Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Hillsdale Animal Hospital

5222 Hillsdale Blvd.

Sacramento, CA 95842 US

916-349-1113

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • New Patient Center
    • Online Forms
    • What to Expect
    • Veterinary Resources
    • Payment Options
  • About Us
    • Services
    • Meet Our Team
  • Contact Us
  • Veterinary Topics
    • Pet Health
      • Chronic Conditions
      • Digestive and Oral Health
      • Diseases and Viruses
      • Pests and Parasites
      • Orthopedics
    • Today's Veterinarian
    • Choosing Your Pet
      • Finding Your Pet
      • Cats
      • Dogs
      • Exotics
        • Amphibians
        • Birds
        • Reptiles
          • Lizards
          • Turtles
      • Small Mammals
        • Ferrets
        • Rabbits
        • Domesticated Animals
          • Prairie Dogs
        • Pocket Pets
          • Chinchillas
          • Guinea Pigs
          • Hamsters
          • Hedgehogs
          • Rats
      • Livestock
        • Cows
        • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
        • Goats
        • Pigs
        • Poultry
        • Sheep
    • Living With Your Pet
      • Bringing Your Pet Home
      • Children and Pets
      • Providing Care
      • Travel
      • Saying Goodbye
    • Newsletter Library
      • Tips for Pet Owners
      • Seasonal Topics
      • Nutrition & Food
      • Recognizing Illness
      • Visiting the Vet
      • Equine
      • Cats
      • Keeping Pets Healthy
      • Fleas & Parasites
      • Pet Dangers
      • Behavior & Training
      • Newsletter Archive
        • Fun with Pets
        • Unbelievable Pets
    • Video Newsroom
      • Health Topics
      • Technology and Science
      • Other Interests
    • Client Survey
    • Pets4Kids
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletter Library >
  • Cats >
  • Managing Your Cat's Night-Time Activity

Managing Your Cat's Night-Time Activity

  • Created in Newsletter Library, Cats
Cat up at night

How to Keep Your Cat Calm at Night

It's 2 a.m. and everyone is fast asleep, except for your cat. Your feline friend races through the house, skidding around corners and knocking over everything in its path. Although your cat might think that the middle of the night is the perfect time for these frenzied runs, you probably disagree.

What to Do If Cat Capers Interfere with Your Sleep

You and your cat have different opinions about the perfect time to sleep. In the wild, felines often hunt at night. Those natural instincts are still active even though your pet may not need to hunt for its food. Fortunately, you can prevent or reduce the behavior by trying a few of these suggestions.

Just Ignore Your Cat

If your parents ever advised you to ignore an annoying brother or sister when you were young, you know that advice wasn't always helpful. The same is true of cats. Ignoring them when they bat at your forehead or meow in your ear may encourage some cats to give up but won't deter others. Still, it's worth a try.

If you can't ignore your cat, don't offer food or pet him or her. Those actions reward your cat for the behavior and make it more likely to continue.

Keep Your Pet Active During the Day

Busy cats are tired cats. Playing with your cat in the afternoon and early evening may help release some of that excess energy. Choose games and activities that involve stalking, pouncing, or chasing, such as:

  • Fetch. Many cats enjoy a game of fetch just as much as dogs do. Fetch requires very little effort on your part and can keep your cat entertained and active for a long time. Toss toys your cat can easily hold in its mouth or other small objects that don't pose choking dangers.
  • Chase the Light. Turn on your laser pointer and play a rousing game of chase the light with your pet.
  • Fishing. Cats love pouncing on a dangling toy at the end of a kitty fishing rod. You'll find the rods at any pet supply store.
  • Bird and Squirrel Watching. Stimulate your furry friend's brain by providing the perfect spot to watch birds and squirrels outdoors. Adding a resting shelf to a window overlooking your yard provides hours of fun for cats. Encourage birds to fly by the window by adding a bird feeder outside.
  • Videos. Your cat may enjoy watching videos that feature birds, squirrels, mice, fish, and other creatures darting back and forth on the screen. YouTube offers several videos that run seven hours or longer.
  • Electronic Toys. Electronic toys keep your cat entertained when you're not at home. From electronic laser tag games to battery-operated mice, you'll find plenty of toys your cat is sure to love.
  • Tag. Some cats enjoy rousing games of tag with their people. When your cat starts dashing through the house during the day, join in on the fun.

Change Feeding Times

Have you noticed that your cat likes to nap after eating? Your pet may be less likely to roam your house or apartment at night if you offer the last meal of the day later than usual or give your pet a treat at bedtime. If you add an extra treat, decrease the number of treats you provide during the day.

Close the Bedroom Door

Your cat may still enjoy a midnight romp through your house, but at least you won't notice it as much if you keep your door closed. Your pet might complain at the door for a few nights before he or she finally realizes that the bedroom is now off-limits when you're asleep.

Talk to Your Veterinarian

If your formerly calm cat is suddenly more active or won't stop meowing at night, let your pet's veterinarian know. A health condition that causes pain or discomfort may be to blame.

Are you concerned about a behavioral issue? Try these tips to improve your pet's behavior.

Sources:

YouTube: Videos for Cats and Dogs

Pets.WebMd.com: Nightime Activity in Cats

Petfinder.com: Keeping Your Cat Calm at Night

Modern Cat: How to Stop Pesky Meowing at Night

Inverse: Why Your Cat Runs Around at Night Like a Maniac According to Science

  • Pet Health
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Exotics
      • Amphibians
      • Birds
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Small Mammals
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
      • Domesticated Animals
        • Prairie Dogs
      • Pocket Pets
        • Chinchillas
        • Guinea Pigs
        • Hamsters
        • Hedgehogs
        • Rats
    • Livestock
      • Cows
      • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
      • Goats
      • Pigs
      • Poultry
      • Sheep
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Children and Pets
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Equine
    • Cats
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Pet Dangers
    • Behavior & Training
    • Newsletter Archive
      • Fun with Pets
      • Unbelievable Pets
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Client Survey
  • Pets4Kids

Contact Us

Featured Links

Click to find out more

  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.
    Learn More
  • Make An Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!
    Schedule Now
  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.
    View Forms

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am

6:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am

6:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am

6:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am

6:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am

6:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am

4:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

  • How to Tell When Your Cat Is Sick

    Not sure if your cat is sick? Take a look at these signs. ...

    Read More
  • Vet Care Doesn't Have to Break the Bank; Pet Insurance

    Wondering if pet insurance is a good idea? ...

    Read More
  • Human vs Pet Medications: Why You Should Never Share Medicine with Your Pets

    Could your medications harm your pets? ...

    Read More
  • Ways to Take the Stress Out of Your Pet's Next Veterinary Visit

    Does your pet dread veterinary visits? ...

    Read More
  • Signs on Heatstroke: Keep Your Pets Safe This Summer

    Do you know how to protect your pet from heatstroke? ...

    Read More
  • Why Heartworm Protection Is Necessary for All Pets

    Is your pet protected against heartworm? ...

    Read More
  • Cat-Safe House Plants

    Not sure which house plants are safe for your cat? Take a look at our list. ...

    Read More
  • Feline Skin Allergy Symptoms and Care

    Has scratching become your cat's favorite activity? A skin allergy may be to blame. ...

    Read More
  • The Next Step

    The grieving process includes accepting the reality of your loss, accepting that the loss and accompanying feelings are painful, and adjusting to your new life that no longer includes your pet. How do I tell my family? Family members usually are already aware of a pet's problems. However, you should ...

    Read More
  • Battling Canine Cancer

    Every day, Cindy Fleischner lines up her crew of cuddly canines for breakfast. As the four other dogs eat, Cindy pulls Katy, her 12 year old Shepherd mix aside for a peanut butter treat. Katy is battling lymphoma and this treat hides her daily dose of chemotherapy drugs. Katy is not alone in this war. ...

    Read More

Ne Newsletter Sign Up

Connect With Us

  • Copyright © 2022 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map