From previous strips, I get the idea that they are not at all religious. For them, it isn’t a matter of faith, but of keeping a tradition that was important to their ancestors. Last year they hardly knew what Passover was.
One of our cats spent the night shut in the den for his first year. At first it was for his own protection, as the older cat was hostile. Then it was for the older cat’s protection and peace, as the younger cat was way too rambunctious. He slept or played with his toys, and he never yowled to come out.When he turned one, we started letting him roam the house if he chose. At first he did come in the bedroom and run around a little, but he figured it out. Ever since then he has slept peacefully through the night.
I think the biggest reason cats wake people up at night is that the people are gone or otherwise busy most of the day. We are retired and are at home during the day, so the cats get lots of daytime interaction.
It beats being a blockhead.