If, like me, you get annoyed when your cat is running around the house at 2, 3, or 4 am in the morning, I totally understand.
I have been here and felt helpless.
I have even taken away objects from my cat that she was playing with in the middle of the night, hoping that she would go to bed, but that didn’t always work.
Over time some strategies worked for me. Here are a few things that have worked for me that you can also try:
1. Speak with your vet
I know that none of us want our cats to get sick, but sometimes they do. As they age, they may also have health problems.
This is why going to the vet is one of the most important steps that you can take to stop your cat from getting up earlier than they should in the morning.
I know sometimes it feels a lot more comfortable waiting things out, hoping that it might stop and improve, but if you’re seeing a recurring pattern of your cat waking up at 4 am and running around, then it could be that they are getting sick or in pain.
As hard as it might be, I suggest that you take your cat to the vet and find out what’s going on.
From there, you can start treating whatever issue they have and get back to a normal sleeping pattern for both of you.
Your vet will be able to provide you with some tips and advice for helping your cat to sleep through the night – like if they need any dietary changes or if there’s something else going on, like anxiety or a medical issue.
Taking care of your cat’s health is one of the best ways to ensure that they will live a long and healthy life; sleep is a huge part of this.
2. Use automatic feeders and cat water fountain
An automatic feeder and a water fountain can help to break your cats’ need to wake you up and give them an outlet for their cravings.
Many people will advise against free feeding your cat, but as someone with a small cat, it has worked for me, and my cat doesn’t over-eat.
Automatic feeders can be scheduled to dispense food throughout the day, helping your cat get enough nourishment at regular intervals and not feel the need to wake you up in the middle of the morning for it.
On the other hand, cat water fountains are a great way to entice your cat to stay hydrated throughout the day and also distract them.
I think you should get both of these devices and use them together to maintain your cat’s routine and help them to sleep through the night.
3. Give your cat engaging interactive toys and puzzle feeders
Interactive toys like scratching posts and feather danglers can help keep your cat amused, while puzzle feeders can help them get the nutrition that they need while also keeping their minds and bodies active.
It’s all about mental stimulation.
Think of it as making them work for their food. Try to find puzzles and toys that your cat can play with, and that will keep them engaged.
This will not only help to tire them out but also prevent boredom throughout the day.
Not many people talk about this, but I have also used laser toys with my cats, and it works well to keep them distracted. Just make sure not to shine the laser in their eyes.
Cats need stimulation, and these toys can help provide them with the right amount of activity throughout the day, helping them get the rest that they need at night.
4. Use natural calming remedies
If your cat is anxious or stressed out, naturally calming remedies like pheromone collars, catnip sprays and treats, and special scents can be used to help calm their nerves and help them feel more relaxed.
These remedies can also be used to help your cat adjust to a new sleeping schedule or sudden change in your home, which in turn can help to stop them from waking you up at 4 am.
When it comes to calming remedies for my cat, I use Stress Stopper – Cat Stress Relief Solution, which became known to me when Jackson Galaxy recommended it.
Stress Stopper is a unique remedy designed to lessen stress and anxiety in cats.
And is beneficial during short-term stressful situations like vet visits, thunderstorms and long-term changes like introductions to new family members.
It works best when applied 3-4 times daily.
I like this a lot and use it with my cat whenever we have to do something that stresses her out, like taking her to the vet or if we expect family to come over.
5. Keep consistent sleeping hours: lighting and bedding
Having lights and noise levels that help your cat relax and sleep peacefully and uninterrupted throughout the night is a great idea
Ensure that their sleeping area is comfortable and inviting for them and that they feel safe where ever their bed is.
Make sure that your cat goes to bed and wakes up at the same time each day so they get used to a routine and their bodies adjust accordingly.
This will help them become accustomed to sleeping through the night, which will stop them from waking you up.
Now I get it, we can’t tell our cats when to wake up, but we can ensure that the light in the house is consistent and that it’s dark when we’re ready to sleep.
Being mindful of the time you turn off the lights and how long before you go to bed will help your cat understand when it’s time to rest.
This way, even if they get up in the middle of the night when they see that it’s dark outside, they will understand that it’s not time to play and get back to sleep or at least choose to relax in the house versus running around, up and down the stairs.
Here is an interesting video about getting your cat to let you sleep:
Why does my cat wake me up at 3 am and 4 am in the morning?
1. Hunger
Cats have a more sporadic eating schedule than humans do. They may be waking you up because they’re hungry.
Solution: Consider an automatic feeder that dispenses food at specific times. This way, your cat gets fed even when you’re asleep.
2. Boredom
Cats love to roam, especially on nights when they still have energy that they didn’t use in the day. They’re most active at dawn and dusk.
If your cat is bored, they might see you as a source of entertainment.
Solution: Provide toys or interactive activities for your cat to engage with during the night.
Invest in some fun night-time toys. Puzzle feeders or automated toys can keep them entertained while you snooze.
3. Lack of Exercise
If your cat isn’t getting enough exercise during the day, they may be full of energy at night.
Solution: Make sure your cat gets plenty of playtime and exercise during the day to tire them out.
4. Medical Issues
Certain medical conditions, like hyperthyroidism or kidney disease, can cause excessive thirst, hunger, or discomfort, leading to nighttime waking.
Solution: Regular vet check-ups can help identify these issues early on.
If your cat is showing other symptoms, such as weight loss, vomiting, or changes in appetite, it’s best to consult with your vet immediately.
5. Old Age
Older cats may suffer from cognitive dysfunction syndrome, similar to Alzheimer’s in humans, which can disrupt their sleep cycles.
Solution: If you suspect this might be the issue or has any concerns about your cat and age-related issues, consult with your vet, who will be best suited to help you manage your cat’s condition.
6. Change in Routine
Cats prefer routine and stability. Any changes in your schedule can disrupt their sleep patterns.
Cats are creatures of habit; if your routine has changed recently, it could be throwing off their internal clock.
Solution: Try to keep a consistent routine as much as possible. If you have made changes in your life that are unavoidable for your cat, try to ease your cat into the new schedule slowly.
7. Seeking Attention
Your cat might simply miss you and want some attention! Sometimes, your cat just wants to hang out with their favorite human – you!
Solution: Spend quality time with your cat before bedtime. A little bit of cuddling and petting can go a long way in making your cat feel loved and secure.
How do I stop my cat from waking me up early in the morning?
To stop your cat from waking up early in the morning, the first thing you must ask yourself is whether or not this is a new behavior or something your cat has always been doing.
If the behavior is new, then you should first check for any medical causes or environmental factors that could be causing your cat to wake up early.
To do this, I would speak to a veterinarian. Tell them your concerns and what you notice with your cat, and let them recommend the best course of action.
If the behavior is more established, then there are several things that you can try to help your cat adjust their internal clock.
Depending on what has caused the behavior, you should work towards combating it with a combination of behavioral modifications and environmental changes.
For example;
- Provide opportunities for exercise and stimulation before bedtime
- Setting up a consistent feeding schedule
- Avoid changing your routine too often
- Making sure their bed is comfortable and warm
- Providing a variety of toys
- Making sure they have adequate access to natural light both during the day and at night
Play with your cat throughout the day so that they won’t feel like they’re missing out too much when you go to sleep and will be less likely to wake you up.
Why does my cat get the zoomies at 4 am?
Your cat gets the ‘zoomies’ at 4 am because they are naturally most active at dawn and dusk, making them “crepuscular” creatures.
This behavior is linked to their primal hunting instincts, which is often why they have so much energy at this time of day.
Just imagine, if your cat were outside, they would be on the prowl, looking for their next meal.
However, it’s important to note that medical reasons like an overactive thyroid could also contribute to their increased activity at 2, 3, or 4 am.
I think it’s always a good idea to follow up with your veterinarian to rule out any medical reasons for your cat’s increased activity.
This is the best first step that you can take.
Once medical issues are ruled out, then you can focus on providing your cat with more opportunities for exercise and stimulation during the day.