Why Do Cats Stay Awake at Night?
Although cats can sleep for more than ten hours a day, many pet owners still complain, "My cat doesn't sleep at night!"
Cats are naturally crepuscular animals, which means they are most active during dawn and dusk. This behavior often leads to them being awake and energetic at night, which can be puzzling or frustrating for their human companions.
If your cat is keeping you awake with nighttime activity, there are a few things you can try to help encourage better sleep patterns. Engaging your cat in play during the evening hours, providing stimulating toys, and establishing a consistent feeding schedule can help align their activity with your own routine.
Understanding that this behavior is instinctual can help you be more patient. With some adjustments, both you and your cat can enjoy a more restful night.
Actually, getting your cat to sleep well at night isn't difficult. Here are 3 super practical tips—let's check them out together!
1. Creating a Comfortable and Safe Sleeping Environment for Your Cat
Cats are incredibly picky when it comes to their sleeping spots, so it's important to ensure their resting area is both safe and cozy. Ideally, place their bed in a quiet corner or somewhere they are not frequently disturbed.
The room temperature also plays a key role. Most cats prefer an environment between 21°C and 28°C (about 70°F to 82°F). During the summer, you can provide cooling products like cooling mats to help them stay comfortable. In winter, laying down a blanket will keep them warm and help them fall asleep faster.
Keep in mind, cats have their own unique preferences. Even if you buy a fancy cat bed, your cat might prefer a simple cardboard box instead. So, observe your cat's likes and dislikes carefully, and be ready to adjust their sleeping arrangement accordingly.
2. How to Help Your Cat Sleep Better
Burn off your cat's energy before bedtime: Sometimes cats have trouble falling asleep simply because they haven't had enough exercise during the day. To help your furry friend rest well at night, it's a good idea to schedule a few short play sessions each day.
Try playing with a wand toy or tossing a ball for your cat to chase. Break these playtimes into 5 to 10-minute segments throughout the day. This will help your cat expend their energy little by little, making it easier to sleep soundly come nighttime.
If your cat is still wide awake and active in the middle of the night, consider providing some interactive puzzle toys, like a track ball tower, that they can play with independently. This will keep them entertained without disturbing your sleep.
Making pre-bedtime play a routine habit not only helps your cat sleep more peacefully, but it can also help you get a better night's rest. And here's a bonus: daily sessions of waving a wand toy around can double as an arm workout for you, turning playtime into an unexpected fitness benefit!
Establishing a Regular Routine for You and Your Cat
One of the most important and often overlooked steps in caring for your cat is to maintain a regular daily routine. If your own schedule is chaotic and inconsistent, your cat's routine will likely be just as disorganized.
For example, if you are usually a night owl but suddenly try to go to bed early and wake up early one day, your cat may have trouble adjusting. Cats often won't follow that change smoothly — they might still jump onto your bed late at night, seeking a midnight snack.
The simplest approach is to set a fixed wake-up time and then gradually fix feeding, playtime, and sleeping times as well. Once the routine becomes consistent, your cat will naturally start to relax and fall asleep at night, often sleeping soundly until morning.
Conclusion
These three methods not only help your furry friend feel more relaxed, but they also bring a better sense of rhythm and flow to your daily life. By starting to make adjustments today, you'll soon be able to enjoy the happiness of spending nights peacefully sleeping side by side with your cat.
