Quick question - how long before kittens settle down a bit?

[NaturalHigh]

This is the first time we've raised an indoor kitten, and she's running wild! She's as sweet as she can be, but we need to sleep! I've given up for tonight, just going to stay up and tough it out at work tomorrow.

She also has a very friendly dog (cairn terrier) and a big tomcat, whom we've let stay outside tonight.

Don't get me wrong - she's part of the family now and she's staying, but I would love some suggestions to help her mellow a bit.

[Behind the Aegis]

1. For kittens, like puppies, you need to wear them out.

Play with them during the day. Let them have little naps and don't over do it, but it allows them to settle and learn a schedule.

[NaturalHigh]

2. LOL - we'll keep trying. She has been going wild for hours!

A little more info, this is her first night alone without her litter mates, so I understand her being a little wired. Mama and siblings all got great homes that we vetted, but I kind of miss them. We just couldn't have a mama cat, a tomcat, and five kittens in the house.

Thanks for your advice. As soon as I get home tomorrow evening, I'll start letting her run wild again. My daughter will be home tomorrow night too, so that might help.

[Behind the Aegis]

3. Her actions tonight might be separation anxiety.

Try to play with her tomorrow, but I would also try to cuddle her and love on her. Maybe a few treats with play. Of course, you have to be careful not to spoil her too bad, because then they get too dependent.

[NaturalHigh]

4. Thanks. We'll try all of that.

She's as cute and sweet as can be. I know she'll settle down soon. It's just that I need some sleep in the meantime. This is like having a new baby in the house!

[Behind the Aegis]

5. Well....she is a new baby! LOL!

I have had few puppies, but not a kitten in a long time. I just lost my cat, Tony, a few weeks ago, and have thought about another cat, but I know a kitten can be a handful at first. Plus, having 4 Chihuahuas, I am thinking the kitten may grow up into a dog! LOL!

Good luck!

[NaturalHigh]

6. Sorry about your Tony.

We have a cat named Tony too, but he lives outside. Sometimes he leaves for a few days, but he always comes home. He doesn't really like anyone but me, so he's never going to be a house cat.

[Behind the Aegis]

7. Thank you. I still miss him so much.

Every now and again, one of my Chis, Marigny, looks for him. It just breaks my heart. At least she has stopped whining when she can't find him. I know I shouldn't project human emotions on her, but I always took her whining as crying because she couldn't find him and I just couldn't explain he wasn't coming home.

Ok...stopping now before I totally sour this happy thread. But....here is my Tony:



OK...and his p/best pal, Marigny....

[NaturalHigh]

8. What beautiful little guys!

You were blessed to have him!

[ginnyinWI]

11. maybe an adult cat would fit your needs better

Shelters are full of nice adult cats who are there through no fault of their own. Just a thought.

[Behind the Aegis]

12. I thought of that too.

The only problem is making sure it can handle 4 Chihuahuas.

[ginnyinWI]

15. Your shelter might be able to help you with that.

If the cat was surrendered by someone rather than being turned in as a stray, they will probably have an info sheet on the cat and may know if it was okay with dogs or not.

[shenmue]

9. Lots of hugs

I don't know if it'll make kitteh stop running around, but it'll sure be fun!

[NaturalHigh]

10. Thanks Shenmue.

Yeah, I have to admit I'm already in love with the little hellion.

[ginnyinWI]

13. How old is she?

When she gets to be 16 weeks or so, she'll probably start slowing down.

When my foster kittens get to be about 9-10 weeks old, and start having the "kitty crazies" in the evening, it's like a kitty circus. They gallop from the kitchen to the living room to the family room and back again, jump on the furniture and tumble with each other wildly. That's about the time they are ready to go back to the shelter, and then I start over with some new 4-6 week olds.

Ten weeks old is a pretty energetic time!

[NaturalHigh]

14. LOL - well you pegged it. 10 weeks this past Monday.

[NaturalHigh]

16. For anyone who might be interested:

Last night was a lot better. My daughter was home, and the baby slept with her pretty much all night. She's settling in.