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How to get new rescue cats to sleep at night and stop mischief?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 4 years old | 8 lbs

Hi, I just got 2 rescue cats 3 days ago and they will not sleep at night. We feed them 1.5 hours before bedtime, and then last night played with the laser pointer for over 3 hours. They would not go to bed. I went to sleep at 3am and at 5 they woke me by breaking bowls and other things. How do I get them to behave and to go to bed? I don’t want to give up on them, but I’m so tired and frustrated. And I don’t trust them to be home alone.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 1st, 2019

Cats are usually night active. They will need time to adjust to their new home and the day/night habits of their new owner. This will take more time than just three days. If you can put them in a room where they can play without breaking things and where they have toys and a warm bed to sleep on. They will eventually settle down. Being in a new place is exciting and they need to work off that excitement somehow. Be patient. It will eventually work out.

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