Why Your Kitten is So Active and How to Keep Them Out of Trouble (Early access for our Patreon community)

If you’ve recently adopted a kitten, you may be wondering, Why is my kitten so active, and how do I stop them from getting into trouble? Kittens, especially during their early months, are full of energy and curiosity. Our new kitty, Chester, is no exception. He’s a playful whirlwind, getting into everything he can. Understanding why kittens need playtime and how to provide the right kind of exercise can make a world of difference in keeping your kitten happy, healthy, and out of trouble.

Why is My Kitten So Hyper?

Kittens are naturally active, and their energy bursts stem from their hunting instincts. These little predators are designed to chase, pounce, and wrestle as they learn essential skills. Most kittens are particularly energetic at dawn and dusk, mimicking their wild ancestors who hunted during these times. If your kitten is up and down the hallway or attacking your feet, this is normal behavior. Not something we may like, and something we can curb with the right kind of interaction.

The Importance of Kitten Playtime

Daily, interactive play is crucial for a kitten’s physical and mental well-being. It provides exercise, stimulates their minds, and satisfies their natural hunting instinct. While toys that kittens can play with alone, like crinkle balls or scratching posts, are helpful and recommended, they don’t replace the benefits of playing with you. Interactive play with wand toys, boxes, little stuffies, balls or even training keeps your kitten engaged and helps build a strong bond between you. No laser lights!

How to Play with a Kitten

To meet your kitten’s play needs, use toys that mimic prey. Wand toys are fantastic for getting your kitten to chase and pounce, while hiding soft toys in a box and popping it out can satisfy their hunting instincts. It’s important to play with your kitten daily, ideally during their most active times, morning and evening. Chester lights up when he has a play session, and it’s easy to see how much he enjoys this time to run, jump, and explore….in an appropriate way.

Interactive play not only tires out a hyper kitten but also prevents them from getting into trouble around the house. Think of it as directing their boundless energy into something positive.

Kitten Enrichment to Prevent Boredom

Keeping your kitten busy goes beyond physical activity. How do you prevent kitten boredom? Enrichment activities can help. Puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys engage your kitten’s mind while giving them a rewarding challenge. However, don’t assume these toys alone are enough. Your kitten needs you to be part of the fun, engaging them with new challenges and play routines.

Chester, like most kittens, quickly gets bored without proper stimulation. By providing a variety of interactive and solo play options, we ensure he stays happy and entertained. How to keep a kitten busy becomes much easier when you have lots of toys to choose from!

How to Stop Kittens from Getting into Trouble with a Playtime Schedule

If your kitten is constantly getting into mischief, chances are they need more interactive play. A good play session helps tire them out, reducing the likelihood of them “getting into trouble.” Instead of waiting for your kitten to start climbing curtains or knocking things off counters, plan short, play sessions throughout the day, morning, afternoon, and evening. These sessions don’t have to be long; 5-10 minutes of engaging play is usually enough to satisfy their energy.

Consistency is key to success. Establish a regular playtime schedule that aligns with your kitten’s natural activity habits. Kittens are most active during morning and evening, so plan your interactive play during these times. Use toys like wands, balls or stuffies to teach them to play appropriately, avoiding the use of your hands. These routines not only prevent unwanted behaviors but also help your kitten develop good habits, making life easier for both of you!

Building a Bond Through Play

Playtime isn’t just about burning off energy; it’s a wonderful opportunity to bond with your kitten. Your presence and engagement make playtime exciting and meaningful. Kittens thrive on interaction with their human family. Chester and I have built a special connection through our daily play sessions, and it’s a reminder of how important this time is for building trust and happiness.

Remember, kittens grow up fast. Make the most of this playful time in their lives and give them plenty of love and enrichment. You’ll be rewarded with a well-adjusted, content cat and a lifetime of fond memories.

Do you have any tips to share? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Are you looking for even more ways to stay up to date with Raising Your Pets Naturally? Sign up for the newsletter for more tips and promotions. Don’t forget to be social and Like, Follow and Subscribe.

Facebook   Twitter   Pinterest   Instagram  YouTube

 

Google Adsense—>