How to Keep Your Cat from Waking You Up

Most cat owners have experienced their cat pouncing on their face at 5AM. It's an irritating experience, especially on a Sunday morning! Contrary to popular belief, cats can be trained. Here are a few tips for how to get your cat on your sleep schedule.


Listen to Your Cat
When a cat is "misbehaving", it's usually for a reason. This includes pouncing on your face in the morning. If your cat is exhibiting unusual behavior, it may mean that something in his environment has been interrupted (like a new cat in the neighborhood) or that he may be sick. Training a cat or any pet means teaching it to live alongside you within your rules, but within reason. Remember that animals, much like small children, can't communicate to us except with noises and gestures. Just like with a child, check to see that their basic needs are met first and then try and figure out if something is wrong beyond that.

Fulfill the Basics
Most cats are very territorial and like to feel that their territory stays a particular way. If you feed your cat and clean its box sporadically, this can make it feel insecure, resulting in weird behaviors to get your attention. Clean the box at LEAST once a week on the same day, completely change the litter once a month, and have specified times that you feed your cat, always giving fresh water. The easiest schedule is once before you go to work and once before you go to bed. If they feel their needs are not being met, most cats will do whatever it takes to get your attention, even if it's negative-- like scratching the furniture or knocking things off the shelf.

Keep Your Cat Entertained
Cats are nocturnal and naturally like to explore at night. But if they get their "hunting" out during the day, they're less likely to need to do it while you're snoozing. If you're away most of the day, leave them puzzles, balls and toys to play with. Cats get bored just like people, so try and keep most of their toys hidden away and then give them one or two in the morning. An old toy will feel new and exciting again if they haven't seen it in a while. Be sure to interact with your cat, too. Playing with a fishing toy or a piece of yarn, or even playing fetch are all great games that will help you bond with your cat and wear him out, too.

Make a Bedtime Routine Your Cat Understands
To help your cat wind down and be ready to sleep when you are, before you go to bed remember to Play, Feed and Groom. If your cat goes outside, let him roam his territory for a couple hours and call him in at the same time each night. (If you consistently give your cat treats for responding, just like a dog he will come when you call.) If your cat is an indoor cat, play with him to wear him out. Feed your cat after playing. Once he's done, brush him to finish calming him down. These are all natural things cats do before sleeping: hunt, eat, clean themselves up and nap.

Avoid the Signals
Cats are keen to notice sights and sounds that signify morning. Keep the shades closed so the sun doesn't pour in, use a fan or a white noise machine at night to drown out the sounds outside. The more consistent you can keep your sleeping area, the better.

Resist Fighting Back
If your cat is annoying you, it's hard to fight the urge to think they're just doing it to torture or spite you. Reacting in any way is giving your cat attention and going to reinforce bad habits. It may take several days for your cat to learn to sleep at night. Be strong! Try not to acknowledge your cat when he wakes you up in the morning, not even locking him out of the room or pushing him off the bed. Eventually he'll understand that you will get up and feed him and play with him if he waits.

Making New (Furry) Friends

Summertime is a great time of year to go exploring and meet new people. Sometimes you might want to go for a jog or a hike, or maybe stay in where it's cool and watch a movie. Maybe you just like to have someone greet you when you wake up in the morning. A really excellent way to add a little love like this to your life is to adopt a pet! It's a big decision and a lot of responsibility to add an animal to your family, but the benefits are so rewarding to you and your new furry buddy. Here are some little known facts about adopting a new friend.

Companions make you healthier

Many studies show that companion animals lower high blood pressure, sometimes equivalent to that of prescription medication. People with animals are also more likely to be physically active and report less instances of loneliness and isolation.

Overpopulation of companion animals is a problem in the US

We all remember Bob Barker reminding us to spay and neuter our pets, but pet overpopulation is still a problem in the United States. Researchers believe that common misconceptions about spaying and neutering animals prevent their caretakers from taking action. However, "fixing" your pet can help prevent many breed-related health problems and relieve anxiety and frustration for your new buddy. Shelters and non-profit programs also make the procedure relatively affordable and sometimes free. Four million cats and dogs are euthanized each year in the US alone because shelters just don't have the space for them. If you are really interested in a puppy or kitten, go to a shelter, especially during high breeding seasons. Click here to read more about the facts on spaying and neutering your pets.

"If I take my pet to a shelter, it will be safe and adopted." False.

Unfortunately, the sad truth is that many shelters just do not have room for the enormous numbers of abandoned pets that have no one taking responsibility for them, even at more humane independent organizations. If you abandon a pet or litter of puppies or kittens, there is a high probability that it will be euthanized.

Well behaved and purebred dogs and cats can be found in shelters too

If you're planning on purchasing a pet and aren't swayed by the number of overpopulated animals, consider that a large number of animals in shelters come from mills and breeding centers. About 25% of all pets brought to shelters are purebred. There is a wide variety of animals from all walks of life in shelters, not just strays. Most shelters also take the time to rehabilitate, train, vaccinate and treat any animals that come in the door before putting them up for adoption.

Shelters aren't just for dogs and cats

If you're more the type of person who likes lizards, guinea pigs, rats, rabbits or snakes, these are also available at many shelters with all the same benefits of adopting a dog or cat.

Ready to adopt? Go to The Shelter Pet Project or PetFinder to search hundreds of shelters and rescue organizations, and enjoy getting to know your new furry friend!