Like their wild lion ancestors, most cats are nocturnal, meaning they enjoy coming out at night to socialise and hunt. For an outdoor cat, the streets are quieter and less threatening at night than during the daytime. The darkness also heightens their already-sharp senses, making it easier to sniff out new things.
Bring them inside at night.
Nighttime is more dangerous for outside cats, when they might turn from predator to prey. Call your cat or put food by the door to get them to come inside at night. They'll get used to the routine and may greet you at the door ready to come in for pets and pillows.
Cats love to sleep in high places. Not only is it usually warmer, but they have the advantage of being able to watch for danger. It is not unusual to find ferals in rafters of barns and sheds, or even in hollow trees. Garages are full of great hiding places for cats, both high and low.
It isn't uncommon for cats to go missing for 24 hours, especially if they like spending a lot of time outdoors. In some cases, cats can even stay away from home for up to 10 days at a time.
Where Cats Go at Night. It's natural to wonder where the heck cats go at night. At home, they're usually sleeping, playing, cuddling, eating, or sleeping some more.
Cats often wake in the night to feed, which fits with their natural instinct to hunt in the twilight hours. Old age. Changes in sleeping patterns are common as cats age. You may find your cat is more active at night, which can be caused by health problems as part of the normal aging processes.
The Thrill of the Hunt
Being the hunters they are, outdoor cats will often take advantage of empty yards and streets to go out on a hunt for prey. Their senses are sharper in the dark, giving them an edge when looking for movement in the stillness of the night.
Make sure your cat's beds are away from any draughty areas but also not too close to any heat sources – the temperature should be not too cold or too warm but just right. Soft, fleecy beds provide the most comfort and if they have tall sides that your cat can hide behind, such as a cardboard box, that's even better.
Make a routine: let them outside at the same time every day and bring them in at the same time every night. o Do not let your cat stay outside at night. o Let them out before feeding time so that they can remember to come home… that's where the food is!
Five things to help find your lost cat
You might find your moggy is more active at night, especially during hotter weather. Go out with a friend or family member when it is dark to call for your cat by name. Leave a bowl of water out and some food. A tasty treat such as tuna might be enough to bring your cat home.
Outdoor cats can easily adapt to many types of weather. But on bitterly cold winter days, outdoor cats can use assistance from their human friends. A dry shelter box and extra food can help your kitty to get through the toughest part of winter.
Cats do enjoy going outside: they like the exercise, mental stimulation, and adventure. But indoor kitties can be perfectly happy if they get the entertainment and exercise they need.
One question many cat owners find themselves asking is: "Should I let my indoor cat go outside?" Some indoor cats love the outdoors and may even seem a little unhappy being cooped up. But at the same time, there are many dangers your cat could encounter if he's allowed outside.
There are many reasons why your cat may be tempted to go outside. Some cats simply love fresh air while others may find comfort in being able to escape from loud noises inside or seek out solitude when stressed or overwhelmed indoors. Most though are looking to either mate, hunt or both.
Like dogs, cats who are let outdoors without supervision are vulnerable to the dangers of cars, other animals, cruel humans, and diseases.
Cats are pretty well adapted for cold weather, but when the temperature dips below freezing they are susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite. During periods of cold weather, cats will go looking for a warm place to hunker down. Building an outside shelter for a cat can be an inexpensive and fun project for the family.
Cats love to roam, especially at night. This is because they are creatures whose instinct is to hunt when it is dark outside, especially at dawn and dusk. Those are the times of day that a cat is most active.
As amazing as it sounds, cats do have a special ability called a homing instinct that helps them find their way back home.
Cats can smell over a mile depending on wind conditions. Then make the scent strip and “Cat Chum” (Described below) trails back in the most direct and safe way to your house and/or traps.
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.
As a rule, cats will sleep 18 hours per day, spread over a series of naps that average 78 minutes each. They sleep during the day as well as in the middle of the night, only to get up and become active right when we are heading to bed, and again shortly before we want to get up. This can be a definite clash!
Unlike us, cats don't just go to bed at a set time in the evening and sleep for the duration of the night. They are a crepuscular species, which means they nap intermittently throughout a 24-hour period, but are mostly awake at night (mostly around dusk and dawn).
Install a Cat Door
You can give your cat limited outdoor access with a pet door. The beauty of a cat door is that you can lock it whenever you want. You could let your cat outside during the day or when you're you are home, then lock it at night so your cat avoids strays, predators and nighttime traffic.
Sometimes cats wake people up at night because they want to eat — often because they are hungry, but at other times they may simply want a snack. (Who doesn't occasionally want a midnight meal?) Sometimes cats inadvertently wake us up as they seek a cozy spot to rest rather than to get our attention.
Night and day
Cats will also take their cues from the onset of daylight and the arrival of nighttime. And since they do know the difference between night and day, I believe that they also know when a guardian is away.