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Kittens are usually excitable and hyper, which is a joy for most of us. But when does this behaviour become worrying? Is there such a thing as too hyper? What should you do if their energy is overwhelming?
Here, we discuss why kittens get hyper, what normal versus excessive hyperactivity is, how to calm a kitten down and when to seek help.
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Why are kittens so hyper?
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Kittens - and young mammals in general - are inquisitive, curious creatures, and most love nothing more than exploring. But sometimes, this can come across as hyperactivity.
Hyperactivity is mostly an instinct; kittens have a lot of energy to burn, and they show this through jumping, running and general hyperactivity. The "zoomies" can be an expression of pent-up energy or just a way your kitten is trying to understand the world.
Kittens love to play. They can be hyper when doing playing, but this is a crucial socialisation step, and teaches them things like hunting and human social cues.
Sometimes, however, hyperactivity can mean your kitten's bored or overstimulated, so make sure nothing is stressing your kitten out too much.
When will my kitten calm down?
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Kittens are naturally at their most hyper between three and six months. Generally, kittens start to calm down at around nine months, though it can take longer.
Your typical kitten hyperactivity timeline is:
Younger than six months
Kittens are exploring the world at this stage, and tend to be at their most hyperactive.
Between six and 12 months
Kittens should start to calm down and enter their routines, with a noticeable decrease in hyperactivity.
One year and 18 months
Kittens enter "adolescence" at this stage, where they tend to show playfulness but generally mature into their cool, calm and collected selves.
Beyond 18 months
Cats are considered adults at this point and settle into their personalities.
It's important to remember that all kittens are different; you may just have a sociable cat who loves getting hyper.
The most important thing you can do as an owner is to provide a safe, stimulating environment with proper enrichment and training.
What cat breeds are higher energy?
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High-energy cat breeds include:
A lot of these breeds, like Bengals and Siamese, tend to retain high energy for longer and are generally more active.
Signs your kitten’s energy is normal vs. excessive
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So, what's the difference between normal and excessive hyperactivity?
Normal kitten hyperactivity looks like this:
Being sociable
Exercise, like chasing, jumping and sprinting
Exploring
Mimicking predatory behaviour
Playfulness
Excessive hyperactivity looks different:
Appetite changes
Coat quality change
Excessive biting, meowing or scratching
Frantic, over-the-top running and jumping
Lethargy
Sudden behaviour changes, like aggression or hiding
Too much playing, as if they have no off-switch
Weight change
You should chat with your vet if you notice any of these changes, particularly if they're sudden. A medical professional needs to rule out conditions like hyperthyroidism that can lead to excessive energy.
How to calm a hyper kitten down
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There are a few ways to calm down a hyper kitten:
Structured playtime
Playtime should be fun, but keeping it regular and structured makes sure your kitten stays mentally and physically stimulated:
Stop playing when your kitten shows signs of being mentally or physically tired.
Use short, regular play sessions to help your kitten burn off their excess energy.
Use toys that mimic prey, like laser pointers, to encourage them to follow their hunting instincts.
The right environment
You want to strike the right balance between an environment that's relaxing but also stimulating.
Creating a stimulating environment
Use cat trees and scratching posts to provide vertical spaces for your kitten to explore and burn off some energy.
Use interactive toys to prevent boredom and keep your kitten engaged.
Create a safe space on a window perch or high vantage point so your kitten can climb and observe.
Maintaining a peaceful environment
Even hyper kittens need some time to unwind. To create a peaceful environment, we recommend:
Creating a calm, quiet space so a kitten can retreat there if they're overwhelmed.
Avoid sudden changes, as this can cause anxiety or stress.
Cat-proof your home.
Create some hiding places, like cardboard boxes or cat beds.
Establish a routine with consistent exercise and feeding times.
Maintain a calm, predictable environment and speak to your kitten in a positive, mellow and consistent way - it'll help your kitten thrive.
Place their litter tray in a quiet location, which will help with litter training.
Prioritise familiar smells, like a blanket from your kitten's old home.
Creating a calm space for your kitten
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Lacking a calm space can sometimes cause kitten hyperactivity. If they don't have space to chill out, then they can seem hyper all the time.
To create a calm space for your kitten, we recommend:
Finding the right spot
Kittens typically like a spot where they can observe everything in a tucked-away spot. But a lot depends on your kitten's personality; you'll need to pick somewhere where they naturally like to spend time, as long as it's safe.
If you need help, we recommend starting with a quiet corner, away from foot traffic and loud noise. Some kittens love to perch by a window, but make sure this is safe, and make sure they can't accidentally open it and fall out.
Giving them somewhere comfy to sleep
Cats and kittens love a cosy bed. We recommend looking for a soft, warm bed that's the right size for your kitten - you'll need some trial and error for this. Some kittens like enclosed beds, while others like an open one.
The right bed in the right spot is often enough for a kitten to regulate their hyperactivity.
Using soft lighting and calming sounds
Soft lighting and calming sounds are normally a go-to way to create a mellow, kitten-friendly space.
Adding some of their favourite toys and smells
Putting some of their favourite toys, a blanket with smells from home and other things your kitten likes can upgrade somewhere from a restful spot to a place that feels like home.
Using cat calming aids
Some cat calming aids, like calming sprays and diffusers, can be a big help to settle down a kitten.
What not to do when your kitten is hyper
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Managing a kitten with hyperactivity is hard. But generally, you should stick to these three rules:
Never use negative reinforcement
Negative reinforcement never helps and doesn't help rectify problematic behaviour. Positive reinforcement training is the best way to teach pets, and it's a proven, effective training method.
Never use physical punishment
Never use physical punishment against your pet. It doesn't help and significantly worsens your kitten's emotional, mental and physical health.
Stay patient
Things take time, especially when your kitten's young. So, be patient, follow good training principles and enjoy the journey as a pet parent.
When to seek help from a vet or behaviourist
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You should look for help if you see clear signs of:
Aggression
Appetite changes
A health issue, like hyperthyroidism
Constant hiding
Excessive grooming
Intolerance of people, using the litter box or spending time with people
Lethargy or excessive sleeping
Respiratory distress
Stress
It's important to mention details about your kitten's hyperactivity, too. For example, if a kitten is too hyper at night, it can indicate different issues than one who is hyper all the time.
How kitten insurance can help
Our kitten insurance can help you prepare for the unexpected with 24/7 access to vet video calls and a host of ManyPets Perks.
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