Do you find it difficult to sleep at night because your cat is always awake or meowing, or running up and down stairs or constantly moving in the newspapers, etc.? Read on for tips on how to help your cat sleep when you sleep, so you don't wake up with a cat's paw on your nose at 2.30am!
Steps
Step 1. Feed the cat before going to sleep
Make sure you give your cat a nice, warm meal before bed. It doesn't necessarily have to be hot, but it helps. It will help your cat relax, especially if you give him a saucer of milk (make sure you use cat milk, regular milk is known to cause diarrhea in cats).
Step 2. Give your cat some attention
Your cat loves attention, and there is nothing more relaxing for a cat than being gently stroked by its beloved owner. Make sure you do this for at least a few minutes before going to bed.
Step 3. Make sure your cat is clean
Not only will this keep your bed clean of dirt and fleas if your cat sleeps with you, it will also help your cat feel more comfortable at night and more willing to sleep.
Step 4. Go to bed at regular times
Cats adapt quickly to the routine, so be sure to set a common time to go to bed.
Step 5. When it's time to go to bed, create the same environment
If you sleep with the lights off, turn them off. If you turn off the TV at night, turn it off. If you leave it on, leave it on. If you turn on the fan, turn it on. If you listen to the radio, listen to it. Create the same environment every time you go to bed. Your cat will recognize this environment, and will understand that you will sleep and that you will not pay much attention to it. This could also help him sleep in your bed.
Step 6. Leave your cat in a separate room
This should be taken for granted if you don't want your cat to sleep on the bed with you. Leave it out of your bedroom with nothing nearby to intrigue him. Cats do not suffer from boredom, when nothing happens, cats simply curl up and sleep. Remember that do at least 18 hours of sleep per day.
Step 7. Make sure they have food and water
One of the main reasons a cat might wake you up in the middle of the night is to cry from lack of food and water. If they do, they will have no reason to wake you up.
Advice
- Try a very energetic play with your cat before going to bed. This will make him sleepy, and he will be more likely to sleep.
- Hide bits of her favorite treats around the house for you to search for. He will be able to smell them and will work hard to find them!
- Cats love to stay warm. If you have a warm bed or blanket to sleep on, be sure to have it available before you go to bed. It will make him more likely to sleep on top of it.
Warnings
- Never hit your cat or physically abuse him for any reason. Cats don't understand the concept of punishment, and doing so will only make them fear you.
- Make sure you have a litter box available. It is advisable not to wake up in the morning and find the floor covered by your cat's dinner! In connection with this, as mentioned before, do not give your cat normal milk, as this is known to cause diarrhea in the cat and make him sick.
