To keep your cat feeling more satiated throughout the day, he suggests dividing the total daily food volume or calories your cat needs into four to six smaller meals. Ward calls this the “Midnight Weight Loss Snack”, which typically consists of a small portion of a high-protein food or treat option. This includes a later evening feeding for cats that wake you up in the wee hours of the night or early morning asking for more food. Ernie Ward, Basepaws Veterinary Medical Lead and founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), suggests that pet parents feed their cats smaller meals more frequently. In addition to bonding more with your cat, this can help tire them out and close out the day on a positive note in a way that meets their needs for physical, emotional, and mental stimulation. You can also start a routine of playing with your cat before you go to bed.
You can also provide them with access to a safe outdoor space such as a catio, or even supervised walking time outdoors to help ensure that they have adequate stimulation throughout the day. This can be achieved with cat trees or other features that allow them climbing and perching opportunities, puzzle toys and feeders that fulfill their natural instinct to hunt for prey, and interactive cat toys. Giving them plenty of opportunities for play, even when you’re not at home, is key to meeting their needs for mental and physical stimulation. If a cat feels neglected for long periods of time, they will find other ways to make them feel better ( even if that means waking you up at night ). Provide Play and Stimulation Throughout the Day When you get home and are winding down from your day, your cat may seem more excitable (they’re happy you’re home!) because they’re ready to play and interact with you. While they may engage in play while you are gone, it’s equally possible that they are sleeping more from a lack of adequate physical and mental stimulation. You may think that your cat is more active at night, especially if you are away during the day for work or other activities. Our feline friends also have certain advantages when it comes to their ability to see at night, including the ability to detect movement and sense shapes and objects better than humans can in low light conditions.
Cats are often thought to be nocturnal animals because mice and other prey that piques their hunting interest tend to be more active at night.
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