Ways Cats Wake Their Owners Up

1 Overview

Whether late night or early morning, these furballs will stop at nothing until you leave bed. They may use one or more of these 10 methods to disrupt your sleep until they get their way.

Pulling the blanket

Cats love soft pillows and blankets — but only when sleeping. When they decide it’s time up, they unceremoniously drag the duvet off the bed and scratch the sheets. Most do this to tell you: the bed is theirs, now get up and make breakfast!

Loud meowing

This is the oldest trick in the book — guaranteed to get you up (they know it works). Cats have many calls with different meanings; even tiny kittens meow to be fed, played with, or given warm bed space. Cute when awake, but a losing battle when you want sleep.

Pawing your face

Another reliable method is pawing your sleeping face. Gentle but persistent, this little paw wakes even the deepest sleeper by continuing until you open your eyes.

Chewing and pulling your hair

When they really want something, they may use extreme measures. If you have long hair or there’s another fluffy member to tug, this is super effective.

Kneading your feet

Cats have no concept of personal space (except when hiding from strangers). They roam all over you and knead your legs or belly if it feels nice. Owners find it sweet, but cats do it for their own comfort. If paired with restless tone or persistent loud meows, they probably want something.

Gently nibbling your toes

Not really biting — a light nibble on your toes or feet to wake you uncomfortably and meet their need. This tells you they mean business and accept no refusal.

Pushing things off furniture

Unless you clear all surfaces, the cat will jump up and push things off, again and again. Why? Because it works. A book, pen, or remote — they learn you hear the thud. What a schemer! But they do get your attention — mission accomplished.

Playing with cords

You’ve cleared all dangerous items from nightstands, proud of yourself, but the cat doesn’t care. They find other ways to break your sleep cycle.

They endlessly tap the clock or play with dangling cords. These tiny sounds absent by day will shatter your night!

Bringing toys to your bed

Your cat is a born hunter; the instinct wakes hours before you. They keep howling until you wake to see the ‘prey’ and lavish praise on the achievement.

Staring at you intently

Your night roommate may have another quirk — staring at you blankly and intently for no reason. You open your eyes to find the cat inches from your face, laser-pupiled. Not romantic. How long has it been there? Best get up and ask no questions…