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How can I keep this cat off my face until I want to wake up?!

We have a five-month-old kitten who every morning (anytime between 12am and 7am) comes in to wake me up by snuggling my face. This would be especially cute if (a) I wanted to wake up, (b) I liked cats, and (c) he didn't also bite and claw my face, neck, head, ears. I've given up and started burying myself under the covers--which then provokes pouncing. It feels like a losing situation and certainly doesn't encourage my growing appreciation for felines. He is afraid of loud noises (we've tried the coins in a can technique), but doesn't seem to learn from it. Blowing in his face, he tolerates and continues. Putting him off the bed, he jumps back on. We have no door on our bedroom either--also not helpful--so we lock him in the bathroom, which is inevitable and unfortunate. Any suggestions, please? Something that teaches him snuggling is wonderful--without sharp objects and after the sun comes up.


Asked by Member 938752 on Jan 16th 2010 Tagged nighttime, biting, pouncing in Methods of Training
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Izadore (Izzie)

It sounds like this kitty was forced upon you, and I'm sorry about that. Cats really are cool creatures and it's not that bad to be owned by one...or more. Kittens do settle down as they grow up, so patience is a virtue. At some point he'll be content to cuddle at your side because he'll be too big and uncomfortable on your face. All my cats sniff my face before they lay down. It's when they give me a shocked or disgusted look and jump off my lap that I get worried there's something wrong with me. Punishing this little guy isn't going to work and it could break the fragile bond you have with him now. You can try putting a soft, snuggly little blanket on the bed or even a small cat bed and praise him when he lays (lies?) down in it. Try taking him off your face and cuddling him close to your side. And have his claws trimmed regularly. When he bites, give him a stern (if sleepy)look and say "NO BITE!". Tap him (gently!) on the nose when you say it. It's all about the training! Good Luck!


Izadore (Izzie) answered on 1/16/10. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Lola

I've been a breeder for the past year or so, which has given me a lot of insight into how cats mature. Kittens are hyperactive. They LOVE to chase your body parts under the blanket. But they will grow out of this by the time they are one year old--so has been the case with my Maine Coons. I prefer the idea of cats having the whole range of the household, but since becoming a breeder, I have discovered that cages are useful (BIG cages). A bathroom is good, too. Cats are most active at dawn and dusk, which is when they eat and use the toilet. Kittens race around the house from midnight on--this is known as the "Kitten Krazies." Believe me, this behavior will mostly disappear once the cat reaches adulthood. I would advise you to give your kitty a little more patience. And, as you seem to be a bit negative about cats--as long as you have one, try to go with the flow. Do not send it to a shelter--in the worst case, rehome it. Good luck.


Lola answered on 1/16/10. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Boris

The only thing that's ever worked with our cats is to just ignore them. Yes, it's hard, but doing anything other than pretending you're still asleep and you will be asleep for as long as you want only reinforces the behavior you want to prevent.

It sounds like kitty is just bored. I understand you don't much like cats, but you should play with him before bed time. It accomplishes two things: he'll be less likely to try and wake you before you are sound asleep, and he will become accustomed to playing earlier in the evening.

Like everyone said, it will get better with time. I used to be a holy terror at six months (when I first came to live with my humans) and would never ever sleep at night. These days, OTOH, I love to sidle up next to my humans at night and take a big nap with them. Then I go make my rounds for the night.


Boris answered on 1/16/10. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Guest

my recommendation is find a way to make a secure door. we had the same problem w/ an accordian door that our kitten just pushed through. I taped it up w/ Sicky Paws & he gave up trying to get in after 2 nights


Member 939366 answered on 1/18/10. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


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