We had a very similar problem with our cat, also female 4 years old. After being fed around 7:00am since we got her at 12 weeks she decided she wanted to eat earlier a few months ago and started showing similar behaviour and cunning to what you describe.
We ended up getting one of these https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cat-Mate-Automatic-Pet-Feeder/dp/B0002YHUPC and haven't looked back. Took about a week for her to realise we no longer feed her, it does, but since she twigged she's not been a bother.
Does your cat have a good cat tree to play on and a good scratcher?
https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Pet-Supplies-Cat-Activity-Trees/zgbs/pet-supplies/2975248011
https://www.amazon.com/PetFusion-Scratcher-Cardboard-Construction-unverified/dp/B004X6UEH6
In my experience, they prefer having their own stuff. Then just get the tips of your fingers wet and flip a little water on your cat if it gets on a surface you don't want it on.