How To Tire Out A Kitten

tired cat on back
By /

Kittens can get a reputation for sleeping throughout the day, but this isn’t always the case. As active animals, kittens enjoy running, playing, and exploring. Without these activities, your kitten might become restless, bothering you throughout the night to get attention.

One of the best ways to ensure a good night of sleep for you and your cat is by tiring it out. There are plenty of ways to tire out a cat or kitten, including some that don’t require intensive effort or time.

Tire Out Your Kitten With Exercise

To stay healthy, kittens should get regular exercise. Exercise helps your kitten maintain or even lose weight (if they’re getting a little plump as they get older). Tiring out your kitten through exercise can also strengthen them, leading to a longer and healthier life.

Not only does exercise help them stay physically fit, but exercise can if your cat is bored. Giving your kitten regular exercise to tire them out can also stop them from engaging in any destructive behavior, like scratching furniture. Tiring out a kitten can be the one thing missing that’s preventing your cat from satisfaction at home. 

Should I Tire Out My Kitten?

Tiring out your kitten is a good idea if they have tons of energy. However, you should be careful not to push your cat further than its limit. Over exercise or stimulation could lead to health problems, something that you and your cat want to avoid.

When playing or exercising with your kitten, keep an eye on its behavior. If it looks like it’s in physical pain or discomfort, you should stop what you’re doing immediately. Also, overheating or panting can be signs of distress.

Over time, you should get a good understanding of your kitten’s limits, helping you both avoid any issues in the future. 

9 Activities To Tire Your Kitten Out Fast

If you’re looking to tire out your cat, here are nine activities that can help.

  • Climbing. Kittens love climbing as it helps them get a better vantage point while avoiding predators. Cat trees and cat shelves let your cat climb to their heart’s delight.
  • Cat Walks. Harness up your cat and go for a walk! While not all kittens are receptive to walking, this can be a great form of exercise and mental stimulation. Kittens can be more receptive to harnesses than adult cats, so the earlier you try this, the better.
  • Playtime. From laser pointers to fish toys that move, playtime is the perfect outlet for a cat with lots of energy. Try different toys to see what your cat responds to as some toys require more activity than others.
  • Treadmill. Yes, some kittens enjoy using the treadmill! A treadmill offers your cat a chance to stretch its legs and move. This is a great option for anyone in a smaller home where your cat doesn’t have much room to roam.
  • Obstacle Course. Why not test your cat’s agility with an obstacle course? Combine cat tunnels with boxes to design an obstacle course. Hide treats throughout the course to encourage your cat to explore!
  • Outdoor Enclosures. A catio (cat patio) is an outdoor enclosure that lets your cat experience the outdoors without allowing them to run off. They take some effort to set up, but catios provide kittens with endless hours of entertainment.
  • Puzzle Feeders. Great for kittens that eat too quickly, puzzle feeders slow your cat down while making them think about their meal. This can also help your cat lose weight and avoid problems related to overeating. 
  • Fetch. Kittens like to chase prey, so find a toy they’re interested in and let it loose! Something stretchy and fun like a hairband or rubber band works great for fetch. Just don’t expect your cat to bring it back!
  • Second Cat. Kittens with lots of energy could benefit from a friend. Getting a second cat provides tons of benefits with little added cost, considering you already have toys, scratchers, beds, and cat food. Once the two bond, they’ll provide each other with a lifetime of love and fun.

What To Do If A Kitten Doesn’t Get Tired

For new kitten owners, nothing can be more frustrating than playing with a kitten and not seeing it show any signs of getting sleepy. We’ve all been there! The best course of action is to keep trying, or to try something different. Even if you’ve cycled through all nine tips we recommended, it’s worth keeping at them and seeing if anything works.

If nothing works in the end, then rest assured that your kitten will definitely calm down as it gets older. While there’s not short-term fix to making your kitten mature faster, just know that your kitten’s crazy energy is temporary. Who knows, you may someday miss just how wild your cat used to be!

Final Thoughts: How To Tire Out A Kitten

Tiring out your kitten is great for you and your furry friend. Kittens benefit from burning energy, and many tiring activities can be physically and mentally healthy. Activities don’t require much time, and some can even help you bond with your cat.

In many cases, a tired kitten is a happy kitten. 

Thomas Short
Latest posts by Thomas Short (see all)
Scroll to Top