How Cat Parents Can Get More Sleep 

For some cat parents, the sound of their feline friend meowing at night can be a frustrating and sleep-depriving experience. If you’re someone who struggles with cats that keep you awake at night by meowing, don’t worry, you’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the reasons why cats might meow at night and offer some tips and tricks to help you and your feline friend get a better night’s sleep.

Reasons why cats meow at night

There are several reasons why cats might meow at night. Some of the most common ones include:

• Attention-seeking: Cats are social creatures and often meow to get their owner’s attention. If your cat is meowing at night, they may simply be looking for some companionship or playtime.
• Hunger: Cats that are fed an early dinner may become hungry at night. This can lead to meowing, scratching, or other attention-seeking behaviors.
• Medical issues: In some cases, cats may have underlying medical issues that cause them discomfort or pain. This can make it difficult for them to sleep at night, and they may become restless or agitated. Especially if night meows start suddenly, it’s time for a wellness check with your vet. 
• Anxiety: Cats can also experience anxiety, which can be triggered by a variety of factors, such as changes in routine, new surroundings, or loud noises. This can cause them to become more vocal at night.

Tips and tricks for cat parents

1. Create a bedtime routine: Just like humans, cats thrive on routine. Establishing a bedtime routine can help signal to your cat that it’s time to wind down for the night. This could include an engaged playtime session with your cat before bed, followed by a meal or snack, or giving them a calming massage.
2. Provide plenty of daytime stimulation: To help your cat burn off energy during the day, provide them with plenty of toys and activities to keep them engaged. Puzzle toys, cat trees, cat TV and interactive toys are all great options.
3. Feed your cat before bedtime: If hunger is a common cause of your cat’s nighttime meowing, try feeding them a hearty meal before bedtime. This can help keep them full and reduce the likelihood of them waking you up for food during the night.
4. Address underlying medical issues: If your cat’s nighttime meowing is due to an underlying medical issue, such as pain or discomfort, it’s important to address this with your veterinarian. They can help diagnose and treat the issue, which may help reduce your cat’s nighttime meowing.
5. Consider a white noise machine: If your cat is meowing due to anxiety or loud noises outside, consider using a white noise machine to help drown out the sounds. This can help create a more peaceful environment for your cat to sleep in.
6. Indoor Hunting Feeders: These you can buy or make yourself with a few pieces of tape and a toilet paper roll. Just tape up the ends and poke a few holes in the roll. Then put a few of your cat’s favorite treats inside (we use freeze dried bits) and place them around your home before bed. You cat will smell the food, hunt for the feeder, and play with it to knock the bits out. 
7. Melatonin: If your cat’s circadian rhythm still won’t match with yours, you can try adding 1mg of pure melatonin to their evening meal to help them snooze when you do. Human grade liquid melatonin works best. 

Conclusion

Dealing with cats that keep you awake at night by meowing can be challenging, but with patience and persistence, you can help your feline friend develop better nighttime habits. By understanding the reasons why cats meow at night and implementing some of these tips and tricks, you can both get the restful night’s sleep you deserve.