Smart Cat, Annoying Cat

We have a smart cat but there is a good reason we shut our cats downstairs overnight.

Each morning, when the first child goes downstairs, Charcoal runs up to our room.   There is no smooching or loving pats from this boy.  

No.  Instead, he jumps on the bedside tables and starts batting the cord on our lamps.   The metal on metal makes a very effective bell.  

He doesn't do it at any other time in the day.   Just in the morning, to let us know it's time to get out of bed, give him food, and let him outside.

As I said - Smart Cat.   But oh so annoying.

Now I need to train the children to make sure he is fed and let outside.  Then he might pester them, who are already awake!