No, Bengal cats are not nocturnal, but they can be more active at night than during the day. Cats, in general, are crepuscular animals, meaning that they are most active during dawn and dusk. Bengal cats have a lot of energy and tend to expend it through play and activity, which can happen at any time of the day or night.
Reasons Why Bengal Cat Wakes You Up
If a cat wakes you up at night, it’s not because it’s unhappy or wants attention. Cats are nocturnal animals who naturally wake up at night to eat, explore and play. Some cats may wake you up to get your attention for a medical emergency. Understanding and being patient with your cat when it wakes you up at night will help create a healthy sleep environment for both of you.
There can be several other reasons why a Bengal cat wakes you up at night:
- Hunger: Cats are opportunistic hunters who may wake you up at night if hungry and looking for a meal.
- Playtime: Bengal cats are known for their active and playful nature and may wake you up at night for playtime.
- Attention seeking: Cats may wake you up at night if they seek attention or affection from you.
- Loneliness: If your cat is used to having company during the day and is left alone at night, they may wake you up for companionship.
- Anxiety or stress: If your cat is experiencing anxiety or stress, it may wake you up at night due to this.
- Medical issues: Certain conditions, such as bladder infections, arthritis, or dental problems, can cause a cat to wake up frequently at night.
- Environmental factors: Bengal cats may be more active at night if exposed to natural light during the day or if kept in a noisy or stimulating environment.
Tips to Stop Your Cat From Waking You Up at Night
Play Before Bedtime
Playing with your cat before bedtime will help tire out your cat and relax it for bedtime. Also, ensure your cat has plenty of toys and playtime during the day. This will give it something to do besides sleep, which can help it stay busy and awake longer at night.
Additionally, take your cat on long car rides to help it relax and become more comfortable. This will allow your cat to get used to being in the car and fall asleep during the ride. Taking these steps can help your cat sleep longer and enjoy a better night of sleep.
Provide plenty of Food and Water
Make sure your cat has plenty of food and water available. Provide a comfortable sleeping area for your cat, and make sure the room is dark and quiet. If you still find your cat waking you up at night, try confining him to a specific area of the house during designated hours. This will help keep him within a specific limit and allow him to sleep better.
Ignore Your Cat
If your cat wakes you up at night, the easiest solution is to ignore them. If your cat continues to wake you up, there are a few things you can do to try and stop them. For example, try installing an acoustic sensor in your cat’s room or home that will trigger when the cat makes a noise.
Another option is to use a noise machine to make noise outside your cat’s room. If none of these methods work, and you really can’t stand the sound of cats meowing all night long, consider getting a cat alarm that will scare away your cat and keep your sleep better.
Don’t Let Your Cat Sleep in Your Bedroom
Bengal cats are naturally nocturnal, meaning they typically sleep during the day. However, some Bengal cats may begin sleeping in your bedroom to get closer to their human partners or as a form of self-soothing. If this is the case for your cat, you need to discourage it from doing so by setting strict rules about where it can and cannot sleep.
For example, you can ensure that the cat’s bed is in an area separate from where you sleep. You can also train your cat not to sleep in your bed by rewarding it when it stays in its designated bed area. If these measures don’t work, consider adoption or a foster home for your cat.
Get a Second Cat
Having a second cat can help stop your cat from waking up at night. One or both of your cats may start sleeping during the day instead of at night. This will allow you to get a good night’s sleep without worrying about your cat waking you up. If you have a cat that keeps you up at night, consider adding another cat to your home and see how it works out. However, be sure that both cats get along well before adopting one.
Predictable Schedule
A predictable schedule can help your cat adjust to life with you during the night. Consider feeding times, playtime, and bedtime to help cats adapt to this new routine. Try keeping the same routine every night. However, if your cat is constantly waking up in the middle of the night, try adjusting his diet or providing more stimulation during the day.
If cats constantly wake you up in the middle of the night, it may be time to consider adjusting their diet or providing extra stimulation during the day. For example, if your cat is a night owl, consider taking him out during the day for exercise and socialization. Adhering to a predictable schedule and making small changes can help your cat adjust to life with you at night.
