Playful kitten driving Mum mad

crayola

Hi all

I have just acquired a lovely and very playful little kitten and have also taken on his mother. They are very close when the kitten is sleepy or wanting a cuddle (which happens a few times a day and is SO cute!) but for much of the time he just wants to play. I would expect this as he is a nine-week old kitten and bursting with energy - but his Mum is getting the rough end of it and I'm worried about their relationship.

She puts up with a lot and is very protective of him. But I can see he is really pushing the boundaries of her patience. He has an unfortunate habit of jumping on her face(!) and also attacking her tail, which I probably mistakes for one of his litter mates, all of whom have been re-homed

I am worried about both cats and feeling guilty about not taking on another kitten to keep him occupied - we thought we were doing a good thing by adopting the older cat as we were told they are sometimes hard to re-home and we didn't want her losing all her kitties as she would otherwise have done. But if things carry on the way they are (and I understand he will only get more boisterous in coming weeks) then I am scared they will fall out seriously. I don't think the Mum will hurt him as he does stop when she gives him a fairly small nip, but I also don't want her to be unhappy/stressed.

Any tips? I play with the little one every minute I can, but I can't be in all day every day so there is only so much I can do.

Also, do you think this is stressing her as much as I think it is or will she somehow understand it's just how young ones are?

LittleMissAspie

I doubt it's stressing her out, that's what kittens are like and nature will have made sure the parents aren't too irritated by it. If she's really annoyed she'll let him know - like the small nip. Eventually he'll learn boundaries and what he is and isn't supposed to attack!

Mrs_Z

Take another kitten? You'll then have 3 lovely cats!

pinkcandyflossprincess

im sure mom doesnt mind, its typical kitten behaviour so she will let him know enoughs enough if it comes to that.
you did a brilliant thing taking in mom too, the rescues are full of older cats needing a home and its even worse when you see the ones that have had the kittens taken and poor mom is left.
you can take some of the pressure off mom by playing kitten games yourself as you have been doing, ive got two just come out of the younger kitten stage but they love games, it can be anything, the older one used to go mental batting the mini shredded wheats across the kitchen floor:rotfl:
Its great fun too playing with kittens especially when they want a cuddle after
x

Fire_Fox

Well done for adopting an adult cat! There are many ways to keep the kitten occupied, solo play toys are great for when you are out. My last and present cat both adore their Bergan Turbo Track set up, I've also just bought play cubes which are going down a storm. Both pack away so don't have to be under your feet 24/7 - in fact as novelty keeps cats occupied many people keep favourite small toys hidden except for when there are no human entertainers present! Both products are available from Purrsinourhearts shop, all profits go to cat rescue. Lastly you could try food puzzles such as the Slimcat ball or Catit Treat ball if the kitten is food oriented.

Agree with the others that mum will teach the kitten manners herself, but you might help her get time out with a babygate which mum can jump over but her kitten cannot. Also make sure mum has access to a couple of cosy high spots (top of wardrobe or kitchen units or fridge-freezer) that your kitten cannot climb to. I'm just working on designing a cat gym from Ikea Stolmen; you could set the 'steps' too far apart for the little one to jump. If you have more money the HiCat looks awesome.

Mama_Cat

Its lovely you've got both a kitten and an adult cat, the best of both worlds!

It sounds like you are doing all the right things so far, playing with the kitten when you can to give mum some rest time, but making sure she also gets love and fuss.

Mum's obviously keeping the kitten's playfulness within check and a nip or so is fine. Have you also got places for mum to hide and get away from things? Perhaps a snugly bed or somewhere high up that the kitten can't get to yet?

The kitten is still very young and mum is teaching him lots, so I'm sure there's nothing to worry about. It sounds like you're already doing a fantastic job caring for them!

pigpen

If she doesn't like it or is fed up with him she will give him a smack and put him in his place.. I agree she needs somewhere she can go away from him.. I know I'd like to hide from my children occasionally lol..

I've always had kittens in 2's.. to protect my older mogs from torture because they are full of peskiness!

Lots of bits he can play with.. balls, mice, feathers etc. miht help keep him off her a bit.. you might find she finds some kitten in herself and plays too once she is more settled..

And get her spayed fast before you end up with another 6 bundles of trouble! The kitten will be able to mate before you can blink and he won't think twice about it being his mum!