Cats can meow for a variety of reasons, but if your noisy little feline is being particularly disruptive at night when you're in bed then it could well be because they're feeling lonely. Those cries for company won't quieten down either until you find a way to keep them stimulated.
If your feline is healthy and you can ensure a safe environment, leaving a cat alone overnight should not cause big problems. Food, fresh water, and at least a couple of litter boxes are a must. But, if your cat has health issues or separation anxiety, try to find other options.
Your cat might meow at night because they feel bored, unstimulated, lonely or just want to go outside. If your cat won't stop crying at night even when they have plenty of play time, other causes to consider are thyroid or kidney disease.
Put your cat's food inside a puzzle feeder or treat dispenser to stimulate them and give them something fun to do while you're gone. Provide a stimulating environment for when they're alone: think hideaways and tunnels, cat trees and perches, hanging toys with catnip and interactive toys.
It's a common misconception that cats don't experience loneliness, but they do, especially when left alone for long periods of time. Learning how to tell if your cat is lonely puts you on the path to helping them feel more content while they're home alone.
Cats Protection recommends that you keep your cats in at night. Cats are natural hunters, making them more active at night time, and some studies show that more road traffic injuries happen at night.
Cats are naturally solitary animals and are often happy without the company of their own species. They are territorial animals who don't like conflict with other cats.
Clinginess - if your cat frequently demands attention or follows you around the house then it may be a sign that they are feeling lonely. Aggressive behaviour - uncharacteristic aggressive displays may be indicative of loneliness and a bid for attention.
Position your cat's sleeping spots away from any noisy appliances (such as washing machines) and busy areas of the home (such as the hallway). A quiet corner of a bedroom or living room is ideal, and once your cat is snoozing, make sure you leave them alone to avoid startling them awake.
Cats have different sleep-wake cycles than other animals and are often busy at night. This is because cats are crepuscular, which means they hunt and are active in the evening or early morning. This cat behavior at night is sometimes called the night crazies and may cause lack of sleep for cat owners.
Should I keep my cat in at night? Cats Protection recommends that you keep your cat in at night to keep them safe. Increased risks during night time include: Road traffic injuries and fatalities.
It depends on your cat. Some cats prefer to sleep away from you. And others want to be beside you always. If you have one of those clingy cats, she will probably feel it is very cruel to lock her out.
Cats are often considered to be uncaring or disinterested toward their human family members, but this isn't true. Although cats don't need as much constant attention as most dogs, they do connect and bond with their humans, and they feel unhappy when separated for too long.
Cons of Indoor Cats
Because cats enjoy roaming and exploring, keeping them inside can lead to boredom. Some indoor cats also experience depression and separation anxiety. To prevent these issues, you must take steps to meet your cat's needs.
Cats can be social, compassionate and incredibly loving. And what this means is that without regular interaction or stimulation, they can easily become lonely; in some cases even a little sad.
As with dogs, cats have a limited concept of time: they can learn to distinguish between different time intervals but only when these intervals are limited to a few seconds. Thinking back into the more distant past is probably beyond their abilities.
Cats can become frustrated and bored with indoor-only lifestyles. Make plenty of time to interact - as your cat won't have the freedom to interact with people/other animals outside, you'll be their main companion. Don't leave them alone too much - you shouldn't leave cats alone for long periods during the day.
Do cats get cold at night? Cats can most definitely get cold at night if the ambient temperature drops below 60 and 70°F. Anything below 45°F at night is too cold for your cat.
Pairs are Happier
Despite their independent natures, cats are social creatures that need companionship to thrive. Left alone, a cat can develop behavioral problems, and in some cases, even show signs of depression. Cats in bonded pairs, on the other hand, are more likely to be better adjusted.