Every fall, people in many regions have to adjust their clocks back one hour as daylight saving time ends and standard time begins. If you’re like me, you most likely welcome that extra hour of sleep, but your cat may not share that same enthusiasm. Cats thrive on routine and consistency. They know when it’s time to eat, play, or curl up for a well-deserved nap. When you suddenly change the routine, your cat may become confused or even stressed if meals are schedule-based and not left out 24/7. Fortunately, with some preparation and patience, you can create a smooth adjustment.
Why The Time Change Affects Cats
Cats are creatures of habit. Their internal clocks, known as circadian rhythms, regulate sleeping, eating, and activity patterns. These rhythms are influences by daylight and also by human interaction, especially when it comes to the mealtime! If your cat is used to breakfast at 7 a.m., that expectation doesn’t suddenly disappear when you set the clock back an hour. To your cat, it’s still time to eat. This can lead to early wake-up calls, persistent meowing, or restless behavior.
Start Adjusting Early
The best way to help your cat adapt to the time change is to ease into it gradually. Instead of shifting the routine by a full hour overnight, begin making small changes days before the time change. For example, push those meals back by about 10-15 minutes each day. By the time you change the clock, your cat will already be on the new schedule without a major disruption.
Mealtime is often the biggest sticking point for cats during time changes. A hungry cat can be quite vocal, and the insistence may test your patience. Sticking to your gradual adjustment plan will help. In the meantime, offer small distractions, such as interactive play, if your cat gets restless or insistent at the old mealtime.
Be Patient and Gentle
It’s important to remember that every cat is unique. Some may adjust within a couple of days, while others could take a week or more to fully settle into the new schedule. Stay patient and resist the urge to give in to demands for food at the wrong time. Alter the schedule gradually and gently, and your cat will learn the new routine.
Need More Information?
To learn more about cat behavior and training, you can find lots of step-by-step information in the books by best-selling author, Pam Johnson-Bennett. Pam’s books are available at bookstores and online. For your convenience, we’ve included a link to Amazon here on our website.
