Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar

Call Us Today

217-673-4870

  • Home
  • New Patient Center
    • Veterinary Resources
    • Online Forms
    • What to Expect
    • Payment Options
    • Petsimonials
  • Companion Animals
  • Equine & Large Animals
  • Services
  • About Us
    • Meet our Team
    • Virtual Office Tour
  • Memorials
    • Submit Your Pet Memorial
  • Contact Us
    • Request Appointment
April Newsletter: Tips on Keeping Your Cat Calm through the Night
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletter Library >
  • April Newsletter: Tips on Keeping Your Cat Calm through the Night

April Newsletter: Tips on Keeping Your Cat Calm through the Night

Night time cat squad practices pouncing

Tips to Keep Your Cat Calm During the Night

If you live with a cat, you've probably been woken by the sound of thundering paws as your pet makes a mad dash through your home. Although the feline frenzy may be amusing when you're awake, things are a little different when your pet knocks over a lamp as you're trying to sleep. If you're exhausted by your cat's midnight antics, a few of these tips may help restore peace to your home in the evening.

Help Your Pet Release Extra Energy

You may have been busy during the day, but your cat's day was full of long naps and bird watching. Unfortunately, once the sun goes down, your pet may decide it's the perfect time to get rid of excess energy.

Although many people believe that cats are nocturnal, felines are actually crepuscular, or more active at dusk and dawn. The more active your pet is during the day, the less energy it will have for pre-dawn, high-speed marathons over your sleeping body.

Games offer the perfect way to tire out your pet. Encourage your favorite feline to bat a dangling toy at the end of a kitty fishing rod, fetch a small toy, or chase a laser beam.

If you're away from home during the day, provide toys that will keep your cat busy. Pet supply companies offer plenty of options from dangling toy mice that hang from the door jamb to climbing structures to laser toys your cat can activate with a swipe of the paw.

Make a Change to Mealtime

Hunger could be one of the reasons your pet is so active in the evening. PetMD notes that cats often sleep after eating and recommends offering a small meal before you go to bed.

Of course, offering extra food could increase your pet's weight. Luckily, you can prevent weight gain by slightly reducing the amount you feed your pet for dinner.

Does your cat insist that you serve breakfast at 5 a.m.? Adding a timed pet food dispenser to your kitchen may solve the problem. Your cat will be less likely to disturb your sleep once it realizes that the dispenser releases food at the same time every morning. Finding treats hidden throughout your home will also give your pet something to do while you're asleep.

Close the Bedroom Door

Keeping your door closed at night can be a good solution, as long as you're willing to put up with a little complaining until your cat gets used to the new arrangement.

You may be able to distract your pet by offering a selection of interesting toys or even a cardboard box outside your door. Of course, you'll want to choose toys that don't make sounds.

Visit the Veterinarian

If these tips don't help, it's a good idea to schedule a visit with the veterinarian. In some cases, a cat may be more active at night because it's ill or in pain. Does your older cat spend hours meowing during the night? It may be confused due to dementia.

Your veterinarian can determine if a health issue is responsible for your cat's behavior and offer treatments or suggestions that will help everyone in your home get a better night's sleep.

Are you concerned about your cat's nighttime activity level? A trip to the veterinarian will help you ensure that a health problem isn't to blame. Contact our office to make an appointment with the veterinarian.

Sources:

Petfinder: Keeping Your Cat Calm at Night

https://www.petfinder.com/cats-and-kittens/training/general/keep-cat-calm-at-night/

PetMD: How To Get Your Cat to Sleep At Night, 2/2/2022

https://www.petmd.com/cat/general-health/how-get-your-cat-sleep-night

WebMD: Nighttime activity in Cats, 3/16/2023

https://pets.webmd.com/cats/guide/nighttime-activity-cats

Purina: Myth Buster: Are Cats Truly Nocturnal?

https://www.purina.co.uk/articles/cats/behaviour/common-questions/are-cats-nocturnal

No article settings found. Please configure it

  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.
  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.
  • Make an Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!

Office Hours

*Open the 1st, 3rd and 5th Saturday when it applies.

Monday:

8:00 AM-12:00 PM

1:00 PM-5:00 PM

Tuesday:

8:00 AM-12:00 PM

1:00 PM-5:00 PM

Wednesday:

8:00 AM-12:00 PM

1:00 PM-5:00 PM

Thursday:

8:00 AM-12:00 PM

1:00 PM-5:00 PM

Friday:

8:00 AM-12:00 PM

1:00 PM-5:00 PM

Saturday:

8:00 AM-12:00 PM

Sunday:

Closed

Location

Testimonial

I absolutely love the ladies at this office. They are so nice and helpful and my fur babies like them to!! I strongly recommend this practice if you are in need of a great vet and staff!!

Angel C.

    October Newsletter: The Importance of Daily Dog Walks

    This simple form of exercise could make your dog one happy pup. ...

    Read More

    October Newsletter: How to Care for Your Pets When They Are Teething

    Wondering what you can do to help your teething pet? ...

    Read More

    October Newsletter: How a Coggins Test Can Detect Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA)

    Concerned about equine infectious anemia? A Coggins Test can help you ensure your horse is healthy. ...

    Read More

    September Newsletter: The Importance of Core Vaccines for Dogs

    Could core vaccines help your dog avoid serious illness or death? ...

    Read More

    September Newsletter: Dry Food vs. Wet Food: Which is Better for Your Cat?

    Should you buy dry food for your cat or is wet food better? ...

    Read More

    September Newsletter: The Importance of Parasite Control for Horses

    Need a little help protecting your horse from parasites? ...

    Read More

    Does Your Cat Have a Grooming Problem?

    Noticed a sudden change in your cat's grooming habits? Over- or under-grooming can be a sign of trouble. ...

    Read More

    August Newsletter: How Spaying or Neutering Your Pet Can Prevent Health Problems

    Do you know how spaying and neutering can protect your pet's health? ...

    Read More

    August Newsletter: How Your Veterinarian Can Help with Pet Separation Anxiety

    Does your pet hate being alone? A visit to the veterinarian could help. ...

    Read More

    August Newsletter: The Importance of Wellness Exams for Senior Horses

    Wondering if your senior horse should have a wellness exam? ...

    Read More

Follow Us

Find Us On Social Media

  • Copyright © 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map