Need to Curb Young, Active Cat's Nocturnal Activities -- We're Sleep-deprived!

I know this will seem kind of cruel, but I would lock her in a bathroom at night, or in a large size crate so that she has plenty of room for a cat box, put her as far away from bedrooms as you can get. It's really not that cruel, and although she might meow for the first few nights, she will get used to it, and start sleeping through the night since there's nothing to stimulate her. Just think of it as ferberizing for cats. Don't feed her canned cat food in the evening if you do. It has more calories than dry.

It's been a long time since I've had a cat. First, make sure none her toys have cat nip in them. That's just going to make her more crazy! If they do, take them away at night, and only let her play with them during the day. Second, try your best to play with her really hard right after you get home in the afternoon, and wear her out. I mean like you would a dog, throw toys and everything. Every cat I've ever had loved to play fetch with crinkly toys. And third, if none of that works then get a kennel for her to sleep in at night, or lock her in the bathroom so she can't get to you. I bet she's a calico isn't she? Good luck.

easiest answer, get another young kat/kitten, they will play with each other and you can lock them out of your room and they will leave you alone because they have company.

Hi, S.,

We have a young boy (neutered male) named Zamm we adopted from the shelter. He was about 6 months old when we brought him home. He's about 2½ years old now. He was a really, really frisky little fellow at night, too, but he eventually got into the culture of the house. We have an older girl, and she is very sedate at night, so that helped Zammy get into the routine, I think.

I'm guessing no one's home during the day to stimulate Lucy, right? Does she have window perches she can look out of during the day? Does she have a climbing tree in the house (one of those carpeted kitty condos). She might be able to get a bit more exercise on her own during the day (or not, I don't know).

One thing you might consider is (ulp) adopting a buddy for her, maybe a slightly older cat. That kitty (it'd have to be somebody you're sure would get along with a younger kitty) might take the heat off you at night and might give Lucy someone to expend her frisky energy with.

I hope that helps!

I think eventually Lucy will come to realize that nights are for sleeping in your house

Hi, S.!

How about getting her another kitty friend? This way, they can play with each other and wear each other out. Do you have an extra room that you can put her in, maybe a bathroom? She'll need her litter box, food and water bowls, and lots of toys! Playing with her during the day and now allowing her to sleep should help, too.

I think the kitty friend is the best way to go.

D.

Sounds like boredom and then she has no one to hang out with. I've had cats too, and you may want to try waking her up and not letting her sleep when you're around eventually at night time she may just go to sleep on a bed after being played out. We have a 7 month old boy and older girl cat, and a dog and he is finally settling down. I will never get another kitten - and my other cat Bella is around 5 so he has some company. Would you consider an older mate like 2 for your Lucy.

How about closing your bedroom doors to keep the cat out or closing the cat into a laundry room or bathroom.

Just give her a ride back to the kennel and let her think you are taking her back-then she will appreciate you......no I am just kidding.

The other lady seemed to have have had some really good advice.