How To Get A Kitten To Calm Down

Get your kitten on a Zen path with tips on how to focus all that energy.

Kittens are cute and are naturally curious—it's why we all fall in love with these little balls of fur as soon as we set eyes on them. But what we often forget is that kittens also come with an abundance of energy that never seems to let up. Breathe deeply and don't lose your cool…there are many ways how you can help calm your kitty and train proper cat etiquette in the process.

Appropriate Play

Play is a great way to help expend some of that boundless kitten energy, so be sure to plan several sessions a day. Toys that mimic hunting, such as wands with feathers at the end or stuffed mice will hold your kitten's attention and inspire her natural predatory skills. Keep her busy and challenged while you're playing, but let her take down her prey—it will give her confidence and give her a sense of satisfaction.

Warming Up, Cooling Down

A good workout starts and ends with a warm up and cool down session. The same goes for kitten play sessions. In particular, the cool down lets your kitten know that it's time to slow things down and relax. While winding the play session down, move the toy more slowly and let your kitten chase it without as much energy behind her movements. When you see your kitten beginning to get tired of the game, let her cool down and then give her food. Instinctively, your kitten will want to eat a meal, clean herself, and take a nap. Do this before bed at night so that she can go to sleep when you do.

Kitten Space

When your kitten is acting up, it's time for a timeout in her own kitten-friendly space. A dimly lit small room is best, as it will help her unwind and keep her away from other pets, distractions, and people. This space should be equipped with things she can safely play with, so she can learn to play on her own.

Soothing Music

All of the new things that are introduced to your kitten in such a short amount in time can be unnerving. A new home, people, and pets can cause fear in your kitten, resulting in hyperactivity. When your kitten is in her safe space, play some soothing music at a low volume to see if this soothes her nerves. Easy listening, instrumental, or classical music can work mellowing-out wonders.

Cat Trees, Scratching Posts, and Scenery

It's a big world out there, and your kitten wants to see what's going on. That's why she needs a cat tree to climb up and perch herself on, and a window to look out of so that she can view the world outside. As well, a few scratching posts are needed so she can release her energy in positive, non-destructive ways. On top of that, these will be little spots around the house that she can claim as her own.

Kitten Companion

Consider adopting another kitten around the same age—that way, your kitten will have a constant play pal. They'll grow up to be great friends and they can keep one another company when you aren't home.

Plenty of Attention

Your kitten needs to feel loved. In addition to playing with her every day, let her sit with you while you work on your laptop or watch television, snuggle with her in bed, and pet her while she purrs contentedly in your arms. This is a great way to prevent negative behaviors that would arise as a result of feeling lonely, bored, and neglected.

Meet the Author: Amy Tokic

Amy Tokic is the Editor of Petguide.com, the flagship site to over 70 different pet communities, which offers pet parents a one-stop-info-shop for all things dog and cat related. Amy's been with PetGuide since the beginning, guided by the wisdom of her Shih Tzu mix and furry roommate, Oscar. Together, this pet power couple has their paw on the pulse of the pet industry, sniffing out trends, advice, news, tasty treat recipes and other tail-wagging stories.