Anyone who has ever had a kitten knows what it’s like when the kitten won’t calm down. Zoomies, leaping off furniture, and occasional damage can be expected from energetic kittens — after all, they are babies with tons of new sights, smells, and feelings to experience.
While watching energetic kittens can be fun, there comes a time when it feels like they have to be getting tired out. Some days it might feel like kittens will never calm down and tire out.
If you’re wondering when your kitten will calm down, the good news is that cats do mellow out with age. However, nailing down exactly when your kitten might calm down can be difficult as it depends on your cat’s age, gender, and personality.
At What Age Do Kittens Start To Calm Down?
Kittens should start to calm down as they mature, but you can expect the super hyperactive phase to peter out around 6-12 months of age. During this time your kitten will start to become a cat, spending more time sleeping and cuddling than running around and exploring.
While a lot of activity can be chalked up to young age, some kittens might be going wild because of stress or discomfort in their environment. Kittens need a space where they can relax in peace and quiet. Without it, your kitten could develop some bad tendencies and habits.
Of course, with so many different cat breeds and personalities, your kitten could calm down sooner or later than the estimated window. Some people’s kittens are already pretty calm and relaxed! Just rest assured that hyperactivity is perfectly normal for a kitten and that it won’t last forever.
When Female Kittens Start to Calm Down
Generally speaking, you can expect a female kitten to start calming down at around 6-12 months, depending on breed and personality.
However, if your kitten was not spayed, then your female kitten could experience a surge in energy when they go into heat. This can occur as early as 4-6 months old. If tons of cat energy is something you’re trying to avoid, consider spaying your cat. Not only is spaying safe, but it can also provide health benefits to your cat as it matures.
When Male Kittens Start to Calm Down
As with female kittens, most male kittens will start to calm down around 6-12 months old. While male kittens won’t go into heat, they do start to act up as their hormones take over.
If you choose not to neuter your male kitten, you can expect them to become more territorial. This can mean a tendency to spray, something which you definitely want to avoid in your home.
It is worth noting that neutering a male kitten is perfectly healthy and preferred by many cat owners. If you have an indoor male kitten that isn’t neutered, talk to your vet and discuss getting them neutered.
When Do Kittens Calm Down at Night?
If you’re a first-time kitten owner then you might be wondering why your kitten is super active during the night. Cats are crepuscular, so they’re naturally active during dusk and dawn. For kittens, this can mean getting a burst of energy late at night or early in the morning.
There are things you can do to try and get your kitten to sleep more during the night. One of the best things to do is tire your kitten out, which can also be a great way to bond with your kitten. Also, try to avoid feeding your kitten right before you go to bed. Dinner can lead to energy in a few hours, so plan accordingly.
As your kitten matures, expect them to start sleeping more during the night, giving you more time to recharge and sleep.
Related: 7 Best Cat Toys For Kittens
Final Thoughts: When Do Kittens Calm Down
Kittens are bundles of energy, and that can be a lot of fun. However, energetic kittens can be hard to keep up with. The good news is that kittens grow out of their energetic phase at around 6-12 months old. If you have a male or female kitten that isn’t neutered or spayed, you might want to consider the procedure. To minimize nighttime activity, be sure to give your kitten plenty of exercise and playtime during the day.
FAQs for When Kittens Calm Down
Most kittens mellow out around 9-12 months, though some breeds may take longer. Your kitten’s temperament also determines when they calm down.
You can relax a hyper kitten with regular playtime and plenty of stimulation. Consider getting a robotic or automated cat toy if you’re away from home during the day.
Kittens are most difficult pretty much the entire time they’re kittens!
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