Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

How to Stop Your Cat From Meowing at the Door in the Morning: 5 Vet-Verified Ways

cat-meowing-or-trilling-by-the-door

Cats can be endearing companions that make us feel good and safe at the end of a long, stressful day. However, most have a mischievous side! One example is meowing at the bedroom door in the morning. The meowing and other noises that a cat can make outside of a bedroom door can be like a premature alarm clock that ruins our sleep and sets us up for a bad mood in the morning.

Whether it’s for food or attention or just out of boredom, your kitty is making noise at your bedroom door for a reason: they don’t know that you’re trying to sleep! There are tactics to get them to stop that work great for some cats but don’t work out for others. The solution depends on exactly why your kitty is meowing at your door in the morning and what triggers and/or distracts them the best.

divider 1 paws

The 4 Possible Reasons Your Cat is Meowing at the Door in the Morning

There are a few different reasons why your kitty might meow in the morning. Once their concerns are addressed, you should be able to get all the shut-eye that you need.

Here are the most common reasons that your cat might be meowing at the door and waking you up in the morning.

1. Pent-Up Energy

If your cat is not getting enough exercise and interaction, there might be pent-up energy that they are desperate to get rid of. Sleeping all night can just make them frustrated, so they want to get the day started in hopes that something exciting and energy expelling will happen. Therefore, they might meow at the door of their companions to get them aroused and ready to start the day too.

Tabby-cat-meows-with-its-mouth-open
Image Credit: Kaan Yetkin Toprak, Shutterstock

2. Boredom

Sometimes, cats can get bored from a lack of stimulation that is available to them. If they are tired of playing with the same old toys and have thoroughly explored their surroundings, they are likely to look for ways to entertain themselves and pass the time. One way to do this is for them to meow at the bedroom door in the morning in an attempt to get attention and interaction.


3. Health Problem

Persistent meowing at the door in the morning can sometimes indicate discomfort or distress caused by a health issue. Pain, digestive upset, or conditions like hyperthyroidism or arthritis may make your cat restless or more vocal. If your cat is older, cognitive dysfunction (sometimes called feline dementia) could also be a factor, leading to confusion or changes in their behavior. If this meowing is new or unusual, or if it’s accompanied by other symptoms, consulting a veterinarian is essential to rule out any underlying medical concerns.

If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

PangoVet_Mention-in-Content for PangoVet2 save money

4. Hunger or Thirst

Cats might simply be meowing at the bedroom door early in the morning because they are thirsty, or more likely, hungry—they’re ready for breakfast and need you to feed them. So, they will sound the “food alarm” until they get their morning meal.

divider 1 paws

The 5 Ways to Stop Your Cat From Meowing at the Door in the Morning

1. Make Time for More Activity During the Day

A great way to ensure that your cat doesn’t go to bed at night with pent-up energy is to make sure they get plenty of exercise, attention, and interaction before then. Spend a good 15 minutes playing with your cat and encouraging them to run and play to get their heart rate up before bedtime each night.

Chances are that they will sleep better at night and let you sleep for longer in the morning. If you can’t get exercise playtime in before bed, do it any time during the day that you can. Any exercise that your kitty gets will help keep them happy and satisfied.

woman playing with her cat
Image Credit: Oleg Opryshko, Shutterstock

2. Put Out New Toys Right Before Bed

Instead of putting out all your cat’s toys, consider keeping half of them stored away and then rotating them regularly. Every few days, put away a few toys that your cat has been playing with and replace them with something different and interesting from the reserve box. If your cat isn’t into toys, try giving them an empty box or paper bag to play with. This will give your kitty something new to entertain themselves with if they wake up before you.

Looking for toys that will cater to the many needs of your cat? The Hepper Hi-lo Cat Scratcher is one of our favorite cat products, and it will encourage your cat to get active. Its clever three-angle design offers multiple ways for your cat to climb, stretch, and exercise. Made of a sturdy plywood base and a replacement cardboard insert, this scratcher is an option that cats can enjoy for years to come. If your cat requires a little encouragement for self-play, the Hepper Catnip Mice Toy Set is a fantastic choice for their instinctual needs. Made with natural, bite-resistant hessian fabric and filled with organic catnip. Cats can satisfy their natural prey instincts while getting the physical activity they need to thrive. 

Image Product Details
Great for Exercise Hepper Hi-Lo Cat Scratcher Hepper Hi-Lo Cat Scratcher
  • Multi-level play
  • Promotes exercise
  • Long-lasting material
  • Encourages Self-Play Hepper Catnip Mice Toy Set Hepper Catnip Mice Toy Set
  • Contains catnip
  • Kitten safe
  • Satisfies prey instinct
  • At Catster, we've admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!


    3. Introduce a Padded Bed for Extra Comfort

    Sometimes, all it takes to get them to stop meowing at your door in the morning is to provide your cat with extra comfort so they can stay warm. Investing in a padded bed for them to lie on can help keep them cozy so they are content while waiting for you to wake up. Pointing a fan toward your cat’s favorite nighttime sleeping spot is a great way to keep them cool during hot summer nights.

    tortie cat resting on heated bed
    Image Credit: Tina Talley, Shutterstock

    4. Incorporate an Automatic Feeder

    Cats that are hungry in the morning and can’t wait for companions to wake up so they can be fed are likely to benefit from an automatic feeder. You can program it to feed your kitty around the time that they usually meow at your bedroom door in the morning. Instead of bothering you, they’ll eat their meal and go on about their day, whether that means taking a nap, playing with toys, or stretching out in front of a window to sunbathe.


    5. Be Consistent

    Consistency is essential when it comes to getting your cat to stop meowing at your door in the morning. Without it, your cat won’t take routine seriously and you’ll never get to sleep in. Whatever tactics you decide to implement, be consistent with them for at least a week straight. If it doesn’t work, you can try something else but continue the routine no matter what you’re doing to ensure that you’re giving your attempts a fair shot. Do certain things at the same times, use the same tactics, and react in the same ways to any situations that happen at your door in the morning.

    divider 1 paws

    A Quick Recap

    There are many reasons that your cat might meow at your bedroom door in the morning. It’s important to gain an understanding of why they’re meowing in order to figure out solutions to the problem. You may have to employ more than one tactic to get your kitty to stay quiet while you sleep in. Good luck!

    See also:


    Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock

    How useful was this post?

    Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

    Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

    Your feedback really matters.

    What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

    Join the conversation

    Leave a Reply

    You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

    Talk With A Vet Online

    Peace of mind,
    anywhere, anytime

    Affordable vet advice

    Do Cats Have an Evening Routine? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

    Cats are creatures of habit, and they love routine. That’s why they know when dinnertime is approaching and will let you know if...

    purebred snowshoe cat lies on a bed cover with a fur blanket

    How to Get Your Cat to Stop Meowing: 4 Vet-Approved Methods

    If any animal embodies the phrase “moving in silence like the G in lasagna,” it must be a cat. Unlike canines, felines are...

    Cat-meowing

    The 6 Common Reasons Why Your Cat Guards Your Door

    Cats come with all kinds of cute quirks, including their guarding behaviors. As aloof or indifferent as our cats can often appear, it’s...

    a cat by the door

    How to Get My Cat to Stop Begging for Food at Night: 8 Vet-Approved Tips

    Is your cat constantly begging for food at night? Maybe it’s the early evening when you’re still awake, or perhaps you’re dead asleep...

    Calico cat standing up begging for treat asking for food scratching leg looking up

    More related

    tabby cat at night

    Why Do Cats Stay Up All Night? Vet-Verified Behavior

    Cats follow a different sleep cycle than humans and may keep you up at night with their activities. Cats are naturally more active...

    close up cat claws scratching leather sofa

    How to Stop Cats From Scratching & Clawing Leather Furniture: 6 Vet-Verified Tips

    Of course, you love your cat, but that doesn’t mean you love all of their behaviors–especially the more destructive ones. If your cat...

    Sad, calico cat sitting, looking through small front door window on porch

    How to Keep a Cat From Running Out the Door: Our Vet Answers

    As a cat owner, you’ve undoubtedly experienced escape attempts from your pet. Whether it’s trying to dart out the front door or attempting...

    Olga the cat leaning over couch while watching TV

    How Cats Improve Your Mood: Olga’s Ways of Relieving My Stress

    Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga. Researchers have studied how cats...

    Keep reading

    How to Tell If a Cat Has UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)? Vet-Reviewed Signs

    Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in cats. They mainly occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract and go up to the bladder1. Once the bacteria reproduce and multiply, your cat can get a UTI. UTIs can disrupt a cat’s...

    cat sitting with pee on couch

    7 Vet-Reviewed Tips for an Attention-Seeking Cat in a Multi-Cat Household

    It’s no secret that our cats have very different personalities. If you are the owner of more than one kitty, you know just how different their love languages and attention requirements can be. So, if you have a cat that...

    cat rubbing its head against the owner's legs

    Can Cats Eat Pears? Nutrition Facts & FAQ

    Fruit is a tasty addition to a healthy diet; it provides plenty of dietary fiber and many other essential minerals and vitamins. It is well known that dogs can have small amounts of fruit as a part of their regular...

    Can Cats Eat Pears

    9 Best Fish Oil Supplements for Cats in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

    Finding the right fish oil supplement can be a challenge for cat owners. The benefits of supplementing with fish oils are extraordinary and more and more owners are introducing this supplement into their feeding regime. It is always best to...

    hand giving ginger cat some supplement using dropper

    Why Do Cats Shake or Vibrate Their Tails? Vet-Verified Reasons Explained

    When cats shake their tails it’s just one of a series of ways in which your cat communicates with you. It is important to consider context, but his or her tail can swoosh, wag, perk up, or remain motionless. It...

    cat tail

    Can Cats Eat Gummy Bears? Vet-Reviewed Nutritional Facts

    Gummy bears are fun treats when you want to wind down after a long day. They’re chewy, sugary, and adorably tasty. If your cat is the sort to always demand a nibble of whatever you’re eating, you may have considered...

    Can Cats Eat Gummy Bears

    Can Cats Eat Prunes? Risks & Safe Alternatives

    For humans, the health benefits of antioxidant-packed dried plums can’t be understated. They’re commonly eaten to ease constipation and nausea. Therefore, you may be wondering if you can give prunes to your cat. Unlike humans, cats shouldn’t eat plums or...

    Can Cats Eat Prunes

    GMO in Cat Food: Vet-Reviewed Health & Nutrition Facts

    GMOs or genetically modified organisms is a buzz phrase often used when describing human foods, but it has segued into the pet industry. We want the best for ourselves and, consequently, for our pets. However, GMOs often get a bad...

    Hungry cat sitting in front of a emty food dish and looking up