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Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/new kitten wants to go outside?
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Question
hi, I've recently bought a new kitten(2 weeks ago), she's 3 months old and can be quite mischievous. the people we got her from, we think seemed to just let her and the rest of the litter run a muck basically.As they let her in their garden she now is getting very frustrated in the house and needs to be outside for longer, before she breaks something, either her or something else. she has also picked up some bad habits, i.e. bitting(in play) and walking behind our legs and clawing them(only with dad at the moment)She's had her 1st vaccination, 1 course of worming and flea treatment and, at the moment isn't spayed. what can you suggest we do, to make all our lives a little easier.?
Rachel,
She needs a kitten friend! Kittens NEED another kitten to play kitty games with, to snuggle with, to learn with, and to be companionship and comfort for them when they are alone.
Her behavior is a sign of a bored kitty who is trying to play with you like she would another kitten. Her biting may also be because she is teething. She is used to having littermates to roughhouse with. Being outside with supervision is good for her. She can explore and burn up some excess energy. Leave the door cracked open so she can venture out but also can run back in if something scares her. But watch her, and also collar train her then tape your address and phone number on it....just in case.
Tabbi
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Answers by Expert:
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.
Experience
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).
Education/Credentials
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Awards and Honors
* One of the top 50 Experts Of 2008 *
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