I love cats. I better – I have 8. Ish… An 11 year old, 4 3 year olds, and 3 2 year olds. All of them have grown out of their kittenhood. Here`s the thing about our guy`s – they aren`t bored. A bored cat is a destructive cat.
Cats grow up so fast. Kittens are adorable. They have to be, otherwise we`d kill them. They pack all the fun and the rambunctiousness of childhood into 1 year. Everything is a toy. Everything. And they are as clumsy as an elephant on roller skates. If there is something to knock over … just like a kid … they will knock it over. And then give you a look of … “I didn`t do that. You didn`t see anything. Can`t prove nothing.” The best way to deal with knocking over phase … move your stuff. Or get ready to pick up your stuff on a regular basis. But watch out for glass. It can cut paws or nosy noses that are curious about what they just did.
If you have 1 kitten you will need to make sure the little guy has lots of kitty approved toys. And be ready to play with them. Yes… you as a “parent” need to supply interaction with the “kid.” It really does help keep them from getting bored and destructive. And destructive is bad – very bad. Also if you have an older cat, don`t expect the older cat to pay attention or even like the kitten. Don`t expect them to get along. Detante may be the best you`ll ever get. Don`t forget to give both cats attention. They will get jealous of one another.
If you have a pair (or more) of babies they will entertain themselves to a certain extent – increasing the chase factor and the knock over potential (but it`s so much fun to watch). Toys and interaction are still very much needed for multiple cats. It also creates a bond between you and the kitten.
One more essential “toy” is a scratching post. They are essential for climbing, sharpening, playing, and napping. I have 4. 1 small, 2 medium, and 1 floor to ceiling. I also have several scratching pads – flat things for the cats to pick at to help keep the claws under control.
The good news is that kittenhood only lasts for about a year. Its also the bad news. There is nothing cuter than a kitten. It may seem like the kitten will never grow out of being a maniac… but take my word for it… they will. And a happy kitty is a good kitty.
