Kitten behaviour
Sometimes, what starts as a ‘cute’ behaviour quickly becomes rather ‘uncute’. A little kitten climbing up your bare leg while you’re stood in your dressing gown, waiting for the kettle to boil, may be interpreted as adorable because he wants to be close to you, but next time around it might not be so sweet. It’s not an action to encourage,
FIND A SOLUTION
Your first stop for tackling unwanted behaviours is to ensure your kitten has everything he needs to fulfil his basic needs. No doubt you have a nice, clean litter tray (or two!), quality kitten food, water, and a cosy bed, but are you providing him with enough stimulation? Have a schedule of interactive play when you’re at home — and cater for the times he will be on his own.
Daniel Cummings, behaviour officer at Cats Protection, suggests that owners engage their kitten in short, fast-burst bouts of play, several times a day. With this strategy in place, your kitten should have little spare energy to misplace on the arms of your sofa or curtains!
“Think of your home and way of life from your kitten’s point of view, so that it’s a case of ‘if you are happy, then I am happy’,” Daniel encourages. especially as he gets bigger and those nails become longer!
The list below is an example of ‘bad’ things owners often report kittens do. Just remember that none are your kitten’s fault. Some could be due to his ‘upbringing’ (socialisation), while others are down to misplaced energies that need to be rechanneled.
Without play, a bored kitten will naturally seek out alternative playthings. An owner’s response may be to punish their kitten, even by just removing the object of his attention. If a toy is not provided, the youngster will feel frustrated, which will result in a higher likelihood of more inappropriate play.
“Don’t tell a kitten off. It’ll create a frightening sensation, threaten to damage your bond, and he simply won’t understand,” says Daniel.“Humans don’t thrive under such circumstances, and neither do kittens.”
Learn to read kitten body language so you can spot when he’s about to pounce on or climb something he shouldn’t (including you!). Be ready to quickly divert his attention onto a toy. Daniel explains that it’s important to think about your pet’s mental well-being.
Puzzle feeders will offer your kitten a challenge with a kibble reward.There are a number on the market, but look online for inspiration for homemade puzzle feeders too.
Training can have many practical benefits, including ensuring your kitten settles in his carrier for travelling and is relaxed being handled.
“It’ll enrich the owner-cat bond and help your kitten to cope with future situations and challenges stress-free,” says Daniel.