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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Great for Exercise
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Hepper Hi-Lo Cat Scratcher |
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Encourages Self-Play
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Hepper Catnip Mice Toy Set |
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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.
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.
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:
- My Cat Is Addicted to Treats, What Can I Do? (Vet Answer)
- Seroma in Cats: Causes, Prevention, Signs & Treatment (Vet Answer)
Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
