Cats are “crepuscular” creatures, meaning they’re most active during the twilight hours of the day. Usually, this carries on into the late hours of the night when you’re at your sleepiest (and coziest). Here’s what a night in the life of your kitty might look like.
1. Pawtrol the Home
Cats tend to be territorial; patrolling their territory (your house) lets them maintain control over their environment. With hooman family members safe in bed for the night, your cat is free to roam countertops, shelves, and furniture as they please.
While your cat can see objects in low light more clearly than you, they may still stumble into trouble. Keep your kitty (and your valuables) safe before heading to bed with these tips:
- Tidy up. Pick up any plastic pieces your cat may be tempted to chew on and move dirty dishes into the sink or dishwasher. Make sure you haven’t dropped any prescription, or non prescription, meds on the floor. It only takes one taste of the wrong candy to send kitty to the ER — not fun.
- Secure items away from curious paws. Keep potted plants on high, isolated shelves. Fix small fragile items that can be easily pushed over in place with double-sided tape or a similar adhesive.
- Shut off any danger zones. Close the door to the bathroom where your cat might get into the shower where you’ve just cleaned with corrosive agents that can burn kitty paws. Make sure the toilet lid is shut in case your cat feels the need to sample some exotic waters, which could lead to gastrointestinal issues.
- Provide safe climbing alternatives. Give your kitty a cat tree or sturdy shelf for them to claim as their own.
Startled awake by a crashing sound or strange bump in the night? The Furbo 360° Cat Camera helps you keep an eye on your catto’s late-night activities. Its Rotating 360° View and Color Night Vision help you scope out any suspicious noises from your phone…and the comfort of your bed!
2. Hunt and Seek
Your cat is a natural hunter, a house tiger if we may. Even when they’re well-fed, the drive to stalk, chase, and catch prey is still there. This behavior also provides mental and physical stimulation and relaxation— even if all your kitty hunts are their toys, dust bunnies, and unlucky insects. Not to mention, this routine exercise promotes the release of hormones that help your furry loved one maintain optimal health so you can avoid the vet (not… THE VET!).
Nighttime boredom may lead to behavioral issues down the road. Make sure to provide plenty of interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and playtime during the day so your cats can stretch their muscles and tire themselves out before bedtime. It’s just the best for them, really.
🐱Furbo pro tip: Keep your ferocious whiskered child entertained all night long with your Furbo 360° Cat Camera’s Feather Wand Toy. And if you need the perfect distraction for your mischievous catto, the Treat Tossing feature lets you launch their favorite treat into the room — again, from your own room (bed).
3. Bath Time
Hygiene is very important to your kitty! They may spend up to half of their day cleaning themselves to remove dirt, debris, and excess oil from their fur. This keeps their coat in great condition and reduces skin irritation. Nighttime grooming lets your cat get to work without distractions.
Grooming also has a calming effect on your catto and can serve as a form of self-soothing. But be mindful, too much of anything is never a good thing. Keep an eye out for signs of excessive grooming, especially at night when they’re unsupervised. Pay attention to changes in your cat’s coat health along their abdomen, legs, and tail.
Signs of excessive or unhealthy grooming habits include:
- Bald thinning patches
- Red, irritated skin
- Open sores
- Constant dampness
⚠️ Excessive grooming can be a sign of stress, anxiety, or an underlying medical issue. Consult your veterinarian immediately if you see any of these changes.
Worried that your kitty may be grooming too much when you’re not looking? Use the Cloud Recording feature from Furbo Cat Nanny that tracks your cat’s daily adventures, giving you a highlight reel of their activities, and you can watch it from anywhere (including your bed). If you identify any concerning behavior, you can take it to your veterinarian for further inspection of the issue isn’t something you can address through behavior modification— either yours or kit kat‘s, which are undeniably connected.
4. Chatty Catversations
Your kitty may sing you a lullaby at night, which is adorable for about 2 minutes. Since adult cats save their meows for their hoomans and kittens, your cat is likely communicating their desire for pets, play, or simple companionship. You may have to get up to go see what his or her majesty(s) needs.
Changes in your cat’s environment or routine, like moving to a new house, rearranging furniture, or introducing new pets or people can cause stress or anxiety. This can lead to loud complaints in the middle of the night when things are quieter and they may feel more vulnerable. Your nocturnal predator may just want a midnight snack or 5 minutes or sports and a few good snuggles.
⚠️ Excessive vocalization at night can be a sign of pain or discomfort. Talk to your veterinarian right away if your cat exhibits other concerning symptoms like changes in appetite, litter box habits, or general lethargic or excessively aggressive behavior.
If you’re worried that your cat may be stressed when you’re away (or trying to sleep) late at night, Furbo Cat Nanny is here to help! Its AI-powered Continuous Meowing Alert and Crying Alerts let you know if your kitty needs attention. And with Furbo’s Real-Time 2-Way Audio, you can give them the reassurance they need for a peaceful night.
5. Moonlight Mischief
With the household asleep, cats assume the mantle of night watchers, their eyes glued to the window. They become silent judges of the night, scrutinizing every passerby and stalking the movements of daring critters with the intensity of a seasoned prowler. These nightly watch sessions aren’t just for entertainment; they’re serious business, or so our cats would have us believe.
Then there’s the fridge — a no-cat's land by day, but a towering challenge and coveted perch by evening when you’re not there to stop them. It could simply be the thrill of the climb or the lure of the forbidden surface under their paws. Cats love to be at high places for safety and the panoramic views. If you know your cat climbs your kitchen at night, be sure the area below is clear of anything your kitty might accidentally crash onto during their landing.
Toys and towels aren't safe either; they become part of the night's mischief, often dragged around for various “cattivities”, especially by male cattos — neutered or not. Don’t be alarmed. It’s instinctive. If you wake up to find your favorite towel or blanket has been stolen, or various toys have been dragged throughout your home, it’s a sure sign your kitty was having a productive and fun night, and it’s perfectly normal.
With Furbo on watch, your kitties' nocturnal quests are always within view. The Furbo 360° Cat Camera will show you everything that happens at night with Color Night Vision. And with the Rotating 360° View, you’ll be able to check on every leap and bound (and locate your missing towels!), ensuring your furbabies are safe while they explore the shadows — and even have a few good laughs.
Keep the Night Adventures Going!
Once their late-night activities are over, your kitty will be ready to curl up next to you, or their designated cardboard box bed, and dream of 4am breakfast (yay, no need to set your alarm!) No matter what their routine, Furbo is here to make sure your cat stays safe and happy — and you get some peace and reassurance — all night long. 🐱🐾
Grab your Furbo 360° Cat Camera and watch your kitty be majestical in the moonlight 🐈🌙
