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Nocturnal Angst And Sleepless Nights
You never thought of yourself as a fidgety
sleeper. In fact you can usually catch a few winks wherever you are
whenever you feel the need. But your cat has put an end to your great
adaptability. He ran over your body and poked at your face with his paw.
Perhaps it was a house guest who annoyed him, and his behavior was a
delayed reaction to the irritation. Or it could be that he misses your
former beau, or that you've been out too much. It may even be that his
behavior is a reaction to your inner turmoil about your present work
situation. Whatever it is that has him unhinged, it has to be squared
away. You need your sleep!
How to curb your cat's antisleep campaign:
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Take him to the vet for a medical exam. You
want to make sure there's no physical reason for his antics. A cardiac
or thyroid disorder can cause a cat to become agitated and meow or howl
because he feels uncomfortable and disoriented. You should also consult
his veterinarian about nutrition to be certain a vitamin deficiency
isn't the cause of his wild performance.
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Tire him out with an evening game of chase if
he's been a couch potato all day. You want him to release that energy
while you're up and about-not when you're trying to sleep.
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Give him catnip. It may help to work out his
bottled-up energy. Once the catnip relaxes him, a few hugs should
channel any stored-up tension.
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A bedtime snack will warm his tummy and
soothe his spirit. But if your cat's a pudgette, trim his dinner a
smidgen so the snack doesn't break the scale.
Wee Hours Vigil
Some nights he's an angel, and it's not until
the wee hours that his vigilante vigil begins. Food can remedy his
wakefulness, but at this rate breakfast could get earlier and earlier.
Other times there is little you can do to protect your sleep. He kneads on
your chest, licks your face, plays hockey with your hair, rustles the
blinds, or does a little I of each. It all adds up to sleep deprivation,
and you don't want to lose any more winks. Why doesn't he get the hint?
Ways to combat your cat's nightly vigil:
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Try a sharp "no" to stop his noise-making.
Remember to say, "Good!" when he stops. A spritz of water from the plant
mister might also cool him off.
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As he rubs against you, grab him and hold him
next to you. Breathe freely. Relax your body and stroke him so he will
forget his hunger pangs or whatever else is bothering him.
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Entice him to hang out under the covers. This
hideaway may provide the distraction he needs to calm down.
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If he is misbehaving because he is hungry,
and his wake-up time is before yours, prepare his breakfast at bedtime
so it's ready for him in the morning. But after you prepare it and tuck
it away, give him a snack so he's not confused
and frustrated.
The Complete Guide to
Understanding and Caring for Your Cat
contains more detailed information, diagnostic suggestions and
reconstructive therapy approaches. Buy it from
Carole's Cat Store.
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