Kittens are pretty much one of the most adorable things in the world. As a matter of fact, they’re charming, sweet, and very engaging. But like many first-time pet owners out there, we often ponder about one thing. When do they actually start to calm down and begin to mature?
When Do Kittens Calm Down?
Kittens typically calm down or begin to lose their hyperactive energy levels when they have reached anywhere between 8 to twelve months of age.
Usually, a kitten starts to exhibit activeness around their 10th week and this can continue up until its first birthday. However, other cats often mature before their first year.
Your Kitten’s Energy and What to Expect
Kittens at the age of 2 months are normally active but do not have enough muscle coordination to climb up the furniture around the house. They frequently stumble and run awkwardly at this period of time.
At 11 weeks, they start to show improved balance and locomotive skills. It is usually at this time that they start to play with their parents and other siblings, climbing through curtains, jumping up and down on the couch or literally running all day long.
They’ll start tracking anything that catches their eye including laser beams and insects. It’s at this phase that they begin to show voyeurism that includes chasing smaller animals. Cats, by nature, are predators and learn the thrill of the hunt by exploring and indulging their inquisitiveness.
The Phase of Endless Kitten Energy
Cats that have reached 3 months of age are in what experts call “The Phase of Endless Energy.” It’s at this time that they eat non-stop and really run amok 24 hours a day. It’s a season where you’ll see a lot of damaged furniture and rolls of torn tissue paper.
However, cats eventually grow out of it and calm down within a period between 8 to 12 months. There is, nonetheless, an exception to other felines that remain hyperactive even though they’ve reached maturity.
Why is My Cat Still Hyper?
In some cases, cats can manifest hyperactive traits directly from their enthusiastic parents. Or they might just be naturally perky because of some environmental determinants. Felines are at their most active state during the night, typically around the midnight hours.
As previously stated, each kitten is born with a unique personality. Some cats may outgrow their hyper-activeness while others start to calm down.
Ways to Calm a Kitten Down
We know that kittens are adorable especially when they’re up to their dainty antics, but they also need to rest. Having them run amok the whole house wouldn’t help your sleep, it’s like having a new born baby, the difference is yours is a furry little critter.
There certified ways to calm them down and all it takes is a little bit of luck and patience. You can’t babysit your kitten 24/7, so consider these steps to calm your kitty down.
1. Bring Another Kitty to the Fold
This might sound weird but kittens behave well when they are around one another. This case might especially be true when you bring in an older less active cat in the house.
Usually, a kitten mimics each others behavior and they do well with one another compared to being alone in a household.
2. Let Your Cat Tire Itself out by Playing
Although it sounds counter-intuitive, kittens normally calm down if they’ve spent much of their energy playing. For starters, you can hold frequent play sessions that imitate hunting, at the end of the day it helps disperse hyperactivity in so many levels.
If you have a fishing rod around, you can tie a toy at the end (but make sure to get the hooks out) and pretend that it is its prey. You can amp this up by changing the pace of the chase and letting your cat go around different obstacles to improve their overall balance.
3. Make Your Kitty Work for Food
It might sound harsh, but in reality, having your cat work for its food has plenty of benefits. As a foremost fact, it teaches them to wait rather than be spoiled by expecting that their food is always in the bowl.
If your kitty loves to eat dry food, the best way to give it is by having the meal inside treat balls. Not only does it promote healthy exercise, it also zaps out all the excess energy most kittens have.
Kittens: Furry Balls of Endless Activity
Cats by nature are one of the most curious creatures in the world. So it’s common to have a hyperactive kitty going about the whole house, running, climbing, and jumping all over the furniture.
The important thing is to keep your kitty engaged, a bored cat usually becomes mischievous and keeping them calm would certainly be a chore. Just keep it simple and as always, having a partner at home (whether another cat or an older dog) would always reap wonders!
Related: Complete Kitten Care
I hope thee energy level goes down soon but she is still young so I doubt it. I am so tired , feel like i have had a baby except a human baby doesns’t jump on my slap me….w/out claws out, . .sit on my head and just want to run, run, run!
You should have known the joys of having a kitten. If you can afford it , maybe get her a brother or sister. I hope your kitten doesn’t suffer because you seem to think it’s all too much. My 5 month old boy hardly ever cuddles with me. I wish I had your problem!
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I love watching the kitties we have 2 two 9 week old sisters. The are either running full speed or crashed out . They don’t bother us we just let them have fun!
Natalie that was super rude and judgmental of you! This person came here to share their tiring experience and you took it upon yourself to play the keeper of ethics by putting them down. Boo hoo your cat doesnt cuddle with you, that doesnt mean you get to make snarky comments to people genuinely upset they’re in a tough space with their kittens. Try to remember, your opinion doesnt mean anything to the people on this forum, so maybe relax? As for the person who came here with real problems and concerns, I truly hope they settle, it’s a lot when your taking care of an infant especially when it’s in furry form! I’m sure with age everything will start to settle:)
You are awesome for making this comment, I felt thesame way reading Natalie’s rude and insensitive reply. Some of us genuinely are here to learn and know what will be best for both us and our kitten. I personally am here because am 8 months pregnant and just recently got a kitten, didn’t expect it to be so demanding. My kitten wants so much attention all the time and recently got into the habit of meowing so loud till I give him the attention he wants. I am so drained and feel guilty for not giving him the attention he craves as soon as he gets up from his nap.
That really was as asanine thing she said. Natalie, im glad im not your cat!
I agree Natalie you was very harsh
I know right? We just got a kitten too, and it does indeed feel like a newborn!
Piling on here. The most cruel Natalie you said was, “I hope your kitten doesn’t suffer because you’re not up to it.” A not comment like that does not come from a good place. Ir is well-intentioned. Also, note that Natalie started with a @you should have.” Natalie, for future reference, it’s aggressive and manipulative to tell someone what he/she should have done.
Holy crap. So you didn’t like Natalie’s comment. So what. She didn’t suggest you bag it and throw it in the river. Trolls.
Hahaha! These babies are so adorable but will wear you out!
I have also a 6 month kitten who is hyperactive and drives me nuts. He jumps on my shoulder from the floor all claws out, is sneaking everywhere in my stuff to get anything small he can to play, he is really exhausting. On another hand, he is the most affectionate cat I ever had in my life and of course, not only that but he truly has such an adorable face that he makes my heart melt all the time. He cuddles with me in bed at night, crying to be in my arms or my shoulders, crying to cuddle and knead and suck my cloth, talking to me as soon as I look at him in his green emerald eyes…
I work from home and long hours so unfortunately, I don’t have much time to play with him during the day, only in the evening. During the day, he jumps on my keyboard coming from nowhere, sneaks everywhere in my pens organizers, my shelves… Geez, what a pain-in-the-butt! But I still love him so badly. He is like a kid and you love or you don’t love kids. If you love Kids, you love them the way they are otherwise, better not have any kids! I am trying to find solutions to calm him down during the day though. Looking for toys off Amazon even though he does have many already. My condo is going to look like a kindergarten place!!!! LOL! No room for another cat or small dog. My husband refuses anyway!
I adopted 4 kittens 1.5months back and I believe they are 2.5months old now. They were very active in their 1st month itself and now they are hyper active. The problem I’m facing is that 3 of them eventually calm down after play fighting like crazy but there is one who continues to whine throughout the day. They have the entire house and 4 balconies to play. This one kitty whines all the time (and it started 2days back) and her littermates are getting tired and unable to play with her all the time. This whining and hyperactivity is newly developed and I’m really losing sleep now. Can anyone tell me what is happening? And what can be a possible solution? She is absolutely fine healthwise, easts food properly and nothing has changed in the house.
Some cats require more attention than other cats. Cuddle her, talk to her, pick her up and hold her for a little bit while you rub her back and talk quietly to her. Pet her as much as you can. And most of all, don’t raise your voice to her . Putting her in the bathroom at night with bed, toys, food, etc. so you can sleep is also an idea. And you said the other cats get tired playing with her. Do you play with her? She might feel that she’s not getting her share of attention. Sometimes when I hear a good dance song on the radio. I pick up my 5 yr old cat, dance to the song while holding her. She must like it, ‘cuz she never objects. Good luck.Some cats require more attention than other cats. Cuddle her, talk to her, pick her up and hold her for a little bit while you rub her back and talk quietly to her. Pet her as much as you can. And most of all, don’t raise your voice to her . Putting her in the bathroom at night with bed, toys, food, etc. so you can sleep is also an idea. And you said the other cats get tired playing with her. Do you play with her? She might feel that she’s not getting her share of attention. Sometimes when I hear a good dance song on the radio. I pick up my 5 yr old cat, dance to the song while holding her. She must like it, ‘cuz she never objects. Good luck.
Yes! I had the same problem with kitten. Try Holding he or she. And talk to the kitten. It’s going to be a long journey. But it.works. just like a child they feel Left Out. There personality well change Inn time. Give them all the Love you can.and try to get Eye contact with your kitten s and Adult Cats.
At night I put my kitten in my bathroom with toys so I get a good night sleep. It works. Before that she would go nuts on the bed, pouncing, running and biting and scratching me. She is content in the bathroom and does not cry. Important: put her food, water and litter box in there too!
Yes it does work! I do the same with my kitten.
My kitten has slept with me since I brought him home 3 months when he was 10 weeks. Now he knows at 10pm its bed time and we get up at 8am. I am 68 and e is my 24/7 buddy.
Yes this is what I crave with my new kitten. The other three cats seem to like/and or/ tolerate her well. But my other cats just come to the bedroom when I tell them it is time for bed and if they don’t sleep, at least they get on the bed for a little cuddling, then I fall asleep and they go about their business. With this adorable kitten she is less calm now because she adjusted to the other cats and the house quickly. Now she thinks she runs the place. Lol. At what point do can I stop putting her in the laundry room in order to get to sleep without being mauled and jumped on?
Try to give her more toys and and a scratcher for cats that is what I did
Yes! This is what we do. We adopted a 7 month old
Kitty who was used to sleeping in his owners bed. Starting on night one we put him in a bathroom with all the necessities and he is clam Happy every night. He actually brings me over to the room when it’s getting late and he’s ready for me to put him in there lol
Walter just turned 6 months and he’s been one of the most delightful kittens i’ve had. He plays and cuddles up with the cat, a ball of wool, his cat tree to scratch and then he lays on you to cuddle and sleep, not keen on being picked up but it’s improving the more I hold him in my arms and stroke and tickle his neck.
Looking forward to 20 more years with this little munchkin. He’s my 9th cat and probably my last if he lives to a good age xx enjoy your kittens they are a delight you won’t get back xx he sleeps in his bed in the kitchen so the dog and I get our sleep but if he stops running riot at silly am then he will sleep with us also.
I just got my new kitten two days ago and the same thing was happening when I tried to let him sleep with me. I set up my bathroom with all his fav toys, litter box, bed and food and water, he was fine all night and im able to get some rest.
My new 6 mo old male kitten is driving my two much older female cats nuts. I have to close him out of bedroom to sleep. I work long hours and her gets bored the two girls will not play with him I feel bad for him. Going he adjusts he growls and pounces them
I’m in similar situation. My older female cat is a bit stressed out I got her a 6 week old baby brother. She wants nothing to do with him. She will hiss and hit him on the head with her paw when he tries play pouncing on her, she’s at wits end. I’m considering re-homing him only because it’s stressing my older cat to the point she is eating less and is seeking to be high up to get away from him. I do play with the baby and let him roam freely when I’m home. He has a lot of energy and being less than 8 weeks old, he already knows how to climb the bed and get on top of the diner table, couch, and bathtub.
I think it’s cool too see others with similar issues and that we are not alone! I have the same issue. I have an older cat which was my grandfathers, he passed a year ago and I took her in she is that age between 10-12 years old just found this out last week, how old she was. She still here and there plays with toys and is somewhat active, not too much. My daughter wanted a kitty and I have been promising her one before I got my grandfather’s cat. So our cat used to live with 3 chihuahuas and always plays attack with them and is always messing with the dogs so I didn’t think of it when I bought the kitty. I knew it would take a bit for her to get used to the kitty. We got a male at 8 weeks old, since then my female cat wants nothing to do with him and as he is getting older and bigger he want to play more with her and jumps on her and she hisses and she is also declawed. she hits him on the head as well. I do allow him as well to roam around the house, and he is one hyper active kitten and I allow my older cat to go in my room and give her space from him when she gets stress from him continuing to want to play with her . I hope when he starts to calm down that they can get along in a way.
My little kitten ?? Angel Alex was the same way my other cat ? Goldie did not like him I was like Goldie he is a ?
I know exactly what you mean. I have a 14 week old who literally bounces off the walls, climbs the blinds and curtains, and likes to try and tackle table and floor lamps at 3am, no matter how hard I try to tire her out before bedtime. We have 4 vert tall scratching posts, every toy you can imagine, and a very energetic 6 year old kitty the baby plays with nonstop so its definitely not lack of enrichment. Don’t worry it gets better & YES, it can be frustrating. Dont let anyone make you feel bad about the frustration of being up most of the night trying to keep your kitten safe, your blinds on the windows, and your pictures on the wall. I’ve nicknamed my baby “Noey-Zoey”.
I like that name “Noey Zoey”. Lol. I have a niece who is grown now but when she was small she was always into something. Her name was Natalie so we called her ‘No-no Natty”. Lol.
I can sympathize completely. I have a 4 month old kitty who seems like the feline version of a wild teenager! Took him in as a nursing baby with his Mom as fosters who were neglected and starving and then couldn’t part with them so I adopted them both. It helps that they keep each other company when I’m at work and they’re active together (often in the wee hours of the morning which makes sleeping tough!). I try wearing them out in the evening in the hopes of them being quiet during the night but it only seems to help a little…once they sleep for a while they get recharged! I swear sometimes the little guy goes through fazes where he’s “testing” me to see what he can get away with (like a teenager!)…but then when I’m almost at my wits end he turns into a lovable little cutey for a while and reels me back in! Tired, but it’s worth it!
My kitty ?? Angel Alex who is two years old now does the same first he is sweet sour then he licks and bites me till I give up and hug him can’t do that to him now
My husband got me a baby kitten this Christmas. He very much likes to cuddle and kiss me in the morning while I get ready for work. When we are back from work though… lets just say I call him ¨My little fluffy Tasmanian devil¨. No matter how much we play with him, no matter how many toys he gets, one moment of time-out and he is fully recharged for the evening! I cannot wait for him to calm down a little because right now he is driving me insane! 🙂
I feel the same about my new kitten. She’s 3.5 months and runs so wild through my apartment. However she sleeps in the bathroom at night with her toys, food/water and comfortable bed with no problem. I also use the calming spray by Nature’s Miracle at at times and it seems to work.
I have Feliway Spray which I think might be similar. What do you spray it on though? My kitten is all over the place and my older male cat starts out playing with her and ends up hissing because the kitten is so relentless!
My kitty ?? Angel Alex is the same way have a lot of energy
I roll up a piece of paper into a ball and my kitten becomes Maradonna for and hour. He’s incredible. Love watching him go. One day I hope to see him in MLS soccer.
Hi,
I have an 8 month old kitten and he constantly attacks my partner. We’ve tried everything, he does this even during play with him. He doesn’t do it to me. He also wants attention 24/7. I’m working from home at the moment and his constant crying and climbing up the curtains etc is driving me insane.
Can anyone offer advice? We have every toy imaginable, 2 cat trees and a scratching post
I am so exhausted from my kitten!! I never thought that it would be so hard on me. Sincerely, some days I just want to give my kitten to someone who is not bothered by the bundle of energy that kittens have. I work from home and I cannot concentrate because my apt is slowly deteriorating by the day. Reading about this super hyper phase gives me the strength to carry on. Thanks to you all, sorry for my rant; I just needed to blow off some steam!!
I agree completely !
I had a feral kitten given to me and I had to find him another family with little kids who had the same energy as he did. I found him the perfect family and got my own life back !
My cat will be a year old in May. She is going through her first heat. She will be fixed before next heat. I just noticed she is slowing down. Since getting her she flys up my curtains and has shreaded my mini blinds and shower curtain. But her name suits her. Her name is Sassy.
Hi All,
I have a problem I’m hoping someone has some insight to &/or could give any help/advise. I have two 11 month old kittens who are siblings. They have been with me since 3 months and were absolutely fine, apart from the female wanting to play all the time and feeling lonely. Around the same time my sister rescued a kitten from the streets and sent her to me. So the new kitten has already been thought a lot of stress but she’s now learning and warming towards us. However, my older female kitten keeps kissing at her all the time. The male plays but now we’ve got a problem there- the new kitten is being aggressive and biting my boy. Honestly we’ve been sleeping separately just to give a bit more attention to the new kitten & I’m dreading the day I have to leave them all out at night or go back to work. I’m also worried about how this whole thing will pan out during holidays.
Thanks for any help. x
I have an 2 month old kitten..shes nuts. Lol..my question how do we stop her from biting us? We put her in her carrier at night..she will meow for about a minute..as soon as we turn out the light she relaxes and stops meowing..i keep her carrier beside me on the bed. .she sleeps until 5.45am..but when she awake she plays with her toys..when she plays with us. Shecattacjs and bites. Help please
I read a few things online to stop scratching and biting, and it seems to work so far (I’ve had my 2 month old kitten for a week now…)… I read that first, you have to teach them that your hands and feet (and the rest of you!) are not toys, so when they start to scratch and bite (as they do with their toys) you should try to distract them with a toy (ones with a long reach like fishing rod style so they are directed away from you)… If they persist to try to scratch and bite you you should leave the room and close the door for about 15 mins. This way they should learn that these behaviours = end of play time. But if they are successfully distracted by toys then playtime continues. I also read that you should avoid screaming and jerking your limbs away when they do scratch and bite as this makes it look like a game. Try to stay calm and just leave the room if you can. My kitten seems to get it already, and sometimes she still has the urge and manages to fight it at the last minute (which is adorable), and sometimes she can’t help it, and then i just leave her alone for a bit.
I am a bit shocked by this article that she’s gonna be like this, so demanding and energetic, for another 6 months though!
After always having dogs, I adopted a 4 month old kitten because my daughter loves them. I didn’t realize how difficult they are and the shelter didn’t bother to offer any advice. I did a little bit of research and found boys were supposedly more affectionate so I got a boy. He is indeed very affectionate but just not in a way I like. His favorite is to headbutt my chin and lick and nibble on it. I’m sorry but I don’t want him that close to my mouth and up in my face. At first I let him sleep with me but I got tired of him walking on my head and biting me in the middle of the night. I keep my bedroom door closed now. Also, I never knew how persistent and stubborn he would be. He’s constantly being corrected for the same thing and doesn’t care. I can’t wait for his energy to lessen.
Wondering when I can expect my 8 mo kitten to sleep in a little later than 5:45am. No matter how much I play with her before bed and fill her tummy – like clockwork she is up at 5:45am. I let her sleep with me too. Is that a good idea? After letting her sleep with me for 3 weeks can I switch her to the bathroom and make that her place?
A three-month-old whirling dervish entered my life last month. (I said goodbye to my 20-year-old tortie several months before, leaving my seven-year-old diva alone for the first time in her life.)
It took only three weeks for the “energizer bunny” and my seven-year-old diva to become best friends. Admittedly, the kitten drives us both crazy at times due to his inexhaustible energy. But I know this stage won’t last. I want to appreciate it as long as I can. Before I know it, he will be a mature adult, too, a peer who will sit calmly beside me on the couch. So I will revel in the craziness of kittenhood while raising an imaginative, curious and well-socialized feline citizen.
I have a 4.5 month old male kitten (or young cat). He has so much energy! I do 3-4 15 minute hunt / exercise sessions and he’s still got energy to spare!
I could not get two cats because of the size of my apartment, and I understand it’s on me to entertain the cat. Near everything is catified in the apartment. I’m starting to harness train him. But it’s a lot. Every night I hear him sprinting all around and chasing fluff on the ground. (And running into furniture, that’s a thing, too)
I’m ready for him to mellow out, but also love him for who he is! He’s a great, loving cat just… wowzers haha