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Cats/5 month kitten who will not settle down

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Expert: - 8/17/2009


Question
I have a 5 month kitten who will not settle down. Every time you move she will claw,bite or scratch me. I've tried ignoring her but it does not work. At night time she tends to go hyper and will not sit still. Please can you help me deal with my crazy kitten? Thanks

Answer
Hi Sophie.  When you ignore her, are you just walking away, or closing her in a separate room?  I find that closing them in the bathroom for 10 minutes works best.  I would also recommend to dedicate lots of structured playtime to your kitty, using interactive toys such as ribbon or feather wands and laser pointers, to help get rid of some of her pent up energy.  Try to dedicate at least four 15-30 minute periods each day with one playtime right before bed.  Cats are nocturnal and are naturally most active during the twilight hours.  Ideally, I would even consider getting her another active kitten of about the same age.  A buddy will keep her entertained for hours on end, will help show her proper social boundaries and will give you some relief when you need to relax.

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Jessica

Expertise

The areas in which I have gained the most experience are cat health and feral cat management/rescue. I provide supportive care to chronically ill cats, hospice care to terminally ill cats and also am involved in trap-neuter-return efforts. My specialities lie in taming feral cats and in the allopathic treatment of cats with illnesses or special needs. I also have owned Siamese, Himalayans, Abyssinians, Russian Blues, Savannahs, Bengals, Peterbalds, Don Sphynx and Oriental Shorthairs and am well-versed in cat breeds as well as cat behavior and nutrition.

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I have 15 years of extensive experience with cats ranging from breeding to medical care. My daily routine consists of caring for cats with diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney failure, feline leukemia, feline AIDS as well as feral cats. I have experience with liver patients, heart patients, feline infectious peritonitis, cancer, recovery from amputation and trauma, congenital deformities and most every disease in between. I have assisted cats giving birth and hand-nursed kittens who were neglected by their mother from 2 days old through weaning.

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15 years' hands-on experience

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