Does your cat have more energy than the Energizer Bunny? Is it constantly running, jumping, and pouncing on everything in sight? Do you find a play session takes hours? If so, then you know that having a hyper cat can be a challenge. But don’t worry! There are steps you can take to help your furry friend chill out. Here are four tips for calming down your hyperactive cat.
Identify the Cause of the Hyperactivity
The first step in managing cat hyperactivity is to identify what is causing your feline friend to be a hyper kitten. Common causes include boredom, stress, pent-up energy, health problems, or medical issues such as thyroid problems. If your cat’s hyperactivity is related to boredom, providing them with more stimulating activities can help reduce their energy levels. This could include playing games with them or giving them interactive cat toys that they can play with on their own. Consider getting a scratching post or other type of activity center for them as well. Cat towers or a cat tree are another great way to provide a new environment for your cat to focus on. This is especially true for young cats who need interactive toys and additional stimulation.
Address Stressors if Necessary
If stress is causing your cat to have hyperactive behavior, then it’s important to address whatever is causing it. This could mean introducing new activities into their routine, spending more quality time with them, and/or making sure they have plenty of safe space and a feeling of security. You may also need to make environmental changes if something in the environment is upsetting them or making them anxious (such as adding soundproof windows if there’s an area outside that causes stress).
Provide Plenty of Exercise Opportunities
Exercise is key when it comes to keeping your hyperactive cat happy and healthy. Ensure you give your kitty plenty of opportunities to play throughout the day by providing toys, scratching posts, and interactive games like laser pointers and feather teasers. You should also make sure that you spend at least 15 minutes each day playing with your cat, as this will help her burn off excess energy.
Establish a Routine
Cats thrive on routine, so it’s important to establish a schedule for feeding time, playtime, and nap time. This will help ensure that your pet gets the right amount of exercise and rest on a daily basis, which can help reduce stress levels and keep them from getting too wound up. Spending time with our domestic cats is a great way to curb hyper behavior and can help your feline friends relax.
Give Them Space
It’s important to remember not to overwhelm your cats with too much attention when they’re feeling particularly active. This might seem counter-intuitive—after all, most people think that giving their pets more love will help them relax—but if your kitty is feeling overwhelmed by all the attention they’re getting, they may just become more excitable instead of calming down. Give them some space if they seem agitated, and try not to bombard them with affection until they have settled down again.
Provide Mental Stimulation
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity when it comes to calming down a hyper cat. Try providing puzzle toys that allow your cat to use their natural hunting instincts while they search for hidden treats inside the toy’s compartments. Food puzzles are a great way to curb negative behaviors and release high energy from bored cats. You can also provide scratching posts where cats can scratch and claw at materials like cardboard or carpeting, which will provide them with mental stimulation while allowing them to express their natural behavior without damaging furniture or other household items in the process.
Try Natural Remedies
In addition to providing your hyperactive kitten with plenty of exercises and creating a calming environment for them, there are also natural remedies that may help ease their anxiety levels. A few popular options include pheromone sprays and essential oils and diffusers, which release calming scents into the air; lavender oil, which can be added to bedding; and chamomile tea which can be given orally (be sure to consult with your veterinarian first). There are even supplements available specifically designed for cats that contain calming herbal ingredients such as valerian root or L-theanine—these may provide an extra boost if needed but should always be used under the guidance of a qualified veterinarian.
Create a Calm Environment
Another way to help keep your cat calm is by creating a peaceful environment for him or her. Make sure the area around their litter box is quiet and away from any loud noises or distractions. You should also make sure that the temperature in the room where your cat spends most of its time doesn’t get too hot or cold; cats don’t handle extreme temperatures very well, and this can lead to stress which can further exacerbate their hyperactivity. Try playing soothing music in the background as well; many cats find it calming!
Visit The Vet
If all else fails, it may be time to get professional help. Your veterinarian can determine if any underlying medical conditions contribute to your kitty’s hyperactivity (such as thyroid disease) or suggest medications that may help calm him down. Hyperthyroidism can be an apparent reason for adult cats to be experiencing feline hyperactivity. It’s always best to address potential health issues sooner rather than later since they can quickly worsen if left untreated.
Keeping an active cat balanced is no easy feat
But with patience and dedication, you can do it! By following these four tips—providing plenty of exercise opportunities; establishing a routine; trying calming treats or supplements; visiting the vet—you can help ensure that your hyperactive kitty stays happy and healthy for years to come! Of course, if you ever have any concerns about the health or well-being of your pet make sure you contact your veterinarian immediately for advice and treatment options specific to their needs.