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Why Does My Cat Wake Me Up at 5 am to Eat? A Closer Look

Why does my cat wake me up at 5 am to eat?

Cats are fascinating creatures with unique behaviors that often leave us puzzled. One common complaint among cat owners is their feline friends waking them up at the crack of dawn, demanding to be fed. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Why does my cat wake me up at 5 am to eat?” you’re not alone. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind this behavior, exploring both biological and environmental factors that contribute to your cat’s early morning hunger pangs.

My coworker claims she is late for work because her cat failed to wake her up. This seems odd to the non-cat lovers in the room. At the time, I thought it was weird as well. Since becoming a pet parent, I’ve learned that cats have a habit of waking people up. This may be appreciated on occasion, but not daily. It gets irritating when your cat wakes you up in the middle of the night. Why does a cat insist on waking you up in the middle of the night?

Possible Reasons

There are a few possible explanations for this phenomenon, which are given below.

1.   Most Active

Let’s take a look at what science has to say about this. Cats are nocturnal creatures. They are usually most active and sharp at dusk and dawn, which means they are most active at those times. Their vision is ideally suited to these light levels! Not recommended for total darkness. Cats are not considered nocturnal creatures. Cats, like humans, sleep through the night. Kitties in the wild use this time of day to search for food. This is the time when indoor cats are most involved in terms of playing and socializing.

2.   Cats pick up on habits quickly

Cats pick up on your schedule in a matter of days. My cat will remember if I get ready for work at the same time every day. This is something she remember seven days a week. When I sleep later, this becomes a real issue. It takes longer for my cat to realize that I sleep later on weekends and holidays. Cats adjust to the shift in routine after a while. It takes a little longer, but cats eventually pick up on the two different patterns.

3.   Sleeping Habits

Cats have a different sleep period than humans. Some cats can sleep for up to 18-20 hours a day. They have regular sleep cycles during the day, which is the polar opposite to most human schedules.

There are five steps of the sleep cycle. Our sleep varies in intensity from just napping to a deep state of slumber. Our breathing, heartbeat, and activity levels change as we progress through the stages of sleep. These sleep cycles occur four to five times a night. Cats are aware of our sleeping habits. They can tell when we are in a light stage of sleep. They use this opportunity to rouse us from our slumber.

Why Does My Cat Wake Me Up at 5 am to Eat?….Cont.

4.   Hunger

When most people wake up, they want to eat something. Cats get hungry in the middle of the night. They are ready to eat when they know that dawn is coming. They are not shy about asking us for food because they do not have access to it. Unfortunately, this can cause us to wake up too early.

5.   The feeling of being bored

During the day, when we are gone, cats sleep a lot. Cats enjoy exploring and playing while they are awake. Our cats are very busy early in the morning, looking for something to do. They have a “let’s get started” mentality and want us to join them. It’s possible that waking us up is a form of entertainment for them or wants us to wake up and play with them.

6.   They may experience the discomfort of some kind

Cats can be very dramatic at many times. If something goes wrong, they will express their dissatisfaction. They may be sick, hungry, or thirsty. If our cat needs a clean litter box, they will let us know—cats, like humans, desire to be at ease. Cats are wise and will alert us to potential problems.

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Preventing Early Morning Wake-Up Calls

Now that we understand the reasons behind your cat’s early morning hunger alarm, let’s explore some strategies to mitigate this behavior and reclaim your much-needed sleep.

  1. Adjust Feeding Schedule: Gradually shift your cat’s feeding time to a later hour. By gradually delaying breakfast time, your cat will gradually adjust their internal clock to match the new schedule. This process requires patience and consistency.
  2. Interactive Feeders: Implement interactive feeders or food puzzles that engage your cat’s natural hunting instincts. These devices dispense food slowly, requiring your cat to work for their meal. This mental and physical stimulation can help tire them out, reducing their early morning energy.
  3. Playtime Before Bed: Engage your cat in a rigorous play session before bedtime. By providing them with an outlet for their energy, you can help tire them out, making them more likely to sleep through the night without waking you up for food.
  4. Ignore the Behavior: This strategy requires some willpower, but it can be effective. By ignoring your cat’s meowing and scratching, you avoid reinforcing the behavior. Eventually, your cat may realize that their attempts to wake you up are futile and give up.
  5. Automatic Feeders: Consider investing in an automatic feeder that dispenses a small portion of food at a preset time. This can help simulate a natural feeding routine without relying on your immediate response. Your cat will associate the feeder with breakfast rather than solely relying on you.

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