Once you welcome a cat into your life, you'll never get over how much joy these cuddly creatures bring to your home. You'll be endlessly entertained by the funny things they do, but keep in mind they are very intelligent—they know exactly what they want and how to get it. This is especially true when it comes to cats waking up their pet parents.
Among other things, she'll stop at nothing to get you out of bed. Whether it be late at night or early in the morning, she might use one or more of these ten funny ways to disturb your slumber.
1. Scratching and Pulling at the Comforter
Your cat loves a cuddly, cozy bed adorned with soft sheets, plush blankets, and fluffy pillows... until she's ready to get up, that is. At this point she'll grab that duvet cover and pull it straight off the bed, sharpening her claws on the sheets while she's at it. Most of the time your cat does this in order to have the bed all to herself or get you going to get her breakfast.
2. Meowing Loudly
This is one of the oldest tricks in the book, guaranteed to get you out of bed (and she knows it). Cats have distinct meows that vary in meaning, and even the smallest kitten harnesses the power to wake up her human for food, entertainment, or your warm space on the mattress. Cute it may be when you're awake, but this is a battle you can't win if you're trying to sleep.
3. Pawing Your Face
Another time-tested method a cat uses to wake a pet parent up is pawing your face while you're sleeping. Cats typically use gentle but persistent pats, and one little paw can rouse even the deepest sleeper simply because they're willing to keep at it until you open your eyes.
4. Chewing and Pulling Your Hair
Sometimes, cats waking up pet parents must resort to more unusual methods if they really want something. This is a super-effective trick if you have long hair that your furry family member can pull on as if she's just captured her prey.
5. Kneading Your Legs
Cats have no personal boundaries (that is until they retreat to their own hiding place when a stranger gets too close). They'll walk up, down, and all around your body, kneading your legs or even your stomach if she feels like it. It's a sweet gesture, though; cats do this to comfort themselves, but if it's accompanied by restless pacing and/or incessant meowing, according to The Old Farmer's Almanac, she probably wants something.
Tasty Tips
6. Nipping Your Toes
It's not biting exactly, but nips on your toes and feet cause just enough discomfort to wake you up from dreamland and tend to your restless friend's needs. Gentle biting, although playful, shows that she means business and won't take no for an answer.
7. Knocking Items off Furniture
Unless you bolt everything down, this is one move she'll return to again and again. Why? Because it works. Whether it's a book, a pen, or a TV remote, your cat will find it and knock it to the ground. And you'll hear it, no matter where in the house it falls. What a schemer, you think. But she got your attention—mission accomplished.
8. Batting at Electrical Cords
Be proud of yourself for clearing your nightstand or dresser of any potential hazard, but kitty is unimpressed. Your cat can, and will, find another way to end your REM cycle. The incessant tap-tap-tapping of your cat whacking a clock or bedside lamp cord against the wall? Seemingly harmless sound during the day, but it is guaranteed to drive you batty when you're trying to sleep.
9. Bringing Stuffed Animals to your Bed
Your kitty is a hunter by nature, and her instinct will probably kick in at dawn when you have a couple more hours of sleep left. She'll have an urgent need to bring you her "prey" and howl until you wake up to praise her for the errand she just ran for you.
10. Staring You Down
Another unique habit of your nocturnal resident is to stare forward, blankly, for no apparent reason. It's not so charming when you open your eyes to find your kitty sitting mere inches away from your face with laser-sharp focus. How long has she been staring at you? It's best just to get out of bed and not ask questions...
The funny things cats do to wake you up may not always be amusing in the middle of the night, but your furry family member's clever and creative methods reveal just how much thoughtfulness and love she feels for her pet parent.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Liver & Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Low calorie formula with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to help promote an ideal body weight
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Tuna Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender tuna smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Ocean Fish Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Chicken Dinner Cat Food
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken & Rice Medley Cat Food
Delicious roasted chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Healthy Cuisine Tender Chicken & Rice Medley
Delicious tender chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce with precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in mature cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice cat food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Spinach Casserole Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up
Hill's Science Diet Adult Liver & Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Chicken Dinner cat food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for cats age 7+
Hill's Science Diet Senior Vitality Adult 7+ Tuna & Vegetables Stew
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Supports energy level & beautiful fur. Helps keep immune system, heart & kidneys healthy.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Ocean Fish Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory minced seafood
null Hill's Science Diet Kitten with Salmon
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced salmon to help build immunity and a healthy digestive system
Related articles
Interactive Cat Toys
Discover fun, interactive cat toys that will entertain your kitty, including puzzles and other cat toys that dispense food!
Setting the Facts Straight: Common Myths About Your Cat
Discover the truths behind some common cat myths you may have heard. With all the misinformation available online about cat, it's time you got the facts.
All About Cat Kneading
Understand what is cat kneading and why cats knead various surfaces and belongings. Learn why excessive kneading can be a concern for your cat.
Why Your Cat's Nose Is Running (& How to Help)
Learn possible reasons why your cat’s nose is running, when you should consider bringing them to the vet and common treatments.
What Is FIV in Cats?
Learn important information about FIV in cats, including common symptoms, how it's diagnosed, and management options for cats that have it.
Choosing A Healthy Cat Food: Things You Need to Know
Find out the essential ingredients in a healthy cat food, how to interpret a food label, and the importance of your cat's age when choosing a food.
Why Your Cat Won't Use the Litter Box: Potential Causes
Cat going outside the litter box? Learn the reasons why your cat might be having trouble with her litter box and how you can help.
Real Life Stories of Caring for Cats with Disabilities
Read about the journey of three cats with disabilities and how, despite their handicaps, they're just as lovable and capable as any other cat.
Everything You Need to Know About Cat Tongues
Why does your cat's tongue feels so rough? Why does their tongue hang out of their mouth sometimes? Learn fun and interesting info about your cat's tongue.
Ringworm in Cats: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
Learn helpful information about ringworm in cats, including how cats become infected, symptoms to watch for, treatment options & prevention.
Letting Your Cat Outside: What You Need to Know
Get tips on how to take the proper precautions when letting your kitten outside for the first time including the proper age and time of day.
Do Cats Really Have Nine Lives?
Learn all about the ancient proverb of cats having nine lives, including its origins & where it came from, its meaning, and why the number nine was chosen.
Should You Give Your Cat Bread?
A slice of warm bread is a tasty treat for many pet owners but should it be shared with a feline friend? Can cats eat bread, or is bread bad for cats? Before giving your pet some of your sandwich or baguette, here's what you need to know about cats and bread.
Cat Hernia 101: Types, Diagnosis & Treatment
Learn about types of hernias in cats, causes of this condition, possible symptoms and treatment options (including combining it with spaying your cat).
Antifreeze Poisoning in Cats & What to Do If Your Cat Drank It
Learn about antifreeze and cats: what to do if your cat drank antifreeze, symptoms of antifreeze poisoning to watch for, treatment and prevention.
Cat Play: How to Keep Your Kitty Engaged
Keep your cat both mentally and physically active with these fun tips for play and exercise even when you're not home.
Cat Language: How Cats Communicate
Learn how your cat communicates with you as well as other cats in the house, and what their cat language might be telling you about them.
Suggestions for Grooming & Bathing Your Cat
Grooming is an important part of your aging cat's well-being. Learn tips to keep her looking good with these grooming tips for older, mature adult cats.
How Cats Show Affection to Their Humans
Discover some common ways that cats show love for their owners. Learn to recognize these signs of affection, even though they might seem a little bizarre.
Want to Foster Cats? Here's What You Should Know
Want to foster cats or kittens in your home? Learn the steps to take to become a cat foster parent, as well as helpful advice from a long-time foster mom.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.