Hello all,
I had cats growing up so am aware the early morning yowling is a thing in elderly cats.
But this is the first cat I've had of my own (I live alone) and I feel like I have a newborn or an extremely demanding tamagotchi which needs constant feeding to keep it quiet! I've actually had to take to shutting her out of the bedroom recently which makes me feel sad. I work funny hours hence would ideally be in bed midnight-9am.
In terms of her behaviour, she seems well enough in herself although throwing up a bit this last few days. She very occasionally still goes outside but only for a few minutes. She has catnip toys and a scratching post, all of which she uses daily. She has Katkin litter which is supposed to go a particular colour if any kidney issues and all seems clear. But she's eating about twice as much food as Katkin recommends for her age/weight/activity level. (Albeit she's a healthy weight). She has always been pretty "food-oriented" according to the vet. (I want to avoid any more vet trips than are absolutely necessary as she always wets/poos herself in great distress)
This is her pattern:
Midnight: I give her a Katkin tray just before I go to bed to try and keep her quiet as long as possible. If I don't, she will be jumping all over my head as I'm trying to get to sleep. If she is nice and quiet on my bed after her food, when I turn out the light, I will leave her there. If she is elsewhere I will close the bedroom door to keep her out.
3am: if I've left her on my bed, this is the point at which she starts harassing me so I get her up and chuck her outside the bedroom door.
5pm: Automatic feeder gives her a Katkin tray
7am: Automatic feeder gives her a little Hills Prescription dental dry food
8-9am: She starts scratching at the bedroom door and yowling to get in. BUT here's the thing, even when I let her in, the yowling continues until I physically get out of bed. She jump on and off the bed and walk round it over and over again, agitated yowling and will pull my hair and run her claws along my eyes and lips.
Then I get up, give her another Katkin tray just for peace and she will sleep for most of the day. She might get more food about 5pm. (Whatever I'm eating or a Lik-e-Lix pouch or yet another bloody Katkin tray)
When I type it all out, I suspect this is indeed just the nature of having cats and that's she's probably just bored/lonely in the morning!
But any suggestions welcome. Thanks.