Does your kitten wake you up at 5am for breakfast—or keep you up all night chasing toys they ignore during the day? Maybe your senior cat naps peacefully all afternoon but starts meowing excessively at midnight. You’re not alone! Many cat guardians struggle to understand their cats’ nighttime behavior. So, do cats sleep at night? Not always—and there are good reasons for that.
Why cats are active at night
Cats are crepuscular, which means they’re most active at dawn and dusk (the best times for hunting in the wild). Although today’s cats are domesticated, that instinct remains strong. Young cats often have bursts of playful energy just when you’re ready for bed, and that can make cat sleeping time a challenge.
Senior cats, on the other hand, may be restless at night for different reasons. Changes in their sleep cycles, hearing loss, anxiety, or the onset of cognitive dysfunction can lead to vocalizing and increased wakefulness. If your older cat’s sleep habits suddenly change, schedule a veterinary exam to rule out medical issues.
Understanding the “why” behind activities cats do at night can help you create a plan for better sleep—for both of you.
How to get your cat to sleep at night
Here are some strategies to help your cat rest through the night.
1. Set a routine
Cats thrive on consistency. Try to align their routine with yours:
- Schedule an evening play session before bed.
- Feed them their largest meal right after that session.
- Avoid feeding your cat first thing in the morning, or they’ll learn to wake you up earlier every day.
For example, if you go to bed at midnight, play with your cat around 11:30pm, then feed them before lights out. In the morning, take care of your own routine first—then feed your cat. The key is to decide on a schedule and stick to it.
2. Provide daily exercise
All cats—kittens, adults, and seniors—need daily physical activity. Aim for at least two 20–30 minute play sessions using interactive toys. Wand toys, laser pointers, or feather teasers are great options.
Interactive play strengthens your bond and helps your cat burn off excess energy, leading to better sleep at night. A good play session before bedtime is one of the best ways to encourage a healthy sleeping time for your cat.
3. Offer mental stimulation
Cats need more than naps to stay happy and balanced. Keep their minds engaged during the day so they’ll be ready to rest at night:
- Leave the curtains open for bird watching.
- Set up a bird feeder outside a window.
- Use treat-dispensing toys or puzzle feeders.
- Leave the TV on a nature channel or play a “cat entertainment” video.
- Rotate toys, boxes, or paper bags to keep things interesting.
- Hide small amounts of food around the house to let your cat “hunt” for it.
A mentally stimulated cat is far less likely to turn into a restless night owl.
4. Designate play zones
Choose one or two areas for playtime—like the living room or near a cat tree—and avoid playing in your bedroom. Your cat should learn that the bedroom is for sleeping, not for play.
5. Put toys away at bedtime
Before bed, do a quick sweep of the house to pick up noisy or rolling toys. If your cat can’t find things to bat around at 3am, they’re more likely to stay calm. Of course, if you’re lucky enough to have a quiet nighttime player, you can leave a few toys out.
6. Consider sleeping separately
If your cat still keeps you up, try giving them their own sleeping space. You can close your bedroom door or set up a cozy area elsewhere. Be consistent—if you give in and open the door once, your cat will try even harder next time.
If your cat scratches or meows at the door, try:
- Applying double-sided tape (cats dislike the sticky feeling).
- Using earplugs or a white noise machine to muffle the sound.
7. Use positive reinforcement
Reward calm, desired behavior, and ignore attention-seeking behavior at night. Don’t play or feed your cat when they wake you up, or they’ll repeat the behavior.
If you want your cat to sleep at your feet instead of on your head, gently move them there and give gentle pets or praise. Avoid petting them while they’re near your head, as this can reinforce the unwanted behavior.
8. Never punish your cat
Yelling, spraying water, or using deterrent devices can damage your bond and make your cat fearful or aggressive. Instead, focus on patience, structure, and positive reinforcement.
What about letting cats go outdoors?
Allowing your cat to roam outside at night may seem like an easy solution, but it can expose them to serious risks, including injury, disease, and predation. If you want to give your cat safe outdoor time, consider a catio or supervised leash walks. See our handout, Indoor vs. Outdoor Cats, for more guidance.
The bottom line
When you understand why cats act the way they do at night, you can work with their natural instincts instead of against them. With a little structure, enrichment, and consistency, you can teach your cat that nighttime is for sleeping—not playing.
Soon enough, you and your feline friend will both enjoy a peaceful night’s rest.