my cat's night behavior?

Question

i have two problems with my cat:

1) at night, he'll come out when i'm sleeping and scratch at the closet door, trying to get in (i don't want him to go into my closet). he'll even launch himself at the door and i'll wake up to a big thud. i've tried almost everything to get him to stop scratching because it's really annoying and loud; i've tried the no-scratch sprays (they don't do ANYTHING) and then i've tried clapping my hands really loudly to get him to go away from the door. how can i get him to stop?

2) my cat refuses to come out during the day. he hides in my box spring because there's a tear in the fabric, but ever since i cut the fabric off he's been really nervous and scared, as if he's afraid of the sunlight or something. he doesn't want to be petted or be close to people. but after about 7 pm, he's a nice, normal, friendly cat who always wants attention. what's wrong with him?

my cat's 4 1/2 years old and i've had him for about a month.

i know that cats are nocturnal, but i've NEVER ever seen a cat be SO nervous and neurotic when they're out from under the bed.

plus, he doesn't SLEEP during the day - i'll look at him under the bed and he'll be staring back at me.

Answer 1

cats dont like water too much, i would use a spray bottle to stop the scratching and lunging at the door. i would squirt him with the spray bottle every time he was doing something at the door. he will catch on real quick and most likely discontinue that behavior.

im guessing because he is an older cat and you have only had him for one month he is hiding during the day because cats are nocturnal by nature and he is still adjusting to his new home.

Answer 2

you are aware that cats are nocturnal right? my cats will sleep alot during the day and at night that's when all hell breaks loose.. things get knocked over... .. i always keep shoes next to my bed so when door they come a scratching i throw a shoe at the door this will keep them away for the night...

Answer 3

Cats by nature are nocturnal. Our cat usually tries to go into our dark garage in the daytime. So your cat is just using its natural instinct. The closet thing is probably just its curiosity.

Answer 4

thats just how cats are!! they're nocturnal so its pretty normal for them to get excited and happy at night. as for his day behavior, he might just want to be left alone. maybe to sleep or something, and your box spring is probably the perfect dark place to do that at.