The first time my first cat tried to wake me up I nearly died of fright. He had been a stray and was ancient he was actually a grumpy old man.
To be wakened up by him nibbling my earlobes and sticking his we nose into my closed eyes was a bit of a shock. Now I know that it is pretty normal behaviour.
If Frankie or Merlin ignore me they usually give out a huge meow and then stretch up to run their claws down the wall. They know that they will get a reaction. Frankie is pretty good at sticking his claws in my arm or leg.
They are cunning little beasties when they want something. :-)