Dear Christopher Cat
Every morning, Oliver, my 9-month-old tabby, jumps on my bed and wakes me by licking my face or nipping my nose. I don’t mind the licking, but the nipping really hurts, even though he never breaks my skin.
I’ve picked him up by his scruff and firmly told him “No,” but that doesn’t work. How can I stop this behavior?
Christopher Responds
I awaken Mom by gently patting her closed eyelids with my paw. It works: Her eyes pop open in an instant!
Your Oliver is bolder than I am; nevertheless, I hope I can help you.
First, if you feed him a delicacy, such as canned cat food, in the morning, discontinue that enticement so he’ll have less incentive to awaken you.
You can try closing your bedroom door. If Oliver doesn’t meow or scratch at the door, your problem is solved.
If he does, you may need to pull the covers over your head as the sun rises -– or wear a big, red rubber clown’s nose to bed.
Alternatively, you can adopt a playmate for Oliver.
If my readers have any additional ideas, I hope they’ll share them on our “Ask the Vet’s Pets” Facebook page.
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