My first cat... how do I sleep?

Question

I just adopted a cat who is 2-3 years old. She is very affectionate and nice. However, last night (her first night here) she kept me up crawling all over the bed and sometimes licking my hand or butting my hand with her head.

Should I shut her out of the bedroom? Will she chill out if I ignore her? How do I convince the cat to SLEEP or at least hold still and leave me alone at night?

Answer 1

Well, you MIGHT just get used to her being there, or you can shut the door. You might then hear her outside the door trying to get you to open it.

Cats are more active at night, because they evolved as nocturnal hunters. It mystifies them that you don't get enough sleep during the day to play at night!

That said, you can transition the cat to your hours. Encourage her to sleep longer at night by getting her engaged in lots of active play at night, tossing kitty toys or lures her way.

Then, just before you retire, give her a meal to encourage her to nap. Turkey is especially sleep-inducing because of its amino acid tryptophan, so turkey-flavored cat food would be a great choice.

If your home is really dark, then leave a night light on near her food, water, toys, litter. Cats can see in low light but not complete darkness.

A radio playing softly may also distract the kitty from disturbing you.

Give it time; you'll both adjust!

Answer 2

Be thankful that you have an affectionate kitty. I wouldn't lock her out of the room at night because the next night she will just want to be petted more the next day. I think she will calm down after a few weeks or months. Cats usually stay awake at night since they sleep all day.

My cat hates being held, but sometimes he does sleep next to me. I wish he was more loving. He is 6 now and usually does sleep through the night.

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

Sounds like she's giving you some loving, hoping for some in return. She'll get into a routine and will eventually get the hint to leave you alone when when you're in bed. Pet her a few times then stop and she'll either lay down with you or find her own spot to sleep.
I can't close my bedroom door, my one cat will sit outside and cry and cry until I open the door. Yours might do that too.

Answer 4

Cats are nocturnal and she is new to the environment. Get some toys for her and when she get used to being at your place she will go off on her own and do her own thing. Cats are very independent. She's just a little insecure at the moment.

Answer 5

I have the same problem with my 2 year old calico which I adopted. I think she has separation anxiety because she has to be anywhere that I am. It's nice that she is so loving but it does get annoying. Yours probably just needs to get used to her new home. She is happy to have someone to take care of her and is just showing you affection that she THINKS you want.

Answer 6

She could be wanting to go in the covers with you. She also could be wanting to play, try getting her a toy or two to play with(I reccomend catnip balls, my cat loves those)so that she can play and let her energy out.

Answer 7

when she comes to you grab her and hold her affectionately and go to sleep...if she doesnt like it she will get awya and find something else to do........ever think of purchasing a cat tree ...the good one that goes up to the ceiling, cat nip balls, kity snacks hidden?

Answer 8

had she eaten enough... try feeding her night times so she gets lazy and heavy...
it will take some time to adjust but she will do it.

Answer 9

Make it understand by putting it outside!

Answer 10

no that would be neglecting her after a few days she will stop if not email me [e-mail]