Is your feline interfering with your precious sleep? Find out what could be behind this behavior and how to solve it!

Some medical conditions inhibit a good night's sleep. Even something as minor as a toothache can make your cat uneasy. In that case, be particularly vigilant that this behavior is not something your cat is used to. Some of the most common culprits are arthritis, hyperthyroidism and high blood pressure, all of which can be diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian. Call your veterinarian if your cat is repeatedly exhibiting unusual behaviors at night.

If your cat is alone a lot, he's probably resting during the day and building up energy to play all night. Look for ways to entertain him while you're away. Toys, beds positioned in front of the window or hiding small amounts of food around the house can help. Playing with their owners is also important for a cat. Encourage your cat to move around by playing with a laser, waving the wand while watching TV, or throwing your ball around the house. Keep the toys rotating so your cat doesn't get bored with them too quickly. Spend your cat's energy at night playing for at least an hour before going to bed.

Perhaps when your cat was a kitten you responded to its calls during the night by petting it or changing its water. Unfortunately, you've taught your cat that you don't mind having nocturnal visitors. But don't panic: these habits can be reversed. The next time your cat wakes you up in the middle of the night, roll over and stay in place. After several nights without eliciting a reaction from you, your cat will lose interest.

Do you usually feed your cat minutes after getting up? If your answer was yes, your cat may be waking you up to start this feeding process. Continue your morning activities for a while before feeding or giving your cat much attention. Keep her hunger at bay by giving her a healthy snack before bed. Ask your vet about breaking up his daily food into smaller meals spread out throughout the day to help your cat feel more satisfied. If your cat only drinks fresh water, buy an automatic dispenser.

What is dark to the human eye is not so dark to the cat. Cats see better in the dark due to having more light sensitive receptors in their eyes. If you tend to sleep with the light on, the TV on, or street lights coming into your room, this could be the reason. Minimize the light or try room-darkening blinds to discourage your cat. On the other hand, if your cat is older, the light can make it difficult for her to see, causing her to become restless. Soft light can help. Adjust your lighting, giving each change about a week to take effect, seeing what works best for your situation.

Just like children, some cats will act out to gain attention. Even if that attention is your cat getting an earful. Any attention, even negative attention, could paradoxically reinforce the cat's attention-seeking behavior. In addition to perpetuating the problem, your harsh reaction can damage your cat's trust in you and humans in general. As hard as it is, be quiet when he wakes you up. Your cat is more likely to learn a lesson from your silence than from your scolding.