Playful cat behavior:

Let’s face it. We love our cats. We love their playful cat behavior; after all this encompasses who they are as a pet. While they’re known to sleep a lot, when they are awake they like to party. They’re active. Playful cat behavior includes wanting to play, eat, or wanting your attention. In fact, despite the fact that the cat may sleep a lot, you may not! Playful cat behavior can result in the owner’s sleep deprivation.

Moreover, playful cat behavior can actually be demonstrated during the night. If they wake up two to three times that’s not uncommon and neither is their playful cat behavior during this time. The solution? Ignore them. You need your zzz’s too. However, we’re not endorsing being negligent it’s just that you don’t want to positively reinforce a behavior that you don’t want repeated. However, if your cat restlessly wanders around the house and never used to do that, it’s time to go to the veterinarian for an exam.

Keeping in mind having a pet is similar to having a child, if your playful cat exudes energy close to bed time, feel free to play with your cat to tire him or her out. Not only will this hopefully achieve that goal, you’ll be spending precious time with your feline. As for recommended play sessions? Interactive play which involves movement such as games with furry mice toys, soft balls, and ping pong balls.

Next, to diminish playful cat behavior at night you may want to feed the cat a big meal right before you go to sleep. The reason being, playful cats typically sleep after a big meal.

Another recommendation to diminish playful cat behavior at times where they shouldn’t be bouncy is to incorporate activities which will keep your cat occupied during the day. Experts say the more active your cat remains during the day, the more likely your cat will sleep through the night.

Another way to tire out your cat when it exhibits playful cat behavior is to consider adding a second cat to your home. Granted, this should not be the determining factor as to why you would get another cat however they may be compatible and if so, this will help the playful cat behavior since they’ll occupy each other instead of you. Then again, you may have double trouble! Both cats may want to play during the night.

In another simple solution to a cat problem, your playful cat may want to wake you up mid-sleep. You’ll need to ensure your cat stays out of your bedroom. One example is to simply shut the door.

For more ways to manage playful cat behavior especially at night, ask your local veterinarian or cat specialist.