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 Please help: cat giving me insomnia
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| Author | Topic: Please help: cat giving me insomnia |
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Tobermorey New Member  Posts: 4 |
posted 07-22-2003 05:29 PM
 
Can anyone help? I live in a small flat with a youngish Devon Rex. He has a place to sleep and doesn't seem to have a problem sleeping there, but every night when I go to bed and shut the bedroom door, he will scratch against the door and yowl to be let in, sometimes for half an hour at a time. He also repeats it at intervals through the night. On the occasions I have given up and let him in, it's even worse because he won't settle down. One way or another, I'm losing a lot of sleep over this. I'm very fond of the cat, but my metabolism likes him less and less. Any hints on what to do? IP: Logged |
nern Moderator Posts: 1591 |
posted 07-22-2003 07:30 PM
I understand your frustration. Chieve was doing this to me as well when I first got him but I could not give in because the guinea pig stays in my room (the cats really torment him otherwise) and he did eventually learn that his behavior was getting him no where so he stopped. It took awhile and I lost alot of sleep during that time but it worked. I have 2 suggestions for you: 1) totally ingnore the behavior and never give in (it may take time but he should get the idea that his behavior is not going to get him in that room) or 2) play with him for a good hour before you go to bed. Try the fishing pole type toys and maybe even a lazer light. If he is very tired maybe he won't bother you. Oh and also I noticed with mine that they get really sleepy after eating. Maybe giving him a scoop of canned food before bed would help. Good luck. IP: Logged |
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sgs_jenjen Member  Posts: 13 |
posted 07-23-2003 02:58 PM
Hi. I'm curious - is there any reason why you don't want your Devon Rex sleeping in your room? The reason I'm asking is because Devon Rex's are known to be extremely devoted to their humans and like to be around them. I have a Siamese cat who has to be everywhere I am and if a door is shut, she will scratch and yowl until I let her in and she's with me. I think it's the nature of your cat and because he doesn't have another buddy to cuddle with - he's depending on you. You may be fighting a losing battle by closing the door on him .... he just wants to be near you. SGS IP: Logged |
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Tobermorey New Member Posts: 4 |
posted 07-23-2003 05:52 PM
Thanks for the message. I've got two reasons for not wanting the cat in the room. One is that is if he just settled down quietly there I really wouldn't mind so much, but usually he decides to stomp all over me and go fishing with his claws for my toes under the quilt and other sleep-disturbing activities. The other reason is that although I appreciate his devotion, and I do spend a _lot_ of time with him, my wife and I do like to have some cat-free quality time. IP: Logged |
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sgs_jenjen Member Posts: 13 |
posted 07-23-2003 06:48 PM
Hmmm sounds like you need some company for your cat. How old is the little guy, just out of curiousity? It sounds like you are dealing with a feisty kitten who has decided your bedtime is it's playtime. I've been through this a few times myself. His personality sounds extremely high spirited and playful - very similar to Siamese and Abby's. When they are little, they just never seem to quit and are constantly demanding attention. This is why I usually have gotten 2 cats rather than 1 because they have each other to cuddle up with and entertain. It may be something to think about if it is plausible. SGS IP: Logged |
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Tobermorey New Member Posts: 4 |
posted 07-23-2003 07:04 PM
He's about a year old, so yes, he does have a bit of youthful spirits to work off. I also agree that having a second cat would be the ideal solution, but the flat we are in is _very_ small and there's barely room for the three of us. We'll be moving before long, though, and I think we'll be giving the idea some serious thought then. Having complained about him, he was good as gold last night after he got to spend a good few hours watching a video with me before being put to bed. It's a pity I can't always give him a solid period of attention before bedtime. IP: Logged |
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sgs_jenjen Member Posts: 13 |
posted 07-23-2003 10:10 PM
See .... you spend some good quality time with him and he's transformed into an angel. I'm glad that you are considering getting him a buddy when you move - Devon Rex's are quite sociable cats and love having at least another buddy around. By the way, what is "his" name? SGS IP: Logged |
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Tobermorey New Member Posts: 4 |
posted 07-23-2003 10:46 PM
I agree, but I wish the quality time thing was consistent. I've tried it before but it doesn't always work. I just happened to be up late last night though, so it all fitted in. He's called Gremlin, and although it was his previous owners who gave him the name, it certainly seems to suit him. I should have mentioned that I think one reason he goes nuts when he's on the wrong side of a closed door is that his previous owners had to keep him shut in the laundry a lot of the time because of his personality conflicts with their pet parrot. Seeing how sociable he is, he probably has some unpleasant associations with doors of not being where the people are. IP: Logged |
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sgs_jenjen Member Posts: 13 |
posted 07-23-2003 11:27 PM
I would concur that being locked in the laundry room wouldn't have been too favourable to Gremlin. I like the name ... I can just well imagine the cat that has this name. I have a Siamese (very demanding little creature) and two Abby's. All of them dislike being locked out of anywhere and my Siamese makes the biggest stink when she is refused entry of any room. She figures that is her right. It sounds like you really have a special relationship with the mischievious Gremlin. I know what that is like, I am the same way with my Siamese. She is the biggest brat I've ever come across and is constantly into everything and she's going on 4 years. But, that's what I like about the breed ... they are very loyal and need companionship. Just like with dogs, there are breeds of cats that are suitable for every type of human. People who don't like vocal or demanding cats should stay away from breeds that demonstrate this otherwise they will be incompatible from the onset. sgs IP: Logged |
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