When Do Cats Calm Down? 8 Ways to Calm a Hyperactive Kitten

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When do cats calm down? Cats are beautiful creatures, but they can be a little hyper at times, especially as kittens. We’ve all been woken up in the middle of the night by our cats doing something naughty like knocking over plants or tapping on the window.

Kittens love playing and exploring their new environment. Many kittens and young cats are very energetic and may even be described as hyper. If you thought you were getting a chilled-out cat, having a hyper kitten climbing the curtains and knocking things over may be driving you slightly mad.

The good news is that most kittens will calm down with age. Until your kitten settles in and grows up, you might need to calm them down—but how should you go about it? This article will answer the question, ‘when do cats calm down?’ We’ve researched all the ways you can help your cat become calm and confident.

When do cats calm down?

Cats are fascinating creatures, and with a bit of understanding, they can be great pets. How hyper your kitten is will depend on many factors, including:

Age
Temperament and personality
Whether or not your cat has been spayed or neutered
Amount of daily exercise
Whether the cat has access to the outdoors

You may often find that you’re losing your patience with your kitten as he rushes around the home, pouncing on anything that moves and generally making a nuisance of himself.

Kittens develop their hunting and life skills through exploration and play and may be slightly hyper for the first year of their life. In time your cat will calm down, and by the time a cat reaches 16 or 17 months, they are generally calmer and easier to live with.

A cat will be calmer if he can get enough mental stimulation and exercise throughout the day. Be aware that cats have different personality types, just like humans, growing and mature at different rates. They will also have varying energy levels; some kittens are hyper but calm down in time, others are very active throughout their lives, some are chilled out from kittenhood.

How to calm a hyper kitten?

Just like young children, kittens need some guidance about how to behave from time to time. There are many ways to calm down a hyper cat or kitten; it depends on what kind of mood your cat is in. You can tell when a cat is relaxed, playful, or aggressive by their facial expressions and body language.

No matter what method you choose, always be firm and consistent when dealing with your cat or kitten. They’ll eventually learn that there are certain things they can’t get away with. Don’t shout at your cat or scold him harshly, even if he tests your patience or makes you angry. Try to remain calm at all times. This will help strengthen your bond, and in time your cat will calm down and learn what is expected of him.

Here are some tips on how to calm down a rowdy kitten:

1. Stroke your cat

Rub your cat’s stomach to help them relax. This method will only work if the cat trusts you enough to let you rub their stomach. You have to gain a cat’s trust gradually.

Young kittens need enough attention and should be socialized so that they can fit into the family and make great pets. Kittens that are neglected and don’t have enough contact with people will remain slightly feral even as they age.

Cats that don’t get enough attention are also more likely to suffer from separation anxiety, stress, or neediness. Aim to regularly give your cat attention, love, and reassurance.

2. Distraction

Distract your cat with a toy or treat. This is probably the easiest way to calm down a kitten and distract them or stop them from doing something potentially dangerous.

3. Exercise

You should also ensure that your cat is getting enough exercise and can spend time outdoors. A cat that can play, run around and explore outdoors will cause less trouble in your home.

Try to tire your cat or kitten out by playing with a piece of string or a toy mouse just before bed. If your cat is disturbing you during the night, more exercise in the day will help your cat settle. However, you should be aware that cats sleeping habits are very different from humans; cats have lots of short cat-naps throughout the day and night.

Indoor vs outdoor cats

Cats with access to the outdoors are likely to be calmer than those inside. Indoor cats may feel slightly ‘caged,’ but this can be solved by ensuring your cat has enough space, regular playtimes, and a climbing tree and scratching post.

Related article: How much space do cats need?

4. Spaying or neutering

The other solution to a hyper kitten is to have them spayed or neutered. This will help to calm them down as it reduces hormones such as testosterone in male cats.

If you’re allowing your cat to go outside, spaying or neutering is a must as you don’t want to end up with unwanted kittens.

5. Take good care of your cat

A good diet is also crucial for a calmer cat. Feed your cat high-quality food that doesn’t contain many additives, sugar, or fillers. You might also want to try a natural diet or raw food diet, which can help to improve your cat’s behavior. Also, ensure that your cat always has access to clean water, a comfortable bed, and a litter tray.

6. Use a cat carrier

If your cat needs to calm down, you may consider putting him in a cat carrier for a short time. This will allow your cat to feel secure and enclosed. The carrier should be placed in a quiet and calm place. You can make a comfortable bed inside and give your kitten time out and a short nap.

Don’t use the carrier method when your kitten is being naughty, and be gentle when you put your kitten inside. Get your kitten to lay down and stroke him. Be careful not to create a negative association with the cat carrier, or you’ll have trouble getting your cat into a carrier to go to the vet in the future.

7. Get a kitten from a good home

One way to ensure that you get a calmer kitten is to get one from a good home. Kittens that have been treated well and handled regularly from a young age will generally be calmer and less likely to be hyper or suffer from separation anxiety.

8. Consider adopting an older cat

If you’re looking for a calmer cat, why not consider adopting an older cat? Many people prefer kittens as they are cute and affectionate. However, older cats are just as loveable and cuddly once they get used to their new surroundings. Many older cats in shelters are looking for a loving home, so consider giving one a second chance.

When do cats calm down: Final thoughts

Kittens need plenty of exercise and playtime to grow into well-adjusted cats. How you handle your kitten’s energy will determine how well they respond to training and discipline. Keep your kitten’s mind active with lots of toys and playtime, and give your kitten the love they need to be calm and sweet-tempered with everyone in the house.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your kitten calm and well-behaved. Remember that it takes time and patience, but your kitten will learn the rules and become a loving and well-behaved with consistency.

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