Cats have different energy levels. Much of it depends on genetics and life stage. Kittens, for example, will be much more energetic than most older cats. Certain breeds have more of an aggressive inclination, bouncing around the house and shredding all your curtains.
If your cat is being a little too exuberant for your liking, there could be certain triggers and solutions. Here, we will discuss problem areas and ways to curb or channel the behavior positively.
The 9 Tips to Calm Your Hyper Cat
1. Make Sure They Have a Proper Outlet
Sometimes if a cat has pent-up energy, it can cause behaviors that we would consider bad. They might be ultra destructive, chewing, clawing, and destroying your furniture and other belongings.
Pent-up energy can also lead to ultra-rough playing, resulting in you or other household members getting scratched or bitten, drawing blood. Even though these acts might not be done out of aggression, it can still do some damage.
To curb these tendencies, it is essential to have a proper exercise outlet for your cat. If you have a particularly active kitty, make sure to accommodate them by providing several forms of entertainment throughout your household.
2. Eliminate Household Irritants
Sometimes, external triggers can be happening around your cat that enhance this hyper behavior. For example, if you have a very loud, chaotic household, this energy might transfer to your cat and make them join the party.
If you try to calm down your home’s energy, your cat might follow suit. The only way you can really know is to try to eliminate a lot of environmental triggers.
3. Get Two Cats!
It might seem counterproductive to get too crazy felines if you’re already having problems with one. However, when a cat is very hyper, they really just want someone to play with. Who could match their energy better than their own species?
Domestic cats are very social creatures that thrive on interaction. They love having a playmate that can match them step by step. You might be surprised how well the new cat readjusts your existing cat.
They can entertain each other rather than divert the energy to your belongings or people in your home. Plus, having two cats really can curb loneliness. So, it might be time to shop around. If you purchase a cat from a breeder, ensure they are reputable with a history of healthy litters. But we recommend going to your local shelter to adopt a kitty in need.
4. Have Toys & Entertainment
You can add many items to your home to enhance kitty entertainment. You can get toys, cat trees, cat condos, cat exercise wheels, wall climbs, and bridges to put around your home that enhance healthy play.
Certain cats might have a preference as to what items they love the most. Trying out different entertainment options can give you a good idea of what they prefer. Keep in mind they have plenty of textures around for them to scratch up on their own.
Cat Scratching Posts
Many people choose cardboard, sisal rope, sisal fabric, and carpet. Your cat can sharpen their claws and get their instincts out reasonably.
Cat Trees/Condos
Cat trees and condos give your kitty a place to nap, play, and perch. They are perfect for the kitty who loves height but also wants to romp around. If you have the space, you can get some extremely nice cat trees as tall or wide as you please.
Toys/Teasers
Toys and teasers can be used for solo or interactive play. Many stuffed toys come with catnip to enhance playtime. Teasers usually use feathers, bells, or other attractive features to get your cat’s attention. These items enhance prey drives and help your cat burn off some of that steam.
Wall Hangers/Bridges
Wall hangers and bridges can be fun additions to your walls and over your doorways. These pieces are out of the way, giving kitties that love to climb something more fun than jumping on your counters.
You can even cut corners by making DIY forms of entertainment. Pinterest is absolutely crawling with different projects you can make yourself. A lot of these items are very cost-efficient and financially more feasible than purchasing from a store.
5. Appease Prey Drive
You’re kitty has a prey drive, whether we want to admit it or not. They love chasing anything that moves. If you have an extra hyper cat, they love pouncing and chasing even more than the average feline.
Take the time to play with your cat. Take a feathery string toy and watch as they run around. You don’t even have to move much to get them burning those calories. This interactive play will not only help you bond with your cat but also tucker them out so they’re napping next to you on the couch in no time.
6. Consider Outdoor Time
Outdoor time is feasible for any cat, no matter where you live. Rather than them sitting in a window chattering over the birds at the feeder, you can get them out to explore. Here are a few fun ideas to enhance your cat’s outdoor experience.
Catios
Catios might be expensive and hard to install, but they can benefit cats. They can feel the breeze and hear all of the sounds in nature without actually being in danger.
Walking on a Leash
That’s right. Your cat can walk on a leash just like a dog. It might take some time, correct walking gear, and training, but they can absolutely learn the ropes.
Screened-In Porches
If you have a screened-in porch, you might already do this. But you can certainly allow your cat to come out and enjoy the breeze without scampering off to the woods or the road.
Playpens/Kennels
You can take your cat out into the yard for some playtime if they are monitored. Set up a playpen or kennel from which your cat can’t escape, and let them do their thing. They can feel the grass on their paws and get some sunshine.
7. Spay or Neuter
If your cat is acting a fool, it might be hormones. Once your cat starts nearing sexual maturity, you might notice that teenager-increase in energy. It would help if you got your cat spayed or neutered around 5 or 6 months of age.
Speak with your veterinarian about the best time to perform the surgery and schedule it as advised. Getting your cat spayed or neutered before the hormones officially take over can help eliminate many annoying behaviors in both males and females.
Both genders have the capability of spraying to attract a mate and mark their territory. They can also get highly vocal, and males might even get a little aggressive.
Once your cat is spayed or neutered, you might notice that it takes a few months, but eventually, they calm down quite a bit. Very active cats might maintain a pretty peppy lifestyle, but there should be a noticeable decrease at least.
8. Check for Health Issues
Being hyper on their own really isn’t a cause for concern. But if you’ve noticed this increase in energy to be very sudden, it could signal that something just isn’t right with your cat.
An influx of energy could be triggered by an underlying health condition, such as hyperthyroidism. This medical issue with an overactive thyroid gland causes an increase in restlessness, vocalization, erratic behavior, and other health problems.
If you suspect that this behavior is abnormal for your cat, make an appointment with your veterinarian right away. It is doubtful that hyperactivity is a sign of a severe health condition, but you wouldn’t want to overlook something potentially more serious.
9. Try Supplements
If your cat simply doesn’t calm down, no matter what you seem to do, you can always try supplements. Your vet can assess your cat’s behavior and recommend the right supplement for you.
Most of the time, these supplements will be over the counter and will contain harmless ingredients that help relax your feline. You can also try aromatherapy and other relaxation methods to help your cat chill out, but remember that essential oils must be avoided in cats.
Never give your cat any substance without checking with your veterinarian first to ensure your chosen method is completely safe. Even though supplements on the market are geared toward cats, that doesn’t mean that they are vet approved or advisable.
Conclusion
Having a hyper cat isn’t necessarily a bad thing. But it can be quite tiring sometimes, mainly if it results in troublesome behaviors. Try a few tips on this list to calm your kitty down.
However, if you think there is an underlying health issue or a bigger behavioral problem, you should always take them to your vet just to be on the safe side. Even if there is nothing physically wrong, your vet might have recommendations on additional ways to get a handle on excess energy.
See also:
- Will Certain Scents Calm Cats? Everything You Need to Know!
- Reasons Cats Bite and How to Stop It (Our Vet Answers)
Featured Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock
