Does Your Cat Go Crazy At Night? Experts Finally Know Why

Gradually altering the cat’s schedule by encouraging playtime and feeding during the daytime and earlier evening hours can help to align the cat’s natural sleep-wake cycle with the humans in the household. This can be especially helpful if the cat’s hyperactivity at night is due to its natural nocturnal tendencies. By gradually shifting the cat’s schedule, you can help them to feel more relaxed and sleepy at night, which can reduce their hyperactivity and improve their overall behavior. However, it’s important to remember that cats are creatures of habit, so any changes to their routine should be made gradually over a period of several days or weeks rather than all at once. Also, try to play with your cat during the day to tire them out before bedtime. Use interactive toys like wand toys or laser pointers to engage your cat in active play. Consider using pheromone products like Feliway to help your cat feel more relaxed and calm. These products can help to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of well-being in cats.

Cats are crepuscular, which means they are most active at dawn and dusk. Some cats, particularly those that spend a lot of time outdoors or have a history of being strays, may be more active at night due to their hunting instincts. This behavior may carry over into the home environment, particularly if the cat is not getting enough stimulation during the day. In these cases, providing opportunities for play and exercise during the day, as well as feeding the cat a small meal before bedtime, may help to reduce nighttime hyperactivity. If your cat is not getting enough food during the day, it may become more active at night in search of food. Make sure your cat is getting enough food, and consider feeding them a small meal before bedtime to help keep them full throughout the night. In some cases, hyperactivity at night may be a sign of an underlying health issue. Cats with hyperthyroidism, for example, may exhibit increased activity levels at night. If you’re concerned about your cat’s behavior, it’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian. Changes in your cat’s environment, such as a new home or new additions to the household, can also cause them to become more active at night. In these cases, it may take some time for your cat to adjust to their new surroundings and settle into a new routine.

Most cats tend to become less hyperactive and more mellow as they age, but there is no set age at which cats stop going crazy at night. Some cats may become less active at night as early as 1-2 years old, while others may remain energetic well into their senior years. Remember that every cat is different, and their activity level can be influenced by a variety of factors, including their breed, personality, health status, and living environment. In general, indoor cats may be less active at night than outdoor cats, while some breeds, such as Bengals or Siamese, tend to be more active and playful than others.

Engage your cat in a play session before bedtime to help them expend some of their energy. Use interactive toys, such as a laser pointer or wand toy, to get your cat moving and jumping. Make sure your cat is getting enough exercise during the day. Provide them with toys that encourage activity, such as a cat tree, scratching post, or puzzle feeder. Feed your cat a small meal before bedtime to help keep them full and satisfied throughout the night. This can also help reduce nighttime hunger-related behaviors, such as meowing or pacing. Establish a consistent bedtime routine for your cat, such as playing, feeding, and then settling down for the night. This can help your cat establish a regular sleep-wake cycle. Create a calm and quiet sleeping environment for your cat. Provide a comfortable bed in a quiet room, away from any sources of noise or disruption. Avoid interacting with your cat during the night, as this can reinforce their nighttime activity. Instead, try to ignore any meowing or other attention-seeking behavior and provide positive reinforcement during the day when your cat is calm and relaxed.

While melatonin is often used as a natural sleep aid for humans, it is generally not recommended to give melatonin to cats without first consulting with a veterinarian. Melatonin can have side effects in cats, including gastrointestinal upset, lethargy, and changes in appetite. Additionally, melatonin dosages can vary based on the size, age, and health of the cat, and giving an incorrect dose could cause harm. Catnip is a natural herb that is often used to stimulate cats and encourage play. When cats smell or consume catnip, it can produce a euphoric effect that can lead to increased playfulness and energy. While catnip can help cats relax and reduce stress, it is not effective for all cats, and its effects may wear off over time. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant that is often used for its potential therapeutic benefits, including reducing anxiety and stress in humans and animals. CBD works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system in the body, which can help regulate mood, behavior, and other physiological functions. While there is some evidence to suggest that CBD may be effective in reducing anxiety and stress in cats, more research is needed to understand its effects and proper dosing fully.