Scaredy-cat

[thickoeric]

My cat has a catflap and bombs happily in and out of it all day long but as soon as it reaches 3 a.m. it's a different story. He wakes me up with the usual pawing of my cheek and/or staring, etc. and mithers me until I have no choice but to get out of bed and accompany him downstairs, whereupon he just shoots out of the catflap as usual. I then stagger back to bed, swearing for England.

Is there a cure for this other than sending him on a "build your confidence" course?

[boxtops]

Gee, I know what you mean, No.1 son wakes me up with a claw up the nose.... I reckon there are other cats out there in the night and yours had a set-to with one once, so is cautious about going out in the dark. As you know, cats are real creatures of habit, I'm afraid you are going to have to break him of this one. Choose a night when it doesn't matter if you don't get much sleep, and just ignore him - boot him gently off the bed each time he jumps up. I love your description - sounds like a real Simon's Cat to me!

[thickoeric]

I guess you're right, boxtops. I try covering my head with the duvet but when I come up for air he's ready to strike (bless him).
A so-called friend suggested I shut him out of the bedroom! SHUT HIM OUT OF THE BEDROOM? It's the cat's house, for heaven's sake. And, yes, the friend doesn't have a cat.

[Barmaid]

lol thickoeric. Your cat is not scared at 3am. Your cat is simply training you. At 3am he is getting no attention whatsoever and he needs to make it clear that you are his slave. Just ignore him and eventually it may stop (although it did take several years with one of mine).

[Count-A-Strong]

How about setting the clock back a few hours. That should fool him.

[wolf63]

Whatever you do the cat will win. Remember this. Obey your cat and all will be well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0ffwDYo00Q

[boxtops]

Sit him down and speak to him clearly. Tell him he's on the naughty step if he does it again. He will of course, consider you patronising, and take no notice at all.
I am currently sitting surrounded by three snoring piles of fur - they could be getting on with the ironing.

[factor-fiction]

That cat in your avatar looks familiar, wolf63. Have I seen it before somewhere?

[wolf63]

facor - maybe on FB. He is a handsome looking thug, but then I am biased.

[wolf63]

facor = factor. duh!!

[thickoeric]

Thanks for all your brilliant answers. The cat in question is asleep on my bed as we speak and half opened one eye to see what I was up to as I came in so I think it'll be a while before I can speak sternly to him but I'll give it a go.