Cats are often thought to be nocturnal, but they are actually crepuscular — meaning they’re naturally most active at dawn and dusk. Some cats do seem to favour late-night antics, but this doesn’t mean they’re true night owls.

If your cat is disturbing your sleep, here are a few tips to help you both get some rest — without stress or punishment.

Don’t Reward the Behaviour

It’s easy to unintentionally reinforce your cat’s late-night attention-seeking.

• Getting up to feed them

• Playing with them

• Chasing them out of the room

These all send the same message: “If you wake me, I’ll respond.” The first step is to stop rewarding the behaviour with your attention.

Provide Evening Exercise

Cats will happily snooze the day away if left alone, so active play in the evening is crucial.
Try 5–10 minutes of:

• Interactive toys (e.g. feather wands)

• Laser pointer chases

• Fetch games

This helps burn off energy before bedtime.

Keep Them Stimulated During the Day

If you’re out all day, your cat may spend hours sleeping, leaving them energised at night.
Try:

• Feeding them with puzzle or food-dispensing toys

• Leaving out safe toys or cat furniture for independent play

These options mimic natural hunting behaviour and keep them mentally engaged.

Manage the Night-time Environment

If your cat jumps on your bed or paws at the door:

• Close the bedroom door

• Place a towel at the base of the door to reduce rattling

• Use white-noise machines or earplugs for a better night’s sleep

You’re not punishing your cat — just removing opportunities to reinforce unwanted behaviour.

Never Punish Your Cat

As tempting as it may be in the early hours, remember: your cat isn’t being spiteful.
Cats don’t act out of revenge or resentment. They simply repeat what works. Punishing them creates confusion, fear, and damages your bond.

Consistency Is Key

If a behaviour gets a result — even once — your cat is likely to repeat it.
The key to success is:

• Staying consistent

• Avoiding attention for disruptive behaviour

• Providing stimulation at the right times

With patience, structure, and a bit of playtime, you and your cat can settle into a routine that works for both of you.