that you feed your cat four times a day with no longer than 4-5 hours between each meal. Feed small portions that are eaten within 30 minutes, after which your cat will typically groom itself and then rest. Try to schedule your cat's last meal so that their rest period coincides with yours.

Finally, establish a consistent bedtime routine. Cats love routine, so by having a routine that ends with you sleeping, your cat will eventually be able to understand the signs of bedtime. Make sure to do the same activities in the same order every night. You can also involve your cat in your bedtime routine by setting aside certain fun activities that your cat enjoys, such as brushing their teeth or feeding them special treats.

Feed your cat before bed

Cats are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk, which is when their prey is most active. This can be frustrating for cat owners, who are usually getting ready for bed at dusk and trying to sleep at dawn. However, there are ways to adjust your cat's sleeping schedule so that they sleep at the same time as you.

One way to do this is to feed your cat before bed. Cats tend to fall asleep after they eat, just like humans do. So, offering a small meal right at bedtime might encourage your cat to eat and then go to bed. If your cat wakes you up early in the morning for food, try setting a timed feeder for that time instead. This will help to break the association between you getting up and breakfast time.

It is recommended that you feed your cat four times a day, with no longer than four to five hours between each meal. The goal is to feed small, measured portions of food that are eaten within 30 minutes. After each meal, your cat will typically groom itself and then rest. Try to schedule your cat's last meal so that their rest period coincides with yours.

If you have been free-feeding your cat, it might be time to consider scheduling feeding times instead. When your cat has access to food whenever they want, it is difficult to predict their energy levels. Gradually introduce the concept of scheduled meals, as doing so suddenly could upset your cat and cause health or behavioural problems.

If you have a busy schedule, you could try purchasing an automatic feeder. You can schedule this device to serve meals to your cat when you are not there.

Create a separate sleeping space

Cats are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during twilight hours, which can be disruptive to their owners' sleep. Creating a separate sleeping space for your cat can help you get uninterrupted sleep while catering to your cat's needs. Here are some tips to create a comfortable and secure sleeping area for your feline friend:

Choose the Right Location

Select a well-ventilated room with a comfortable temperature. Cats are sensitive to temperature extremes, so maintaining a cosy environment is crucial for their rest. If your cat tends to scratch or meow at your bedroom door, consider placing them in a separate room to ensure they don't disturb you.

Provide Comfortable Bedding

Opt for soft and snug bedding that provides adequate insulation. Cats love to snuggle into warm and plush surfaces. You can add their favourite blanket or a piece of your clothing to their sleeping area to enhance comfort and provide a familiar scent. This can be especially helpful if your cat likes to sleep on your bed due to the familiar smell.

Offer Essential Amenities

Ensure their sleeping area includes a clean litter box, fresh water, food, and some of their favourite toys. This creates a self-contained space where they can find everything they need during the night. You can also add enrichment activities like a scratching post, a window for them to look out of, or platforms for them to jump on to keep them entertained and prevent their "zoomies" from disrupting your sleep.

Establish a Bedtime Routine

Cats thrive on routines, so establishing a consistent pre-sleep ritual can help signal to your cat that it's time to wind down. Set a regular bedtime for yourself and your cat, and engage in calming activities before bedtime, such as gentle play sessions or brushing. Avoid stimulating play or feeding immediately before bedtime, as this may make your cat more active when you want to sleep.

Positive Reinforcement

Use positive reinforcement to encourage your cat to use their new sleeping space. Offer treats and praise when they choose to sleep in their designated area. Initially, you may need to spend extra time with your cat in their new space to help them adjust. Be patient, as it may take several nights or even weeks for them to fully embrace the new arrangement.

Monitor Your Cat's Well-being

Keep an eye on your cat's eating, drinking, and litter box habits during the transition. Stress or discomfort can lead to changes in these behaviours. Consult your veterinarian if you notice any significant changes or signs of distress. Also, watch for behavioural changes, as sudden shifts can indicate stress or unhappiness. Provide ample affection and reassurance during this period.

Remember, every cat is unique, and their adjustment to separate sleeping arrangements will vary. By creating a comfortable, secure, and engaging sleeping space, you can help your cat adjust to their new routine and ensure both you and your feline companion get a good night's rest.

Ignore your cat's demands

Cats are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk, which is when their prey is typically stirring. This is why cats tend to be active when we are trying to sleep.

If your cat is waking you up at night, it is important to ignore their demands. Do not feed them, play with them, or give them attention. Any attention, positive or negative, reinforces the behaviour. It may take up to two weeks for your cat to learn that waking you up at night does not get them what they want.

If your cat is meowing loudly, it may be that they have learned that if they vocalise, you will give them food or attention. This is a learned behaviour, and you can train your cat out of it by ignoring the behaviour and only offering rewards when the cat is quiet.

If your cat is waking you up by scratching at your bedroom door, you can try keeping the door closed. A determined cat may scratch at the door or meow, but they will eventually give up. You can also try mounting a vertical scratchpad on the door, trimming your cat's nails, or having your vet fit your cat with plastic nail caps.

If your cat is waking you up because they are hungry, you can try feeding them a small meal before bedtime. However, it is important to note that free-feeding your cat can lead to unpredictable energy levels, so it is better to stick to scheduled mealtimes.

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