September 24, 2024
Feline Zen: 5 Ways to Calm a Hyper Kitten
Feline Zen: 5 Ways to Calm a Hyper Kitten
Kittens are naturally adorable and frisky, captivating everyone everyone who watches them. But when they’re bouncing off the walls, they can be a little too much to handle – even for the most patient fur parent.
If you own a hyperactive kitten, there are ways to calm them and help them mellow down. From feeding them specially formulated treats for cats to giving them different activities that let them release their energy in non-destructive ways, you can try different methods to reduce your pet’s hyperactivity.
Why Are Some Kittens Hyperactive?
Understanding why your kitten can suddenly become over-excited and energetic is the first step to helping them lower their hyperactivity. Below are the common reasons why kitties tend to become hyper:
1. Growth and development
Kittens have high energy levels during the first few months of life since they undergo rapid physical and mental development. Their muscles and coordination improve as they engage in play, which usually mimics the hunting habits of their wild ancestors. This playful behaviour also allows them to boost their strength and hone their reflexes.
2. Instincts
Many kittens often exhibit restless behaviour due to a combination of their instincts and the developmental stage. As young animals, they are inherently curious and energetic, exploring their environment with enthusiasm.
This hyperactivity is a normal part of their growth, helping them develop essential skills such as running, climbing and socialising.
3. Social development
If you have other cats or pets at home, social interaction is another factor that contributes to your frisky kitten’s boundless energy.
Kittens are still learning to communicate and establish their place within a group, whether with other cats or their human families. They do this by being playful and, sometimes, demonstrating hyperactive behaviour.
4. Boredom
Kittens can become hyper when they are bored. They become more restless if they don’t engage in physical activities regularly and get enough mental stimulation.
Extremely hyperactive kittens can be more challenging to handle. They may bite, engage in destructive behaviours and frequent zoomies (scurrying around), and constantly annoy your other pets.
How to Calm Down Your Hyper Kitten
If you have a hyper kitten, below are some tips for calming them down and spending more quiet times with them:
1. Consult a vet.
While it’s normal for cats to be playful and active, extreme hyperactivity can sometimes indicate underlying health issues. A vet can help determine if your kitten’s behaviour is within the typical range or caused by a medical condition.
Hyperactivity in kittens might be linked to nutritional imbalances or dietary needs that aren’t being met. Certain medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism and neurological issues, could also manifest as hyperactivity.
A vet can recommend an appropriate diet to ensure your pet gets the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development while helping them stay mellow. Additionally, they can detect and treat your kitty’s health condition, if they have one, to improve their restlessness and overall wellness.
The pet specialist can also identify if environmental factors, like changes in the household or lack of stimulation, are behind your kitten’s heightened energy levels. They will then suggest enrichment activities or modifications to the living space so that they stay in a more calming setting.
Consulting a vet can give you peace of mind since you know your kitten’s hyperactivity is being properly monitored and managed.
2. Look into your pet’s diet and eating schedule.
Since nutrition also affects your kitten’s energy and behaviours, changing their food and eating schedule can help calm them.
Kittens often become hyperactive due to the high energy content in their diet. Foods rich in protein and fat are vital for their rapid growth and development, but too much of these nutrients can lead to bursts of hyperactivity, making them restless.
To manage this, make sure your kitty’s diet is balanced and appropriate for their age. Similar to shopping for dog treats, choose high-quality kitten food formulated to meet their nutritional needs without overloading them with unnecessary calories. Also, avoid feeding them human treats that can cause their energy levels to spike.
Ask your vet if you can give your feline pet calming treats. These products contain chamomile, catnip, and other natural ingredients that can help soothe your kitten and be more relaxed.
3. Change your pet’s feeding schedule.
Hyper cats tend to be active when they’re hungry and sleep after a heavy meal. If your pet has this tendency, you must create a feeding schedule that ensures they eat properly and get all the nutrients they need while lowering their hyperactivity.
Start by feeding your kitten three to four small meals evenly spaced out throughout the day. This prevents energy spikes caused by overeating and keeps their metabolism steady. Also, give your kitty food at the same times each day to establish a routine.
Avoid feeding them close to bedtime to help them wind down in the evening.
4. Provide your kitten with the right toys.
Interactive toys, such as feather wands, flopping fish, and laser pointers, engage your kitty’s hunting instincts and provide mental stimulation. These items allow your kitten to channel their energy into play rather than destructive behaviour.
Soft toys your feline friend can bat around and plush ones that make noise can also help them avoid getting bored and becoming more hyperactive. Don’t forget to get your pet scratching posts and climbing structures since these are great outlets that allow them to release their energy, satisfying their natural urge to climb and scratch.
Make sure you rotate toys regularly to pique your pet’s interest and reduce their boredom and hyperactivity.
By investing in engaging and stimulating toys and accessories, you help your kitten expend their energy in a positive way, enabling them to be calmer and more content.
5. Ensure your kitten gets enough daily exercise.
Taking your cat for a walk and letting them run and jump outdoors for an hour or so every day ensures they get enough exercise and helps them burn off their overabundant energy.
Playing with your pet is also a form of workout that they enjoy. Activities like chasing a feather wand, pouncing on a laser dot, or batting at a toy mouse allow them to release pent-up energy that can cause them to be hyper.
Engage in interactive play, such as running or playing hide-and-seek, with your kitten as well. This provides physical exercise and mental stimulation, which helps to tire out your kitten and leads to a calmer demeanour.
Structured play sessions can also help establish a routine, making it easier to manage their energy levels.
No matter how hyper and unruly your kitten gets, be patient. Continue to provide them what they need, including love and companionship, and you’ll soon have a calmer, more loveable member of your family.