Cats are crepuscular? Who knew?

By Dr. Beth Leermakers

Let sleeping cats lie … or maybe not! 

Does your cat zoom around the house, knocking things over, as you’re going to bed? Or pounce on you at 4 a.m., begging you to play? 

Cats sleep about 18 hours per day, spread out over a series of 78-minute naps (on average). Why don’t they sleep when their people do? 

Unlike people, who are diurnal (awake during the day and asleep at night), cats are crepuscular. They are most active during the late evenings and early mornings. They prefer to play and hunt during the wee hours.  

If your older cat (who has a history of being well behaved) suddenly starts pacing, howling and seeming anxious at night, there may be a medical reason. In this case, take your cat to the veterinarian for an exam and bloodwork to rule out an illness. 

Otherwise, try these strategies to sync your cat’s sleeping pattern with yours.Play with your cat in the evening. Play games (such as fetch, feather teasers) with your cat to keep her from napping so much late in the day. If she stays awake most of the evening, and gets tired from playing, she may sleep when you do. 

Provide entertainment while you’re out. Cats may pester you at night because they’re bored and lonely when you’re at work all day. To keep them awake and occupied during the day:

• Leave the television on. Your cat may enjoy watching nature shows, YouTube for Cats, or DVDs for cats (featuring mice, of course!).

• Cardboard boxes. Cats love to jump in and out of boxes, play hide and seek, and use them as a fort or sled. Inexpensive and easily replaceable, boxes are a safe way to keep your kitty entertained for hours. 

• Paper and paper bags. Cats are intrigued by the crinkling sound of paper and its shape-shifting ability. Leave a few pieces of paper scattered around your house so your cat can find them during the day. Cats can pounce in and out of paper bags and tear holes in them, creating a tunnel. Be sure to remove the handles (a choking hazard) from the bag. 

• Provide an outside view. Cats enjoy watching the outside world, especially from a high position. Leave the blinds open (particularly on second floor windows). Install a shelf or put a bookcase near a window, so your kitty has a perch with a view.  

• Adopt another cat. If your cat is bored and lonely, she may enjoy having a feline companion. Introducing cats can be tricky, due to their territorial nature. A kitten may be a better fit than an adult cat.

• Use a puzzle toy so your cat has to work for his meals and snacks. 

• Set smart bowls to open several times during the day, dispensing treats.

Feed your cat a small meal at bedtime. Cats prefer to eat at dawn and dusk. Like people, cats tend to fall asleep after they eat. Giving your cat a small meal at bedtime may encourage him to sleep afterward. If your cat wakes you up early asking for food, set a smart bowl to dispense food at that time. 

To keep your cat from gaining too much weight from all those treats, divide up a healthy portion of food (recommended by your vet) over a 24-hour period. A 10-lb cat (at a healthy weight) needs about 260 calories per day. An overweight 10-lb cat needs about 175 calories per day. Cats prefer to eat small meals, 7-8 times per day. Canned food has fewer calories per volume than dry food, so feeding your cat canned food for her meals may offset the kibble you give her in a puzzle feeder or smart bowl during the day.  

Ignore your cat’s midnight antics. If your cat is just trying to get your attention so you’ll feed or play with him, ignore him. If you get up and cater to his wishes, you’ve reinforced the attention seeking behavior. Your cat quickly learns that pouncing on your head at 2 a.m. works, so that irritating behavior will be repeated. 

Close your bedroom door. If all else fails, you may have to keep your cat out of your bedroom. Set up a comfortable place for your cat to spend the night without bothering you. That separate sleeping space should have food, water, toys and a litter box.  

By implementing a few of these enrichment activities, you and your cat will both be better rested and happier. 

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