Why Is My Cat So Active at Night?
September 7th, 2022

If you’re frustrated by your feline’s nighttime habits, you are not alone. Cats are most active during dawn and dusk, and if left to their own ways, many will be active through the night. However, a little training and patience on your part will have you enjoying a meow-free, restful night’s sleep once again.
Why Are Cats So Active at Night?
Many people mistakenly believe cats are nocturnal animals, meaning they are active at night. In reality, they are crepuscular, which means they hunt and are most active during dawn and dusk.
So why exactly are some cats active at night? Cats are social animals and love spending time with you. If your feline friend is alone during the day, most of the time is spent napping. All that rest can lead to a super active cat when you’re trying to get some sleep. Nighttime activity can also result from boredom, hunger, natural changes in sleeping patterns with age, anxiety, or health concerns.
How Can You Manage Your Cat’s Nighttime Activity?
Your cat’s “night crazies” can leave you longing for a good night’s sleep. From nibbling on your ears to pouncing on your toes, walking over your chest, or nighttime vocalization, your cat’s boundless energy can leave you at a loss.
The following are some ideas to manage your cat’s nighttime activity:
Rule Out Medical Causes: Visit your trusted team at All About Cats Veterinary Hospital to rule out any medical conditions that may be causing your cat’s nocturnal activity.
Provide Adequate Exercise and Stimulation: Spend time playing with your cat in the afternoon or early evening to spend some of its energy. Cats love teasers, playing fetch, or chasing a laser pointer. A tired, happy cat will likely be much less active at night.
Time Your Cat’s Feeding: Cats often fall asleep after a good meal, so it’s always a good idea to move the evening feeding to later at night so your cat is full and sleepy when it’s time for bed.
Avoid Encouraging the Unwanted Behaviors: Pet owners may unintentionally reinforce the boisterous nighttime behavior by interacting, feeding, or even trying to chase the cat out of the room. Hard as it may be, try not to pay attention to your cat at night.
Manage Your Space: If your cat continues to disturb you while trying to get some sleep, you may want to create physical barriers. Close your bedroom door and keep the litter box, food, and water far from your room. Separation is often the best solution to improve your quality of sleep.
Need More Tips?
Keep in mind that your cat will pick up on cues from you. If you allow your furry friend to disturb you at night or unintentionally reward the nighttime activity, the negative behavior will likely continue. If you need more tips on managing your cat’s behavior or if you have any concerns, contact your trusted team at All About Cats Veterinary Hospital in Kirkland, WA. We’re here to support you and your feline friend every step of the way!
Recent Posts
-
What to Know About Your Cat’s Surgery
June 10th, 2023
-
Licensed Veterinary Technician or Technician Assistant Wanted (Full time or Part time)
May 15th, 2023
-
Why, Oh Why, Does My Cat Hate Water?
May 9th, 2023
-
What’s Wrong with My Cat? Benefits of Whole-Body Radiology
April 5th, 2023
-
Should I Feed My Cat a Grain-Free Diet?
March 6th, 2023
-
Smelly Cat, Smelly Cat – Causes of Feline Odors
February 22nd, 2023
-
5 Ways to Reduce Cat Shedding
January 3rd, 2023
-
Your Cat’s Holiday Stress – How to Help
December 6th, 2022
-
Pet Cancer Awareness Month: Warning Signs to Look Out For
November 2nd, 2022
-
10 Halloween Safety Tips for Cat Owners
October 3rd, 2022
-
Why Is My Cat So Active at Night?
September 7th, 2022
-
Should I Really Microchip My Cat?
August 9th, 2022
-
Ways to Keep Your Cat Safe and Cool This Summer
July 1st, 2022
-
10 Fascinating Facts About Persian Cats
June 1st, 2022
-
How to Correctly Transition Cat Foods
May 6th, 2022
-
What Your Cat’s Tail Is Secretly Trying to Tell You
April 5th, 2022
-
6 Common Household Items That Are Poisonous to Cats
March 1st, 2022
-
How Do I Know if My Cat Needs Dental Surgery?
February 16th, 2022
-
How to Safely Introduce Your Cat to Your New Baby
January 11th, 2022
-
Giving a Cat as a Christmas Gift: How to Do It Responsibly
December 6th, 2021
-
5 Thanksgiving Foods That Are Toxic to Cats
November 5th, 2021
-
Is My Kitty Depressed? Signs to Look For in a Sad Cat
October 7th, 2021
-
Training Tips for New Kitten Owners
September 7th, 2021
-
Taking Your Cat to the Vet: How to Make It a Stress-Free Experience
August 6th, 2021
-
The Origins and History of the Tabby Cat
July 13th, 2021
-
We are hiring a Veterinary Technician!
July 12th, 2021
-
Kitty Claw Control: How and When to Cut Your Cat’s Nails
June 7th, 2021
-
Is it Time To Switch My Feline’s Food?
May 5th, 2021
-
5 Fascinating Facts About Siamese Cats
April 1st, 2021
-
Litter Box 101
March 1st, 2021
-
How to Brush Your Cat’s Teeth
February 1st, 2021
-
10 Tips on How to Introduce Your New Cat to Other Pets
January 4th, 2021
-
How You Can Help Animal Shelters This Holiday Season
December 4th, 2020
-
Senior Cat Behaviors and Symptoms
November 5th, 2020
-
Cat Obesity: No Laughing Matter
October 6th, 2020
-
What You Need to Know About Hyperthyroidism in Cats
September 1st, 2020
-
ATTENTION: National Prednisolone Shortage
August 17th, 2020
-
The Importance of Taking Your Cat to Your Vet
August 1st, 2020
-
5 Common Cat Noises and What They Mean
July 2nd, 2020
-
Summer Days Are Coming: Guide to Cat Grooming
June 1st, 2020