Dear Cathy,
We adopted our cat Jasper from a rescue group two years ago. He’s about four now and has always been a bit wild—definitely has some former street cat energy. He adjusted pretty well to indoor life, but recently he’s started waking us up between 3 and 4 a.m., chirping nonstop until someone lets him out. We’ve tried ignoring him, but he’s relentless. Lately, we’ve been putting him in the guest room at night, but that’s not a long-term solution. We have friends visiting next month, and we’re desperate for sleep. How do we convince Jasper to wait until morning? – Melanie
Dear Melanie,
Jasper’s early-morning antics are frustrating but not uncommon, especially for high-energy cats who spend time outdoors. Cats are naturally crepuscular, meaning they’re most active at dawn and dusk, which is great if you’re a mouse, not so great if you’re trying to sleep. But the good news is you can gently adjust his schedule and redirect his energy with some consistent changes.
Here are 5 things you can do to help Jasper (and you) sleep through the night:
1. Tire him out with daily playtime.
Boredom is often the hidden culprit behind those 3 a.m. wake-up calls. Try scheduling three 10-minute play sessions with Jasper each day—morning, late afternoon, and just before bedtime. Use wand toys, laser pointers, or soft balls that mimic prey. Cats thrive on the chase. The more you engage his body and brain, the more likely he’ll be to sleep soundly.
2. Add a grooming or snuggle routine.
Cats often relax after a gentle brushing. Including this in your evening routine not only builds your bond but also helps signal that it’s time to wind down. If grooming isn’t his thing, some quiet lap time or a soft blanket by your side can help him settle.
3. Use puzzle feeders or solo-play toys overnight.
Leave out a few interactive toys or puzzle feeders to keep Jasper busy while you sleep. Puzzle toys are specially designed objects that challenge your cat to figure out how to get a treat or kibble out—by batting, rolling, or manipulating the toy in different ways. They tap into your cat’s natural hunting instincts and provide mental stimulation, which helps reduce boredom and nighttime restlessness. Be sure to rotate the toys every few days to keep things interesting. A bored cat will find his own entertainment—often by waking you up!
4. Set an automatic feeder to pre-dawn.
If Jasper expects food at 3 a.m., give it to him. Try setting an automatic feeder to open around 2:45 a.m. This keeps the attention off you and can reset his internal clock. After eating, many cats are content to go back to sleep. Within two nights, he will be sitting by the feeder — and not your bed — waiting for it to open. Eventually, you can gradually shift the time later and later.
5. Try supervised outdoor time — with boundaries.
If Jasper truly craves the outdoors, consider training him to walk on a harness and leash. A short stroll each day—especially in the evening—can fulfill his need to explore and reduce nighttime restlessness. My own cat, Sterling, goes out on a harness every evening before bed. It’s become part of our routine—and it helps him sleep all night.
With consistency, Jasper’s nighttime routine should shift to better match yours. He may always be a little quirky (that’s part of his charm), but these changes will help him feel more fulfilled—and give you back your sleep.