Cat demands attention in the middle of the night in studio apartment

Question
QUESTION: I adopted a 4-year-old cat from a shelter a couple of months ago.  Despite being in a cage for 6 months, he's very good natured and I adore him.  However, he is also needy and his  habit of waking me up at 4:30 am every morning and wanting attention is taking a toll on my energy and overall state of mind.  I live in a studio apartment so it's impossible to shut him out.  I've put him in the bathroom but he just whines and whines and that makes it even harder to rest.  Any suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

ANSWER: Jessica,

I know this is tough to deal with. I have fostered many kitties with this problem and I tend to think that it is anxiety based. Your kitty has abandonment issues and becomes concerned when he hasn't been able to get attention from you. I am going to suggest that you try a homeopathic remedy called Rescue Remedy. Rescue Remedy is a Bach Flower Essence and it is available at most health food or natural health stores. It tends to work really well to alleviate anxiety. The dosage is 6-8 drops in a fresh bowl of water each morning. In the meantime I would suggest that you tucker this little guy out during the evening before you go to bed so that he is tired enough to sleep with you instead of bugging you. You should be aware that a shelter has a specific routine and he is used to that environment and while he is happy to be receiving more individual attention it can sometimes create a bit of anxiety. Now I would suggest that you get a few interactive toys from your local pet store such as kitty teases, kitten mittens, little mice that you can throw for him. Find out what helps to stimulate his play drive and go with it. While you are winding down for bed in the evening hours help him do the same by draining his energy. It will take some time to figure out how much play he needs, what time to start to get the results that you want and all of the little details. I have found that playing off anxiety in combination with Rescue Remedy works well. Hopefully this helps. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me again.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: A couple of questions regarding the Rescue Remedy:
1. Why give it to Max in the morning instead of the evening?
2. I read that it's better to put the drops in his mouth directly (which I've done but it's been difficult).  Is putting the drops in water as effective?

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer me.  Jessica

Answer
Jessica,

The reason that I suggest putting the Rescue Remedy in his water in the morning is that he then has the opportunity to get the dose in without a fight during the day. With putting the Rescue Remedy directly in his mouth you are looking for a fight, Rescue Remedy has alcohol in it so most cats hate the smell and taste so getting them to take it orally can  be tough, if you want to be sure that he gets the full dose quickly you can try to mix it with baby food that is meat based or even a favorite canned food, but cats are pretty smart and if you try that he may just decide that he would rather avoid his favorite foods altogether. That is why I generally advise people to change the cat's water every day, and make sure that they add the 6-8 drops to the water at the same time. Putting the Rescue Remedy in the water avoids the fight, and therefore, some anxiety and they will take it willingly that way....I have found it effective in the water...The only time I will give it directly orally is in the event that a cat is in severe distress due to injury or trauma. I hope that this answers your question. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me again...