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Original poster

Cat is driving us crazy

10 replies

Starfish125 · 13/04/2023 22:48

Hello! Not the normal mumsnet problem here but hoping there might be someone who has some advice!

Basically it's our cat. He's well behaved in the day, doesn't bite or scratch very very chilled out, but this is partly due to the fact that he is on medication for epilepsy and has been for the last two years (he's only 3). The problem is night time. He cries and cries for food/attention whatever, we've tried feeding him at 3am to settle him, locking him away in the kitchen with a bed and litter tray but he jumps at the door which reverberates and because we live in a new build it's so bloody loud. If we leave him to roam the house he will constantly scratch our new carpet which always gets a reaction from us by us shouting at him but he continues to do it. I'm due our third baby in June and tbh I feel like I've had the baby due to sleepless nights!! Any advice tips please, anyone???

OP posts:
LilacLemur · 13/04/2023 23:17

Is he allowed out at night?

Pixiedust1234 · 13/04/2023 23:35

Is he neutered? There might be other cats/foxes prowling around and your cat wants to guard his territory.

Have you done the hunt, kill, eat routine with him every single evening? Play with him until he's tired out, feed and then he should sleep quite happily.

WarningToTheCurious · 14/04/2023 00:01

Has he been checked for thyroid problems?

Original poster
Starfish125 · 14/04/2023 10:23

Hey everyone thanks for replies, no he can't go out at night as he's been attacked each time he's too docile to stand up for himself. Yup he was neutered as a kitten so he's not frustrated....and he's never had his thyroid checked, can I ask is that a typical behavior for under or over active thyroid then?

OP posts:
Pixiedust1234 · 14/04/2023 13:48

Does he have access to windows where he can see his attacker? That would send him mad trying to get to/escape from it. Either block off the windows or have him upstairs. Locking him in a small room (if he was scared) isnt the best route.

Have you tried the hunt, kill, eat method at all? Its recognised behavioural training. You need him tired and well fed every evening. Its what you do for dogs, children and even some adults. Cats are no different in that respect.

SecretCoconut · 14/04/2023 15:00

I don't have any advice other than stop shouting at your cat. The reason is because cats don't have that link between naughty action and getting shouted at and knowing they've done wrong. So they scratch the furniture or whatever, and you shout at them but they don't know it's because they've scratched the furniture. They just think you're being horrible and scary for no reason. No matter how much you shout, the cat will carry on doing it because it's a cat and that's a normal cat behaviour.

coffeecupsandwaxmelts · 16/04/2023 00:54

Do you leave dry food down for him overnight?

KievLoverTwo · 19/04/2023 18:53

Starfish125 · 13/04/2023 22:48

Hello! Not the normal mumsnet problem here but hoping there might be someone who has some advice!

Basically it's our cat. He's well behaved in the day, doesn't bite or scratch very very chilled out, but this is partly due to the fact that he is on medication for epilepsy and has been for the last two years (he's only 3). The problem is night time. He cries and cries for food/attention whatever, we've tried feeding him at 3am to settle him, locking him away in the kitchen with a bed and litter tray but he jumps at the door which reverberates and because we live in a new build it's so bloody loud. If we leave him to roam the house he will constantly scratch our new carpet which always gets a reaction from us by us shouting at him but he continues to do it. I'm due our third baby in June and tbh I feel like I've had the baby due to sleepless nights!! Any advice tips please, anyone???

Sounds like separation anxiety to me. Have you tried a feliway plug or spray?

The vet might prescribe gabapentin if those don't work. It's usually a painkiller but in small doses can be used for anxiety, e.g. it's recommended just before car journeys or vet visits if a cat gets stressed.

I don't think your cat has hyperthyroidism. Those systems are 24/7, not just overnight. But if the vet says it might be, they will do a blood test to check its T4 levels. It is extremely unusual in younger cats under ten. Ours has it, it came on at age 11. I think someone suggested it due to the food: well a hyperthyroid cat will want lots of food pretty much all the time, not just at 3am.

Tbh that part sounds like poor behaviour to get attention - is it getting booted out of your room overnight for the first time?

It could be the cat knows the baby is coming and is kicking off because they don't like change.

Either way, it sounds behavioural and not medical to me.

AngelaTyler · 24/04/2023 14:18

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Anawilliam850 · 26/04/2023 16:22

It sounds like your cat is having some issues with separation anxiety and perhaps boredom at night. Here are some things you can try to help alleviate these issues:

  1. Provide your cat with plenty of toys and stimulation during the day. This can help tire him out and make him more likely to sleep at night.
  2. Consider getting a second cat as a companion for your cat. This can help provide some social interaction and entertainment for your cat.
  3. Try a calming supplement or pheromone diffuser, which can help reduce stress and anxiety in cats.
  4. Provide your cat with a comfortable sleeping area, perhaps in a quiet room away from the rest of the house.
  5. Make sure your cat is getting enough food and water during the day, as hunger or thirst may be contributing to his nighttime crying.
  6. Try playing with your cat for a little while before bedtime to help tire him out and provide some bonding time.
  7. Consider consulting with your vet or a cat behaviorist for additional advice and support.
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