Once you welcome a cat into your life, you'll never get over how much joy these cuddly creatures bring to your home. You'll be endlessly entertained by the funny things they do, but keep in mind they are very intelligent — they know exactly what they want and how to get it. This is especially true when it comes to cats waking up their pet parents.
Among other things, they'll stop at nothing to get you out of bed. Whether it be late at night or early in the morning, they might use one or more of these ten funny ways to disturb your slumber.
1. Scratching and Pulling at the Comforter
Your cat loves a cuddly, cosy bed adorned with soft sheets, plush blankets, and fluffy pillows... until they’re ready to get up, that is. At this point they'll grab that duvet cover and pull it straight off the bed, sharpening their claws on the sheets while they're at it. Most of the time your cat does this in order to have the bed all to themselves or get you going to get them breakfast.
2. Meowing Loudly
This is one of the oldest tricks in the book, guaranteed to get you out of bed (and they know it). Cats have distinct meows that vary in meaning, and even the smallest kitten harnesses the power to wake up their human for food, entertainment or your warm space on the mattress. Cute it may be when you're awake, but this is a battle you can't win if you're trying to sleep.
3. Pawing Your Face
Another time-tested method a cat uses to wake a pet parent up is pawing your face while you're sleeping. Cats typically use gentle but persistent pats, and one little paw can rouse even the deepest sleeper simply because they're willing to keep at it until you open your eyes.
4. Chewing and Pulling Your Hair
Sometimes, cats waking up pet parents must resort to more unusual methods if they really want something. This is a super-effective trick if you have long hair that your furry family member can pull on as if they just captured their prey.
Tasty Tips
5. Kneading Your Legs
Cats have no personal boundaries (that is until they retreat to their own hiding place when a stranger gets too close). They'll walk up, down and all around your body, kneading your legs or even your stomach if your cat feels like it. It's a sweet gesture, though; cats do this to comfort themselves, but if it's accompanied by restless pacing and/or incessant meowing, according to The Old Farmer's Almanac, they probably want something.
6. Nipping Your Toes
It's not biting exactly, but nips on your toes and feet cause just enough discomfort to wake you up from dreamland and tend to your restless friend's needs. Gentle biting, although playful, shows that your cat means business and won't take no for an answer.
7. Knocking Items off Furniture
Unless you bolt everything down, this is one move your cat will return to again and again. Why? Because it works. Whether it's a book, a pen, or a TV remote, your cat will find it and knock it to the ground. And you'll hear it, no matter where in the house it falls. What a schemer, you think. But they got your attention — mission accomplished.
8. Batting at Electrical Cords
Be proud of yourself for clearing your nightstand or dresser of any potential hazard, but your kitty is unimpressed. Your cat can, and will, find another way to end your REM cycle. The incessant tap-tap-tapping of your cat whacking a clock or bedside lamp cord against the wall? Seemingly harmless sound during the day, but it is guaranteed to drive you batty when you're trying to sleep.
9. Bringing Stuffed Animals to your Bed
Your kitty is a hunter by nature, and their instinct will probably kick in at dawn when you have a couple more hours of sleep left. They’ll have an urgent need to bring you their ""prey"" and howl until you wake up to praise them for the errand they just ran for you.
10. Staring You Down
Another unique habit of your nocturnal resident is to stare forward, blankly, for no apparent reason. It's not so charming when you open your eyes to find your kitty sitting mere inches away from your face with laser-sharp focus. How long have they been staring at you? It's best just to get out of bed and not ask questions.
The funny things cats do to wake you up may not always be amusing in the middle of the night, but your furry family member's clever and creative methods reveal just how much thoughtfulness and love they feel for their pet parent.
Related products
Sterilised Mature Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Sterilised Cat Mature Adult Cat Food with Chicken is specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology. It is a precisely balanced nutrition tailored to meet the needs of mature adult sterilised cats, ages 7+, and to promote graceful ageing.
Senior Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Senior Cat Food with Chicken is a complete pet food, specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology.
This food supports healthy aging during the golden years. Contains a special ingredient blend to help keep older cats agile, more alert & interactive.
Urinary Health Adult Cat Food with Chicken
Hill's Science Plan Urinary Health Adult Cat Food with Chicken supports the health of the whole urinary system. Suitable for sterilised cats.
Oral Care Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Oral Care Adult Cat Food with Chicken contains clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build up.
Related articles
How To Feed a Cat With a Sensitive Stomach
Discover what you can do to spot and support a sensitive cat stomach. See what routines and food you can implement to help your cat be happy and healthy.
Hill's Cat Foods: Nutritional Balance Just for Indoor Cats
Find the right Hill
How Often Should You Feed A Cat?
Feeding time can be a wonderful bonding opportunity for you and your cat. Find out how to make the most of it and create a healthy habit with HIll's Pet UK.
Cats Need Good Nutrition In Order To Stay Healthy
Good nutrition is about the right balance of nutrients. Learn more about health issues when feeding a cat food that has an improper nutritional balance from your friends at Hills Pet Nutrition.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.