Kitten Behavior Problems: Behavioral Challenges Series

Kitten Behavior Problems: Behavioral Challenges Series: To any feline addict, kittens are charming, captivating, sweetened perfection in a furry ball. But when rescued, their angelic appearance can soon be replaced by the realities of saving an energetic young fur baby. There are ways to avoid from this turning into annoyance. Considering a better understanding of the kitten species and providing for your feline’s needs with applicable training structure will ensure smoother debut of your new kitty into your clan.

Kitten Behavior Problems: Climbing and Jumping Issues-

It is a natural demeanor for a cat to delve into its new home environment and to perch onto high surfaces.

• Provide adequate vertical perches for the kitten. For example:
  • Scratching posts / cat trees
  • Easy access shelving with holes for the kitty to walk place to place
  • Window perches
  • Furniture / boxes. (Important to frequently move around furniture and boxes to keep things interesting and new).
• Boost kittens to use perches by diverting on / near them, feeding treats on them, and rewarding the kitten when they are on them.
• To alarm the young cat away from improper surfaces, e.g., tables / tables, do the following:
  • Keep counter tops free of edible materials or other attractants like plants / flowers.
  • Place double stick tape on the area
  • Install a remote pet obstacle such as a motion activated spray (safe for cats).

Kitten Behavior Problems: The Nighttime Circus-

• Kittens are commonly very active at dawn and dusk. They need lots of exercise and activity during these awkward times of the evening when you sleep. If they don’t have enough activity during the day, they will keep you awake at night.
  • Provide lots of playtime for your kitten, particularly early in the morning.
• If your young cat tries to interrupt your sleep, the best thing to do is to ignore the conduct.
  • Giving your pussycat attention will just encourage overnight activity.
  • Close your bedroom doors and use ear plugs until the overnight play actions stop.

Kitten Behavior Problems: Play Aggression-

• Your puss, especially kittens, need fitting outlets for play. If these needs aren’t met, kittens may use their owners as play marks.
• Over playful cats play directly at inappropriate play targets. They may injure other pets or people. When this happens, it is called play-related aggression.
• Kittens need essential daily interactive play such as cat toys and lasers. Any play on another human / pet target should be avoided.
• Ways to prevent play aggression:
  • Have a consistent play schedule with your kitten
  • Use cat toys / lasers, not human body parts or another animal; for play.
  • If your feline companion starts to pounce on your hands / legs, be ready with an alternative toy or toss a ball to redirect the attack.
  • Avoid rewarding your cat companion for any play related aggression. Silence and stillness is the best reaction to play-related aggression.
  • Do not hit or give direct punishment to the cat. Hitting the kitten may injure it and increase the fear and defensive behavior.
  • Always be consistent.

For other kitty behavior tips, please have a look around at our other cat related blogs.