Cat owners know all too well what night crazies are about. Our feline friends like to sleep long hours during the day, and then play all night. Sure, it’s funny at first (perhaps cute?)… but after a few night crazies… you may be very short on zzzz’s.
So what are the night crazies all about? Are you destined for sleep deprivation forever?
Before we answer that, let’s go back way back to the beginning. Your cat’s ancient ancestor is the nocturnal African wildcat. Over the centuries the wildcat became domesticated and evolved through different breeds. Domestication also shifts our cats’ activity patterns to be more diurnal (awake during the day) – but most cats still ten to wake at least twice during the night.
The good news?
Your cat can eventually learn to let you sleep in peace. Veterinarians recommend the following:
- Get your cat nice and tuckered out by scheduling a few interactive play sessions in the evening. Try using toys that can mimic the movement of mice and birds, such as toys that dangle and wiggle. Games with ping-pong balls, soft balls and furry mice toys are great for cats who like to fetch.
- Feed your cat a main meal just before your bedtime. Cats tend to sleep after a big meal. If your cat continues to wake you during the night for food, purchase a timed feeder that you can fill and set to dispense once or twice during the night.
- Incorporate a variety of enrichment activities – perhaps even let him outdoors – to keep your cat busy during daylight hours. The more active your cat is during the day, the more likely that he’ll sleep at night.
- If your cat is social with other cats, consider adding a second cat to your family. If the two cats are compatible, they’ll probably play with each other and leave you alone at night.
Some people also recommend shutting your cat out of your bedroom at night. But who doesn’t like to cuddle with their little one at night? Certainly not us!
If your cat gets an attack of the night crazies, don’t be angry or alarmed. Your cat is completely healthy and normal. He’s just having some fun.
Hey, and don’t forget to have a clean litter box accessible to your cat at night. Good odor eliminating cat litter pads – like Breathe Free Litterbox Mate – will ensure that box is clean, smell-free and ready to use – day or night.
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