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Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/Cat is hyper
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Question
I have a cat form a shelter when he was a kitten. He has since been neutered and declawed. He is now about 1.5 years old. There are a couple things going on with Charlie that I could use some advice on. First, he is very vocal. When I have company and go outside on the porch to chat he is at the window crying and meowing non stop. It is very disturbing because he won't stop. It becomes stressful. Secondly, he is extremely hyper. He knocks things over and zooms around the house often breaking things. These hyper streaks go on through the day and night, mainly morning. Will he calm down as he gets older? Lastly, when I lay down on the couch to wind down a bit he gets on top of me and won't stop kneading. I love his company but sometimes I just want to lay down and relax. He crawls on my head around my neck, he's all over me! I love him, is there anything I can do to calm him down?
Heather,
Your cat has a lot of excess energy and is probably bored. The first thing I would suggest is to get another cat about his same age and temperment. A cat needs a kitty friend to play kitty games with, for comfort and company, and to snuggle with. Plus 2 cats are easier to care for because (after an adjustment period) they play with each other and it takes the pressure off of you to keep your cat amused.
Cats love to be outside too which is why he is crying when you are outside with friends....he wants to be out there with you!
Kneading is a comfort to the cat and is a sign that he is very content. Usually it is behavior from a cat that was weaned too young.
You can speak to your vet about possibly putting the cat on 'kitty Prozac'. It is commonly used for cats with physical issues, emotional issues, or aggressive issues to help calm them down.
I would suggest another playful cat...and more interactive toys to burn up some energy. The pet laser light is excellent for hyper cats. They love to chase the little red 'bug' on the floors, ceiling, and walls. Or pull shoestrings or get some little furry stuffed toy mice that he can bat around.
I hope this helps.
Tabbi
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Dear Tabbi
Expertise
My expertise is in helping people understand their cat (or cats) and their behavior. Questions are welcome even if you don't have a cat....just a question about them. Hopefully my experience, suggestions, and comments will be of help to you...and your cat (or cats). Looking through my past responses to questions will give you additional information and/or answers too. Domestic Cats = cats (no matter what breed) who are tame or not wild, or abandoned cats who were pets that became wild, but can be tamed again. Ferals = cats who are born with one or more parents who were wild stray cats. They usually have had no interactions with people. They have an inbred distrust of humans and are difficult to socialize. They are skittish, hide, and are afraid of people. They take a lot of time and patience to work with them. A lot of kittens from shelters had a feral parent.
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Since I was a child, over 45 years, I have been owned by a LOT of cats and kittens of almost every temperament, behavior, and personality. I have had experience with neurotic, disabled (including blind), stray, and 'problem child' cats and kittens. (A few normal cats too!) Plus all the things a lifetime of owning cats and research has taught me. I also have experience in feral cat behavior (which is different from domestic cats), and some experience with feral colonies that includes colony feeding and feral cat TNR (trap/neuter/release).
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