Toys that your kitten can bat or chase around are also good options. Try toy mice and balls. You can even use a pen flashlight or cat laser pointer, which is great fun for your kitten as she tries to catch the light. [1] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
Never let your kitten play with string, yarn, or rubber bands. These objects can be swallowed, which can lead to severe or even deadly intestinal obstructions. Avoid letting them play with your feet or hands. This may be cute when she is young, but it can become a serious problem when she gets older. If a kitten starts to play with your hands or feet, substitute one of her toys and let her attack it instead. [3] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
Climbing towers will also give your kitten exercise as well as give her a safe place to observe everything going on in the house. Try placing it by a window, which is an excellent spot to see outside activities. [4] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
The spray contains the chemicals naturally produced by cats, which is why is helps to calm them. Feliway is available in wipes, sprays, or diffusers. [5] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
You can also try attaching double-stick tape to surfaces as well. The stickiness will irritate your kitten and deter her from being on that surface. Although it is a popular method, using spray bottles of water as punishment only occurs when you are around. This can be less effective because your cat may associate the punishment with you, which can make the kitten grow fearful of you. While your cat is learning to not jump on tables and countertops, put all food items away so she can’t get to them. [6] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
Different kittens will prefer different surfaces, so try a few to find out which she likes best. Make the scratching posts prominent in familiar places in your home. Make other places, such as couches and other furniture, less attractive by placing double stick tape on them. [8] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
Learn to understand your kitten’s cues, which will signal when she’s tired of playing. This can include attacking you then running away to hide to cries of distress.
If you know you are going to get a cat before this time period passes, visit the litter and mother to make sure your future kitten is socialized to humans and to you. [9] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
Be cautious of kittens that do this and make sure she warms up to you. [10] X Research source
You’ll know the kitten is truly comfortable with you when she begins to purr while in your arms. [11] X Research source
You can help this transition by asking the previous owner for a blanket or towel the kitten, her littermates, and her mother used. This will provide a familiar scent for her to connect to and help put her at ease in her new home. If you adopt from a shelter, ask if you can take home the blanket she used while she was there or if there is any blanket from her litter there as well, to provide the same scent. [12] X Research source
Pay extra attention to this problem if you have children, especially young ones. They won’t understand the concept of letting the kitten have its space. Make sure you supervise any interaction your children have with the kitten so neither the child nor kitty get injured or become frustrated. [13] X Research source
