Expert: Dear Tabbi - 9/19/2008

Question
My siamese (whom I adopted in May this year) is two years old now. He is 100% play 24/7. If you even get near his toy (a feather stick without feathers) his eyes get all big and he goes crazy and just begs you to play with him until you do, and wont let you quit. He's very inquisitive, and gets into everything, but he absolutely hates new people. He runs around the house crazily yowling at the top of his lungs, and its really annoying at 4am. He has been neutered. He hates being petted for longer than a few pets; he gets up and walks away, though he is clearly enjoying it because his purr box is always going. He will not put up with being held.

I am wondering when/if he's going to settle out of this stage. It almost seems like he's going backwards. He was pretty calm when we first got him after he warmed up to us, and now he's crazy hyper all the time. I'm getting bored with playing with him all the time.  

Answer
Johanna,

I would get your cat a kitty friend. Cats need another cat to play kitty games with that humans can't. They also need companionship and another cat is comfort when they are alone. Not all cats like a friend, but most do. It is easier to care for two cats than one because it takes the pressure off of you to keep them amused and entertained. I would try to find one about the same age and temperment as yours, and after about a two week get-acquainted period, they should get along and be playing together.

If you would like instructions on how to go about the introduction process, send a followup, and I give you suggestions on how to do it.

His actions about being held and petted are very typical of a cat who had a feral parent. They are not like domesticated house cats and do not like being petted for very long or restrained. They can be very loving, follow you around, and lay next to you, but not loved on or cuddled. AND they usually only bond to one person. Distrust of humans is inbred in them.

Cats that had feral parents are usually 'hunter types', and hunting is in their makeup. An inside cat doesn't get that hunting opportunity so you need to improvise. Get a pet laser light (from Petco, PetSmart, etc.). Most cat LOVE them and they can chase the 'little red bug' on the floor, ceilings, and walls. Stuffed toy mice are good to throw for the cat to 'hunt' and bat around. Those are some suggestion.

My 'hunter-type' cats LOVE raw beef rib bones. I give them as a treat. Tearing off the meat is like a 'fresh kill', plus the fibers in the meat help clean their teeth. I have the butcher at the store cut them in half for me. Mine growl if another cat comes near their 'kill'.

I hope this gives you some ideas how to burn up your cat's energy and give you some peace. (smile)

Tabbi