Cats are crepuscular, which means that they are most active at dawn and dusk. However, some house cats that either started off as strays or spend a lot of time outdoors, may develop the habit of being most active at night due to the fact that night time is when their prey is most active.
Provide adequate exercise and stimulation earlier in the evening
If given the chance, cats will sleep all day, so schedule frequent interactive play sessions for early in the evening. Many cats like playing fetch, chasing a laser pointer, or engaging in cat teasers. Engaging in these activities for even five minutes daily can significantly increase your cat’s level of stimulation and exhaustion.
Provide daytime activity in your absence
Feeding your cat from a food-dispensing toy is one option. Feeder toys provide mental and physical stimulation by simulating the hunt-catch-consume behavior of a wild cat.
Causes of Nocturnal Cat Behavior
Sometimes, cats are more energetic in the early morning or at night. This is typically brought on by your cat’s innate desire to hunt and travel during these periods. However, there might be additional elements that contribute to cats’ excessive nocturnal behavior, such as:
Being home alone. When you’re at work or school during the day, you can leave your cat at home alone. Your cat might sleep or unwind for the majority of the day during this period. A cat that sleeps all day long may become active at night.
Boredom. If your cat spends the majority of the day by itself, it may be bored and seeking greater company and affection. Being social creatures, cats may be waking you up to get attention or may have excess energy. Your cat may be engaging in social play with this. Â.
Hunger. Because it is in their natural instinct to hunt during the dusk, cats frequently wake up during the night to eat.
Old age. Changes in sleeping patterns are common as cats age. Your cat might be more energetic at night, which could be the result of health issues or just part of aging naturally.
Health conditions. Your cat may become hyperactive, uncomfortable, vocal, and needy at night due to certain medical conditions. These can include:
- Pain
- Anxiety
- Hyperthyroidism
- Chronic illness
- Dementia that causes problems with
- Sleep disturbances
- Poor memory
- Neediness
Although your cat might naturally be more active at night, it’s a good idea to see your veterinarian to rule out any health issues if their nocturnal behavior suddenly changes and intensifies.
FAQ
How can I stop my cat being active at night?
How do I get my cat to calm down at night?
Do cats ever sleep through the night?
What do house cats do at night?