Felines are nocturnal creatures by nature, so it’s not at all surprising that they are especially active during the night, sound familiar? Probably yes, because your sleep as a human is the one that suffers the most. But what if we told you that there are ways to deal with these feline night awakenings and promote a muuuuuuch calmer sleep for both of you? Today at Ownat we explain the reasons behind this behavior and offer super useful tips to improve the situation.
Our beloved felines are nocturnal creatures by nature, and this is undeniable. Unlike humans, who are diurnal, cats have inherited the habit of hunting and exploring during the night; something you are probably muuuuch aware of. This behavior, rooted in their DNA, can cause some “little problems” for all humans sharing a home with them.
But don’t worry, let’s take it step by step!
To begin with, before looking for solutions, it’s crucial to understand the real reasons behind your cat’s night awakenings. In general, felines tend to be more active at dusk and dawn, times when their hunting instincts wake up strongly. At these times, the need to play, explore, and hunt manifests in behaviors like running, jumping, exploring their surroundings, knocking over a book or suddenly jumping on your bed. Sound familiar?
Don’t panic—there are straightforward strategies to manage these night awakenings and make sure everyone at home can sleep (yes, everyone). Here are some practical tips:
Keep them slightly active during the day
Make sure your feline participates in active play sessions during the day. This helps release accumulated energy, reducing the need for activity at night. Simply try to dedicate at least 30 minutes a day to play with them and tire them out a bit.
Nighttime feeding
If your cat has a habit of waking you up to eat, consider establishing a nighttime feeding routine. How? Give them a small portion of food before bed; this can help satisfy their needs and prevent awakenings. You can leave food at their disposal or, alternatively, split dinner into two portions, for example.
A stimulating environment
It’s very important that your feline has an enriched environment with toys (which you can rotate from time to time to keep things fresh) and climbing structures (tower, scratching post, etc.). This will keep your cat entertained and active during the day, reducing the likelihood of excessive nighttime activity.
A very comfortable refuge
Providing a cozy and comfortable space where your cat can retreat during the night is very important. For example, a soft bed in a quiet corner, a blanket or two, some comfy cushions… can become their ideal nighttime refuge.
Visit your trusted veterinarian
If your cat’s nighttime behavior changes suddenly, it’s important to visit your veterinarian just to make sure everything is fine and avoid potential health problems—or find a quick solution!
As you can see, managing feline night awakenings is possible with a slightly more understanding approach to the situation, don’t you think? In the end, by adapting our environment and routines, we can achieve a much more balanced coexistence with our felines, promoting not only their wellbeing but also our well-deserved nighttime rest (vital for humans! ;)). With patience and dedication, all family members can enjoy a truly peaceful sleep.
