Expert: Tomay - 3/3/2006

Question
Hello,

Thanks for putting yourself out here for this Q&A, I appreciate it. I have a 6 month old male domestic medium hair. He's very sociable and can be very sweet and affectionate. However, he has recently been developing some aggressive behaviors ie. Running at top speed through the house/Jumping around just for the sake of it/attacking his toys ferociously. He seems very hyperactive! For a kitten, I'm sure this is normal and its not usually a problem. But it is a problem when my fiance and I are trying to sleep at night. We have been trying to calm him down and train him by bringing him to bed and doing all kinds of things to relax him, and hold him in place so he gets the idea. It seemed to be working at first but I don't think hes changing. He still wakes us up by tearing around the room and jumping on and off the bed/pouncing at the covers/etc. Is there anything we can do to take the fiestiness out of him at night?

John M.
San Francisco Ca
immmea@yahoo.com

Answer
Hello John,
Well, you definatly have a full fledged kitten on your hands!  It simply has to run it's course.  I can understand when the 'cute' runs thin, and you just want some sleep!  If he was neutered before 5 months, he stands the chance of remaining in 'kitten mode' for a bit longer than if he had or has not been altered.  There are, however, a couple options here.  You can keep him in a kennel or kitty condo type kenneling in another room.  With his toys in tow, along with food and/or water and a small litter box, he should do fine until morning, and will most likely eventually enjoy his own space and hangout. Another option, used alone or in conjuction with the kenneling idea, is to get some 'Rescue Remedy' or like natural product.  This is a little spray used extensively by rescue groups as well as vets.  Whenever dogs or cats are under stressful, or hyper, situations.  (Works for people too!  A natual de-stresser!)  You can find this product at some of the finer pet shops in your area, as well as homeopathic or natural alternative pharmacies, as well as Whole Food's types of grocery stores.
Good luck with that oh so busy boy!  This, too, will pass, just be patient!
Thank you for your inquiry as well as your acknowledgement.
Tomay