I am often asked how to stop your cat waking you up at night, and while there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, there are several strategies you can try to help your cat settle into a more peaceful nighttime routine.

We all love our cats but when they think 2 a.m. is the perfect time for a zoomies session, face tap or munch on your hair, we can be left feeling sleep deprived and exhausted. However, you’re not alone — many cat owners know the struggle of being woken up in the middle of the night. The good news is you can train your cat to let you sleep through the night (and no, it doesn’t involve giving up your bed or wearing earplugs forever). Here are some tried-and-true tips that I have used over the years to help get a full night’s rest — and keep your cat happy, too.

1. Establish a Routine

Cats thrive on routine. Feed, play, and interact with your cat at the same times each day — especially in the evening. After I have done this I give a natural calming treat to my most energetic, highly active cat. We have sampled many over the years and find they work well for travel too, when staying at a different place can make cats anxious.

Try this: Play with your cat for 10–15 minutes before bed (feathered bird toys or a laser pointer), then give a small meal (but not too late or close to your bed time otherwise they’ll need to burn off the energy). This mimics a hunt-eat-sleep pattern and can help them settle overnight.

2. Use Timed Feeders

If your cat wakes you up early for food, a timed feeder can dispense food automatically at set times — removing you from the equation entirely. My rescue cat Backer was a bottle-fed baby and when he was younger still craved the routine of eating very early in the morning, waking me up by chewing my hair. To get around this, I invested in an automatic cat feeder, which then stopped the early morning wake ups. There are quite a few on the market, but after some research we ended up purchasing Cat Mate as it had good reviews and was reasonably priced, the only downside was that it is battery operated. However, if you can get rechargeable batteries it is better for the environment and works out cheaper in the long run.

3. Ignore the Behaviour

Cat behaviour experts will recommend doing this but it is tough. Our feline friends can be persistent when they want to be, so you may need to do this in conjunction with the other tips listed here for a successful outcome. Experts believe if you give in — even to scolding — it rewards the behavior. Stay firm and avoid reacting when your cat wakes you up. Cat behaviour expert Jackson Galaxy, host of My Cat from Hell, says that: “Any attention, positive or negative, reinforces the behaviour. In order to successfully to train your cat to let you sleep, you need to make sure that annoying behaviour in the middle of the night serves no function and is not in any way rewarded [1].”

4. Increase Daytime Activity

Just like us, a bored cat that sleeps all day will get active at night. Try to increase stimulation during the day. I have recently installed a large cat wheel in the living room and a cat wall playground in the kitchen to elevate the cat’s play area. If you live in an apartment or have an indoor cat, you could try taking it out on a lead for walks. Some cats really enjoy this while others don’t. You know your cat better than anyone so will be able to judge just how confident they are with the outside world — just make sure you invest in a good safety harness first! Other daytime activities for your cat can include the following:

• Interactive toys — such as a KONG Treat Dispensing Ball Interactive Cat Toy are brilliant for felines as they have to figure out how to bat, roll, or pounce in just the right way to get treats out, keeping their minds engaged.
• Window perches  — these are fantastic for cats because they combine entertainment, comfort, and mental stimulation, which are all things cats naturally crave.
• Puzzle feeders  — Licky Mats are great because it challenges your cat’s brain and helps prevent boredom, especially for indoor cats who need more enrichment.
• Another cat (if feasible).

5. Keep Your Bedroom Off-Limits

This is easier said than done if you live in a studio or one bedroom apartment, but if you are able to consider closing the door at night. You may need to invest in ear plugs initially if your cat scratches or cries, but it can work and cats get used to the routine of sleeping elsewhere. You’d need to make sure that you have set up a comfy alternative for them to sleep though. I often build a blanket  fort made from two chairs and a large blanket, which both cats love or even a box could work.

 6. Rule Out Medical Issues

If your cat has suddenly started waking you up at night or the behaviour becomes more persistent despite changes to their routine, it’s a good idea to consult your vet — especially if your cat is older. Sudden changes in sleep patterns or nighttime behaviour can be signs of an underlying health issue that needs attention.

Medical conditions that can cause night waking include:

• Hyperthyroidism – Common in senior cats, this condition speeds up metabolism, often making cats more vocal, restless, and hungry — particularly at night.
• Pain or arthritis – Discomfort from age-related joint issues or undiagnosed injuries can make it hard for your cat to settle or sleep comfortably.
• Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (feline dementia) – Like Alzheimer’s in humans, this can cause disorientation, confusion, and increased vocalisation at night.
• High blood pressure or kidney disease – These are also common in older cats and can lead to increased thirst, urination, and restlessness.

7. Feline Pheromone Spray or Diffuser

One of the most popular products on the market is Feliway. I personally use this product nightly for my multi-cat household, which  helps cats feel calm and secure by mimicking natural feline pheromones. It’s a product that many cat owners and vets recommend — and for good reason. I use the spray for our cat-friendly travel or trips to the vet and the diffuser at home at night. While it’s a little expensive, it’s worth the money and you can hunt for discounts online.

Conclusion

Remember that our feline friends are crepuscular, which means they naturally have more energy at dawn and at dusk. But with a little patience, you can help them adapt more closely to your schedule. Success largely depends on individual cat personalities, breeds, and consistent training. By creating a calm environment, offering plenty of enrichment during the day, and resisting the urge to reward unwanted nighttime behaviour, you’ll be well on your way to a better night’s sleep — for both you and your cat.

Author Bio:

Carla Francis (Dip. CMA. Fel) is the internationally recognised author of three books translated into multiple languages and is also the in-house pet travel expert for PetsForever app. With a background in writing, animal welfare, and a Diploma in Feline Psychology & Behaviour, Carla has dedicated her career to improving the lives of pets and their owners. When she’s not writing, Carla enjoys spending time with her own pets, exploring new ways to enhance the human-animal bond.

Feel free to contact with any questions: admin@pet-friendlyaccommodation.com.au

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