Expert: Dear Tabbi - 12/3/2008

Question
I have male 6 month old kitten, a seal point lynx that has been neutered about a month ago, and is acting very aggressive with my other two 3 year old female cats.  He runs and jumps on them a lot.  Will this behaviour continue or is this a "kitten-stage" behaviour that he will grow out of?  Is there anything that I can I do?

Answer
Stan,

I would say that your kitten needs another kitten about the same age and temperment to play with. The 3 year olds won't play like a kitten does, and most do not like kittens because of their energy level. A kitten needs another kitten to wrestle with, chase, roughhouse, and play general kitty games with. Kittens have a lot of energy.

If that isn't an option then you need to play with it more and help burn up energy. Interactive play is good. I would suggest a pet laser light (from Petco, Petsmart, etc.). Cats love to chase the 'little red bug' on the floors, walls, and ceilings. The older cats may play with it too which will help the 'bonding' process.

Also pull a rope or a shoestring for the cat to chase. Get some little furry toy white mice that he can bat around, or little balls for him to chase. Ping pong balls in the bathtub (with the drain plugged) are also favorites. Getting a kitty scratching tree, or a kitty condo with holes and shelves, and rubbing it with catnip, can give him a place to run up and down thus burning up more energy.

He is a 'teenager' and you are going to have to go through that stage. Yes, he will settle down, but it may take a few months!

Tabbi