why is my cat trying to groom ME? (and waking me up!)

kcvanste

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She is 6 yrs, good health. I recently moved into a new apartment with a dog so she has been under some stress but has really overcome it in the past 3 weeks and seems to be returning to normal. (Also, she was doing this before I moved.)
Almost every morning, and only early morning, she cuddles up to me and wants to lick/bite my face/neck/arms. It is not an agressive act, actually it seems quite loving, but needless to say not what I want at 5 am! Usually if I just move her down by my feet she'll stop, but this morning she was very persistent! She started doing this a few months ago but the behavior has increased over the past couple weeks. Any advice or insight would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks.
 

marge

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I assume it's needing attention mostly.
Mine is GREAT (knock on wood) about not waking me unless I am sleeping super late. My last two woke me at dawn, and I couldn't stop it without keeping them WAY away. I just got used to it. But my present kitty is very considerate, however if I sleep late he puts his little paw up to my face like "wake up Mommy"...seriously, its' quite funny.

The biting I think is often over stimulation, so there may be some stress. I would try the flower essences myself.
 

sweets

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It takes longer than 3 weeks for a cat to be used to a new environment. The grooming is a way of comforting herself. Give her some extra attention before you go to bed. I know it hard, but when she wakes you, ignore her. I used to roll over and cuddle her closer when my RB Shalimar was stressed by our move. She used to come over and snuggle at 3AM. She gradually relaxed.
 

momofmany

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If your routine was changed because of the move, she is probably still adjusting. Cats are creatures of habits and some take months to adjust to a new routine. New ones in my house quickly get used to the 6AM alarm clock and get ignored if they try to wake me before then.
 

oava

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Originally posted by Marge
I assume it's needing attention mostly.
Mine is GREAT (knock on wood) about not waking me unless I am sleeping super late. My last two woke me at dawn, and I couldn't stop it without keeping them WAY away. I just got used to it. But my present kitty is very considerate, however if I sleep late he puts his little paw up to my face like "wake up Mommy"...seriously, its' quite funny.

The biting I think is often over stimulation, so there may be some stress. I would try the flower essences myself.
That sounds so sweet how your kitty wakes you with a little paw...
 

marge

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I know...it's so cute when he does it. ANd it's never really early, it's like it's past 8 or so though and he doesn't get it that I am still asleep.
I will open my eyes cause something is waking me and there is this little cat paw right in my face. And he'll push it on my nose like "wake up"!
 
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