Wake-up call every morning...tried EVERYTHING!!

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LeChat
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Wake-up call every morning...tried EVERYTHING!!

Post by LeChat »

Hi everyone! Found this forum as I desperately need some advice!
Got a cat a few months back and he would always meow early in the morning, very loudly, and wake me up. He seemed to be lonely (we don't let him into the bedroom). After a while, we got him company, a 2nd cat, and for a while all was good. But now he's back to his old habbit, and no idea why. I've done research, I've tried ignoring, using deterrent spray, we have an automatic feeder set for 4am every morning...nothing seems to help. Also wanna mention that once or twice I couldn't stand it anymore and went over just to tell him to be quiet, which he was after that. So it kinda seems like he wants to make sure we're still around!?
I love him but it's driving me nuts!
Any good advice??
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Lilith
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Re: Wake-up call every morning...tried EVERYTHING!!

Post by Lilith »

Hi and welcome :)

Ah. I agree, this is maddening! I speak from experience as I have a 15 year old cat who's doing just the same. And, having been an angel all her life, NOTHING convinces her that I'm cross. She simply doesn't understand because she's never ever been told off or learned the word 'no'. Sometimes if she sits with me while I'm reading, has a fuss and then goes on headbutting my book I can say quietly 'right, enough,' and she'll settle down by my side but the morning yelling - no.

However, the issue here is straightforward - she wants her tea. Errm, yes, tea. Tea (daily wet food; they always have access to biscuits) used to be served around 6pm, later in warm weather because of any flies. Today it got served at ... 8am :oops:

But at least she shuts up when she gets it. Though I'm an idiot, I know - she's trained me.

So I'm not sure if I can help here but I feel you have two options - to hold out or give in. Trouble is, if you respond to him with a telling-off, he'll see it as attention, like a small child, even if it gets results at first. And I know how it feels to hold out against that insistent yelling when you're desperate for sleep; I sleep badly and often lie-in. You feel murderous, don't you? I mean, I know we'd never harm a hair of their pesky little heads, but - grrrr!

One thing to remember, if you do have to be cross with him, make it up to him by praising and fussing him when he does do something right, even if it's only ordinary stuff like using his tray. Keep building up his self-esteem and telling him you love him.

Your other option is - why not let him into your bedroom? I know I live alone and have only myself to please and I like to know that at least one cat is in the bedroom with me. However I realise this isn't to everyone's taste.

But it's possible, after the first enthusiasm, that the novelty may wear off and he'll settle down quietly somewhere in the room or even back in his old bed and not bother you.

You have to make some house rules for cats, but just sometimes life is more peaceful if you let them have their way.

Hopefully other people will be along with more advice, and do hope you find a solution to the problem, all the best :)
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Re: Wake-up call every morning...tried EVERYTHING!!

Post by Ruth B »

Unfortunately as Lilith says, you have two options, hold out, or let them in.

If you decide you have to hold out and hope accepts it, then you have to ignore it, don't go out and comfort him, don't go out and tell him off, if you have to go out, to go to the bathroom say, then you have to ignore him, don't look at him, don't talk to him, if he sneaks in the bedroom then just pick him up and throw him out, if he hides under the bed, then leave him be and as soon as you hear him come out then just pick him up and put him out of the room. It is an incredibly hard route to take, the furry little devils are experts at getting our attention, and at this point any attention, even being told off, is a reward. He will eventually learn, but it will take some time and it might even get worse before it gets better as he tries to find other ways of getting you attention and every time you give him any sort of attention, be it food, a fuss or a spray, it will set the process back.

Unfortunately if you don't want him in the bedroom at night you have to stick with it and the best advice I can offer is to get a good set of ear plugs.
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Re: Wake-up call every morning...tried EVERYTHING!!

Post by LittlePenBigHeart »

Absolutely agree with the advice offered here. We had a cat a while ago who took to meowing at the door and scratching at it like a werewolf at 5am every day. We had to completely ignore him. No shouting, no pleading, no noises at all. At one point he did it for over 40 minutes straight and we were exhausted but we suffered through it and he did, at last, stop completely. It really does work but you have to pretend that between the time you go to bed, to the time you get up, your cat does not exist, however hard that is.
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Re: Wake-up call every morning...tried EVERYTHING!!

Post by vanilla »

I leave mine downstairs in the kitchen and dining room. He has run of the place there at night time. He use to miaow when I closed the door for bedtime, but I just ignored him and went to bed. He settled and doesn't miaow anymore. I never gave him any attention at all. Good luck!
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Re: Wake-up call every morning...tried EVERYTHING!!

Post by LeChat »

Thanks everyone.
The main reason we don't let them into the bedroom is that my wife already has a few allergies and wanna avoid getting a cat allergy on top of that. I did try it one night when she was on a trip, but my hoping they'd sleep quietly was naive, especially the young noisy boy would just run and jump around or chase the girl (not just in the bedroom, outside as well).
Again, I did try ignoring, and I read that it takes up to a week till they stop meowing, but it has been 2 weeks already and I don't see any end to it...I will get some ear plugs or sth, but I am also worried about the neighbors, tbh (we live in a big apartment building).
Oh well...guess I can only hope he'll calm down soon... :(
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Re: Wake-up call every morning...tried EVERYTHING!!

Post by bobbys girl »

Ruth B wrote:Unfortunately if you don't want him in the bedroom at night you have to stick with it and the best advice I can offer is to get a good set of ear plugs.
Best of luck on THAT one! Ear plugs block out OH's snoring but do nothing to dampen the nightly earthquake of Willow or Bob trying to get in the bedroom. Willow must have taught Bob her trick of vibrating the door in it's frame until the catch gives way. :roll: Quite frankly it is easier just to leave the door ajar. Willow gets into Tommy's basket on the wardrobe, Bob sleeps on my feet.

Sorry, not much help to you, especially with your wife's allergies. But once you give in and respond to their demands - you've lost the battle.

We should have just fixed the door - bit late now.
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Re: Wake-up call every morning...tried EVERYTHING!!

Post by Kay »

I think you will get there in the end - when I changed from a double to a single bed I decided I could no longer share it with the cats, and for the first time in 10 years shut the bedroom door on them

the scratching and crying at the door went on at night for a week (the newly erected far infra-red panel in the sitting room probably helped to reconcile them) and the scratching and crying in the morning went on for three weeks, becoming gradually more sporadic

now when I get up and open the door I usually find them both sitting patiently - and quietly - outside it, but they have learnt that nothing they do can bring me out any sooner
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Re: Wake-up call every morning...tried EVERYTHING!!

Post by vanilla »

Whatever you do DON'T GIVE IN! :lol:
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Re: Wake-up call every morning...tried EVERYTHING!!

Post by LeChat »

Will do my best ^^'
This morning same thing, but I put on my earphones (find ear plugs painful) and managed to sleep then. Not sure if I couldn't hear it anymore or he was actually quiet after the first meows.
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Re: Wake-up call every morning...tried EVERYTHING!!

Post by bobbys girl »

You can get soft ear plugs, that you hardly know you are wearing. :D
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Re: Wake-up call every morning...tried EVERYTHING!!

Post by vanilla »

These are the ear plugs I use. Small for lady ears :lol:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/gh3/40-Laser ... +Ear+Plugs

Don't shove them in too deep or it will hurt! They really do work for me as husband is a loud snorer! :lol:

This one is slightly bigger in size and I had a bit of a problem getting them in.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pairs-Howard-L ... Leight+MAX
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Re: Wake-up call every morning...tried EVERYTHING!!

Post by LeChat »

Will consider it, should the earphones start to fail. Thanks!
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Re: Wake-up call every morning...tried EVERYTHING!!

Post by issiandarchie+68 »

When dear Gandhi once again became an 'only' cat, he too started 'yowling hello? are you still here?' then running about like a mad thing, digging me out from under the covers at 5.30 a.m.. He also used to hare about the house in the early hours after tiny Cody, she encouraged him, but they soon settled into a sleep routine.I've always slept with my cats on the bed but can understand why you wouldn't want to go down this route. I think your pet is just looking for reassurance and rather than telling him off, you should give him lots of petting. What eventually worked for Gandhi was a mild dose (Vet approved) of valerian, just enough to make him relaxed, an hour before bedtime, to break the cycle and also plenty grub left out for free grazing so he ain't hungry. 2 bowls of different flavoured wet food and a side dish of crunchies. I hasten to add, he's a big cat, 7kgs of pure muscle. He snacks, but with a full tum is content,still enjoys his breakfast. Honey, I reckon your wee cat is insecure, needs to know you are still there, he can't see through doors, but honest, lots of loving, a steady bedtime routine, a good supper and he will settle down.

Issi
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Re: Wake-up call every morning...tried EVERYTHING!!

Post by LeChat »

No wake-up call this morning, now I just need to find out what went "wrong"... :D
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Re: Wake-up call every morning...tried EVERYTHING!!

Post by bobbys girl »

Funny what you miss when it's not there! :lol:
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Re: Wake-up call every morning...tried EVERYTHING!!

Post by Lilith »

Congrats and well done, great news :D
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Re: Wake-up call every morning...tried EVERYTHING!!

Post by issiandarchie+68 »

LeChat wrote:No wake-up call this morning, now I just need to find out what went "wrong"... :D
Well that is good news, you must be relieved and long may it last. Sadly, all my 'advice' to you came back and bit me on the bum. Dear Gandhi woke me up at 4.a.m. this morning and would not leave me alone until I gave in and got up at 8.a.m. Sods Law innit? :)

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Re: Wake-up call every morning...tried EVERYTHING!!

Post by LeChat »

Ah, just one quiet morning doesn't mean "problem solved", fellows ^^' Past few days it's been on and off...gotta keep praying :|

Sorry to hear, Issi, good luck to you too!
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Re: Wake-up call every morning...tried EVERYTHING!!

Post by Ruth B »

You just have to stay strong and appreciate the quiet mornings and when he is being loud keep telling yourself it is for the best and pull the pillow over your ears. Also on morning when he has been quiet make sure you give him extra fuss when you do get up. He's trying to train you while you are trying to train him, its a matter of willpower as to who gives in first.
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Re: Wake-up call every morning...tried EVERYTHING!!

Post by greenkitty »

I've had Pip coming up 11 years and she still sings to me every morning from outside the bedroom door, she's also taught Noodle to join in too, I always ignore her (wear ear plugs) but it hasn't made the slightest difference, she'll just keep going until I get up, at this time of year that can be for hours!
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Re: Wake-up call every morning...tried EVERYTHING!!

Post by LeChat »

Thanks Ruth!

@greenkitty - oh my, that sounds like a case for the show "my cat from hell" ^^''
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Re: Wake-up call every morning...tried EVERYTHING!!

Post by Lallum »

I tried everything. when I ignored them they tore up the carpet.

I now have a solution. They each have a cat crate with water, a bed and cat litter. At the first sign of trying top wake me up, they go. They hate it but I need to sleep. I would prefer them to sleep next to me from midnight to 8am but that isn't going to happen.

I have three cats (Magic, Midnight and Lola). Only Midnight and Lola get imprisoned. Magic wakes up then just sits there quietly.
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Re: Wake-up call every morning...tried EVERYTHING!!

Post by Vada50 »

Hi

I had the same problem with my cat and did the same as you at first. but what really help me was to play with her at night and put a cat door in my room. She just wanted go outside and in my room as she pleases but couldn't. Have you tried that? Also the feeding schedule I have to change it so she ate later. Also later I gave her food later at night so she could eat through the night which she likes to do and she didn't wake me up anymore. She can go out and have some food . I know some people will say: but you shouldn't free feed her which is also correct but for me those things work. Hope I could help you.
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Re: Wake-up call every morning...tried EVERYTHING!!

Post by LeChat »

Lallum wrote:I tried everything. when I ignored them they tore up the carpet.

I now have a solution. They each have a cat crate with water, a bed and cat litter. At the first sign of trying top wake me up, they go. They hate it but I need to sleep. I would prefer them to sleep next to me from midnight to 8am but that isn't going to happen.

I have three cats (Magic, Midnight and Lola). Only Midnight and Lola get imprisoned. Magic wakes up then just sits there quietly.
And after you imprison them, they're quiet? I'd imagine it would be even worse..
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Re: Wake-up call every morning...tried EVERYTHING!!

Post by LeChat »

Vada50 wrote:Hi

I had the same problem with my cat and did the same as you at first. but what really help me was to play with her at night and put a cat door in my room. She just wanted go outside and in my room as she pleases but couldn't. Have you tried that? Also the feeding schedule I have to change it so she ate later. Also later I gave her food later at night so she could eat through the night which she likes to do and she didn't wake me up anymore. She can go out and have some food . I know some people will say: but you shouldn't free feed her which is also correct but for me those things work. Hope I could help you.
Thanks.

I live on the 4th floor in the middle of the city, letting him out is not an option. Tried letting them into the bedroom, didn't work (plus I actually wanna avoid that, see above why).
I also doubt free feeding would help, even in the morning when I feed him he doesn't eat that much and food is not the reason for his meowing.

Past few days it's been on and off again, still haven't figured out the reasons or a pattern...
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Re: Wake-up call every morning...tried EVERYTHING!!

Post by alanc »

Well, at least it is your own cats waking you up early. My neighbor is away, so I am on feeding duty for Tay and Toto. Tay was warbling under my bedroom window at 5.00am this morning to make sure I didn't forget!
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Re: Wake-up call every morning...tried EVERYTHING!!

Post by Lallum »

Re noise from the cat crate.

Amazingly Lola rattles the door briefly and Midnight just gets into bed and goes to sleep.Peace then reigns and the three human inmates get some sleep instead of all of us being jumped on, bitten, used as trampolines, used as battle field obstacles as they zoom over the bed chasing each other, purred at from above whilst paddling cat stands on shoulders and last, but not least every inch of carpet clawed through bedrooms and landings.

I had tried everything to get them to sleep. Feeding them late at night, keeping them awake during the day. Nothing worked. If they went out then they sang to the neighbourhood from first light. In the crates, they are quiet. Magic used to get involved but now just lies next to me. Once they have breakfast they all go back to sleep.

It worked for a grateful Brown household
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Re: Wake-up call every morning...tried EVERYTHING!!

Post by LeChat »

Wow, great you've worked it out!
It's been actually quiet the past few days chez lechat, may I dare to hope? :)
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Re: Wake-up call every morning...tried EVERYTHING!!

Post by LeChat »

My hopes smashed to smithereens this morning, he kept meowing on and on...
Wonder what's wrong with him recently, he has a new habit now.. as soon as my wife wakes up and goes to the bathroom to get ready, he keeps meowing and rubbing against her legs and feet like he's trying to say "I missed you so much"...but it's the only time he does that..Usually he is more the "cool" type.
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