If your cat is beginning to meow during the night, you may be wondering whether it’s a medical issue or something else. A few things you can try, including changing her feeding schedule, and setting up social play sessions during the day to burn off some of her energy. If these measures fail to help, you should visit your veterinarian and discuss your options. By following these steps, you’ll set yourself and your cat up for long-term success!
Changing your cat’s feeding schedule can help her sleep
Changing your cat’s feeding schedule can be one of the easiest ways to make her sleep better at night. Most cats sleep better after they’ve eaten, so changing her feeding times can help her relax. A three-meal schedule can be easily provided for your cat. The first meal can be served when you arrive home from work, while the second and final meal should be given at bedtime. This feeding schedule allows your cat to have five to ten hours between meals, unlike a two-meal schedule that leaves 12 hours in between meals.
The next tip is to change your cat’s feeding schedule. If your cat eats earlier in the morning, set the automatic feeder to give her small portions at different times throughout the day. If you have an early-rising cat, set the feeder to feed her in the early morning and again in the late evening. This will teach your cat to wait for food during the day. By re-establishing a normal feeding schedule, your cat should be able to sleep better at night.
Providing social play sessions during the daytime can help to expend some of the cat’s energy
Whether you have a cat with a high need for attention or one who has trouble settling down, providing social play sessions during the daytime can help relieve the kitty’s stress and provide your feline friend with the social interaction it needs. Cats are creatures of habit, and if you can schedule play sessions around certain times of the day, your cat will quickly adjust to those times. Try to provide social play sessions when your feline friend is awake, so they can get exercise and play at a time that is suitable for them.
For indoor-only cats, providing a variety of play experiences can also help the cat burn off some of its excess energy. Toys that include intrinsic movement can stimulate the cat to play even without human interaction. These toys may contain food or treats that they can ingest during playtime. Cats love to chase a moving object, and a string or wand can make a noise that will attract the attention of other cats.
Checking with your vet if your cat begins to meow at night
Cats meow to communicate with humans and other cats. This is not unusual unless the meowing is accompanied by other problems. While meowing constantly isn’t abnormal, it can indicate a serious medical condition. Cats don’t drink a lot of water and may be thirsty, but if they have no access to water, they will meow to let you know they need it. This is also a form of begging.
Although cat meowing may be caused by many different reasons, it should always be checked out by a veterinarian. A cat may meow as a result of being lonely or bored, but this is hard to distinguish from an illness. Checking with a veterinarian is essential when your cat begins to meow at night. While it’s tempting to give in to your cat, remember that this will only make the situation worse.
Changing your cat’s sleeping environment can set you up for long-term success
The first step in retraining your cat is changing his or her sleeping location. Cats are naturally creatures of habit, so changing their sleeping environment can be challenging. Cats are prone to sleeping in places that they find uncomfortable and can also attract predators. To combat this behavior, experts recommend providing your kitty with new toys and a cat tree to use both during the day and at night.
Cats also like routine. Any change can cause stress and can manifest itself in scratching furniture, hiding away, or spraying urine throughout the house. Cats are sensitive to change, and a sudden change can trigger an attack. Even normal human changes can cause your cat to develop anxiety. If you’re planning to change your house, try to minimize stress factors. A HEPA filter will help minimize any potential triggers.
