Shh! How to Get a Cat to Stop Waking You Up at Night

There’s nothing more precious than a sleeping cat. 

Until that cat wakes up and starts screaming at 2am demanding that you get up right meow to feed them, play with them, or pet them. 

We’ve all been there. 

But the good news is that we can help retrain our cats—and ourselves—so that these late night wake up calls end. 

Step-by-Step Ways to Get a Cat to be Quiet at Night

If you’re tired (pun intended) of your cat waking you up in the middle of the night, try these three steps:

Step 1: Play with Them Before Lights Out

You’re exhausted at the end of the day, but your cat may not be. Work on getting all of that excess energy out that she’s built up by playing with her! Interactive wand toys are great for this because they allow you to really get in on the fun while bonding with your kitty. Make sure playtime lasts for at least 10-15 minutes, or until your cat is thoroughly tired. 

Step 2: Feed Them Dinner

After your play session, give your cat her dinner. Eating after play helps fulfill that little tiger living in your cat who needs to eat after her evening hunt. Try to do this as close to bedtime as possible so that she can go to sleep with a full, happy tummy. 

Step 3: Ignore Them

Now this is the really hard part. You have to ignore your cat when she wakes you up! Any kind of attention from you—whether you talk to her, snuggle her, or give in and give her a treat—will only reward unwanted behavior. Do everything you can to stay still and quiet. Eventually, your cat should learn to do the same. 

Getting a Cat to Sleep Through the Night

Getting your cat to sleep through the night will take time and patience. The most important thing you can do to speed up the process is establish a routine and stick to it! It will take some adjusting for both of you, but after a while, your extra effort is sure to pay off. 

I know a lot about cats, but I’m not a veterinarian. Please don’t take any of the statements I give as medical advice and do always consult your trusted vet, especially if your cat is experiencing behavioral or physical challenges.