I've found that when my cats wake me up in the middle of the night they either want to play, or they are hungry.
For me a little bit of food will usually let me sleep for a few more hours. However, that's a dangerous thing to start doing. Once they get used to a snack at 3am, they'll expect the snack at 3am..........
Jennifer

 

Food, some catnip and a toy should cure that problem right up..

 

When I first adopted my girls (around that age) they did the exact same thing. I just ignored them. The more attention you give them and they know that you wake up and "play" (when you push him off bed), the more he will continue to do it because he knows he is getting his way. They are almost like kids. After a few weeks my two finally stopped and knew that when the lights go out, it is bedtime for mom so if they want to play they can but they know not to attack me or make loud noises. Be patient and good luck!

 

I would be sure he's had enough food -- for my friend's cat -- if she leaves a bowl out that lasts him all night, he leaves her alone. Make sure he's got toys to play with on his own. Also, as mentioned, don't give attention to the behavior. Most cats, especially kittens, need some time to be shown how the routine will work. If she keeps shoving him off the bed, and you guys wake up and fuss over him, he's getting his way. You need to do the same thing every night so that he gets used to it and realizes that when you go to sleep, you are no fun anymore.

 

At that age I would agree with the making sure your kitten has enough food. At 4 months he's still a wee kitten in many ways. And it is kind of like people kids, it will probably take awhile before you can really sleep through until your normal wake up time. As others said, play hard before bed, make sure there's enough food (don't feed in the wee hours of the morning though as they will expect that), ignore as much as possible as even negative attention is attention. But also know that it takes time, it won't happen over night. But as your kitten matures and you remain consistent, it will get better. Kittens just have to have time to grow up, just like people kids. Are you up for another kitten about the same age? :wink: It's the perfect time and that will help a lot! Nothing like a buddy to play with at 4:00 AM. :wink:

 

I'd have to agree, sometimes a buddy can really help. :wink: As others said, this is absolutely normal kitten behavior and the best thing to do is completely ignore him. Any response is a good one to him and if you are consistant he will figure it out and stop trying to play when it's sleeptime. So I'd keep doing what you're doing by playing with him before bed, make sure he has food and water, and ignore him once the lights are out. Unless he just wants to cuddle and sleep!