Noisy Cat

[natalie_1982]

My little boy cat is really noisy, he's nearly two and I have to get up at least 4-5 times a night to let him in/ out and I can't just leave him whining as he wakes the whole street! It's not practical where we live to get a cat flap. Help!

[rumanshu]

My 2 year old male cat is also noisey. He is an indoor cat but we can't leave him whining, as the landlord is a bit funny about us having cats, and any complaints and we're out!! Anyway, we have tried all sorts of things. At first we would try ignoring it, but eventually would give in to him, which has taught him that the longer/louder he meows, the more likely it is we'll come running! I've read up on it, and the best way to train them is first of all my saying "shh", which eventually becomes "quiet" said louder, until you finally get up and tell him off. In some cases even flicking a little bit of water at him. He now knows the routine, so in theory, when we say "shh", he knows not to continue as he'll get the water on him! It has taken ages, and he still whinges at times. I think you have to ask yourself why is he trying to get in/out all the time? Is it for attention? The Litter tray? Is he unhappy? etc. One thing I would like to reinforce from what I've read is that you should never punish a cat. Cats don't understand that you are telling them off, and will associate YOU with the punishment. The best thing is to reward good behaviour. An excellent website which you can ask specialists questions (they take a couple of weeks to reply) is the Purina Catchow website. Click on the Cat Care Centre link at the top and you will be able to read up on questions like yours in the "emotional" section. Good luck!

[natalie_1982]

Thank you so much I will try that! He goes out to go to toilet after his dinner, then comes in for a sleep, then I think he just goes out to play, then it rains so he wants to come in, etc etc. He has a litter tray and does use it if, like you said, he's been ignored and has to, but the longer I ignore him the louder he is and then I give in! I'll try what you said though!

[Diane]

Try distracting him when he miaows. Give him a treat or roll a ball. Try this intermittantly with ignoring him. If this does not help you can get a collar which has a "key" on it to "unlock" the flap and so stop other cats from coming in and out of your house. If he hasn't been neutered, have him done as this makes tom cats less likely to want to wander and fight to protect their "patch" or run after queens who are calling. Cats like routine but are always more active at night. Try playnig with him for an hour before bed or feeding him again before you go to bed. Cats generally sleep after eating. Cat's get bored very easily. Perhaps he needs a brother or sister to keep him company? Good Luck!

[christina801]

I have a 4 mo. old girl cat and she used to keep me up all night. she would meow and bite my fingers and toes and play with her stupid little noisy toys 9my mom purchased). I just ignored her meows and locked bher out of my room and she eventually stopped. i guess all she wanted was attention.