The Spooky Folklore ‘Cat Nights’ Has Begun in Indiana and Kentucky

Adopting Our "Ditch Kitty"

Several years ago, we adopted a scruffy little kitten from Warrick Humane Society. I had promised my daughter a kitten, so we started the day there, where she met this crusty little guy who instantly snuggled into her arms. Wanting to make sure she picked the perfect cat, we visited several shelters and adoption events that day, but she ended up choosing the very first kitten we saw. I mean, he was pretty cute albeit being crusty.

We brought him home and named him Peyton Meownning, though he quickly became known as “the Ditch Kitty.” He grew up into what we lovingly call a spaghetti cat, basically a 10-pound noodle who flops around the house.

Peyton the Indoor/Outdoor Cat

From the start, Peyton made it clear he was an indoor/outdoor cat. He loves roaming outside but also wants the comforts of his life inside. If I work from home, I have to stay in my bedroom because otherwise, he will loudly demand to go in and out nonstop.

The Nighttime Struggle

The real problem comes after dark. Once the sun sets, Peyton completely loses it if we do not let him outside. He meows loudly and, if ignored, will pee on the dining room floor out of spite.

Before the keyboard vets jump in, yes, he has been fully checked by the vet, he is on urinary health supplements, and he uses his litter box during the day. I even bought a fancy furniture-style litter box and placed it right where he likes to go. Works all day, but after 9 pm? Nope. Middle finger. Or should I say claw?

At first, I blamed the dog (who got an earful) until I realized Bru was locked in our room when the pee appeared. When we started kenneling the cat at night, the problem stopped, but Peyton quickly decided he was not okay with being locked up either.

The Dangers of Letting a Cat Out at Night

Of course, letting a cat roam at night is not ideal. We live in the woods with coyotes and other critters. But Peyton is no stranger to scuffles. He once launched himself at my sister’s full-size Doberman and sent it running. He is a scrapper and knows how to climb trees, hop on top of my SUV, and hold his ground.

Still, as much as I would rather keep him inside, I know his instincts kick in strongest at night. And apparently, it is not just him; it is a cat thing.

What Is Cat Night?

Cats are crepuscular, which means they are most active at dawn and dusk. Their night vision makes them natural nocturnal hunters. Like clockwork, Peyton always wants to go out right as the sun sets, and if we keep him inside, he is in my face at 3 am demanding freedom. Even my dog has had enough and will chase him off when he gets too pushy.

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Starting August 17 through August 26, the Old Farmer’s Almanac says we enter what is known as Cat Nights. According to Irish folklore, witches could turn themselves into cats eight times, but on the ninth time (August 17), they stayed cats forever. Fear of cats only grew stronger when the folklore appeared in a 1584 book called Beware of the Cat, and later during the witch trials, when pet cats were often named as a witch’s link to Satan. The shorter days and the loud, restless behavior of cats in August likely fueled these beliefs. What they didn't realize is that August is cat mating season. Even neutered cats like mine get a little squirrely and want to party. Can you imagine the feline frenzy that happened between all the unaltered cats in the 1500s?

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Living With My Cat’s Night Owl Ways

So, is Peyton being a big jerk when he pees on the floor to make a point? Absolutely. He totally knows better. But at least there is some natural reason behind his behavior. For now, he is living his best life outside, catting around at night, at least until the cold weather comes and he decides staying in is a better deal.