First, work out what your cat is asking for
Night-time waking can become a habit around food, play, attention or access to a room. Cats also have natural bursts of activity around dawn and dusk, so the goal is usually to reshape the routine rather than punish the behaviour.
Build a better evening routine
- Use a short, active play session in the evening.
- Follow play with the normal evening meal where practical.
- Provide independent toys, scratching and climbing options.
- Keep responses to attention-seeking consistent rather than rewarding it sometimes and ignoring it other times.
Consider age and health
A new pattern of night-time vocalising or restlessness can be different from a long-standing habit, especially in an older cat. Changes in thirst, appetite, weight, toileting, mobility or confusion are worth discussing with a veterinarian.
Seek veterinary advice when night-time restlessness or vocalising is new, severe or accompanied by other health or behaviour changes.
Source and review note
This page uses AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines as a reference starting point. External organisations do not endorse this site.