If your cat has a built-in alarm clock set for 5am, you’re not alone. Many cat owners experience their feline friends meowing, pawing at their faces, or knocking things off the bedside table at dawn. But why do cats do this?
Common Reasons Your Cat Wakes You Up Early
Cats are naturally crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. Their instincts tell them it’s hunting time – even if their only prey is a bowl of cat food. Some of the most common reasons your cat might be waking you up include:
- Hunger – If your cat associates your wake-up time with food, they’ll keep trying to get you up earlier.
- Boredom – Cats need mental and physical stimulation. If they don’t get enough during the day, they may demand attention at inconvenient hours.
- Routine – Cats thrive on consistency. If they’re used to waking you up at 5am, they’ll continue to do so – even on weekends.
- Reinforcement – If you get up, feed them, or even just acknowledge them, you’re rewarding the behaviour, making it more likely to continue.
How to Train Your Cat to Let You Sleep
The good news is that with patience and consistency, you can train your cat to stop waking you up so early. Here’s how:
1. Adjust Their Feeding Schedule
If your cat expects breakfast the moment you wake up, they’ll continue waking you up earlier. Try these strategies:
- Feed them later at night so they don’t wake up hungry.
- Use an automatic feeder set for 5 AM so they don’t associate food with you waking up.
- Delay breakfast by 15–30 minutes after waking up, so they stop linking your wake-up time with mealtime.
2. Ignore the Wake-Up Calls
This can be tough, but it’s essential. If your cat meows, paws at you, or knocks things over:
- Do not talk to them.
- Do not make eye contact.
- Do not feed them.
Even opening your eyes rewards their behaviour. If needed, try keeping them out of your bedroom overnight.
3. Tire Them Out Before Bed
A tired cat is more likely to sleep through the night. Help burn off their energy before bedtime with:
- Interactive play sessions (wand toys, laser pointers, etc.)
- A small snack after playtime to mimic the ‘hunt, eat, sleep’ cycle
4. Provide Nighttime Entertainment
A bored cat is more likely to wake you up, so make sure they have something to do while you sleep:
- Puzzle feeders – Keeps their brain engaged.
- A window perch – Watching birds or outdoor activity is mentally stimulating.
- Cat TV – YouTube has videos of birds and fish, but ensure your cat can’t knock the screen over.
5. Ensure Their Needs Are Met
Before assuming it’s just a habit, check for any underlying issues:
- Are they unwell or in pain? (If this behaviour is new, consult a vet.)
- Is their litter tray clean?
- Do they have access to fresh water?
- Have they had enough attention during the day?
When to Seek Help
If your cat seems distressed or their behaviour is extreme, consult a vet or a feline behaviourist to rule out any medical conditions.
Final Thoughts
With patience and consistency, you can train your cat to let you sleep in peace. Personally, I’ve found that delaying breakfast works wonders – it’s surprising how quickly they ‘forget’ how hungry they were when they don’t get immediate food.
That said, I do often forget to close my bedroom door… which is just asking for trouble. Many mornings, I wake up to a paw poking me in the eye!