You know that moment when you’re sitting on the couch with your cat only to have them suddenly dart off like a maniac and start hurdling around the house like a crazy cat?
Sure, it’s entertaining to watch, but it’s not fun at night and at 4 am in the morning when you just want some sleep.
Many indoor cats struggle with excess energy levels that leave them constantly in need of entertainment.
However, excessive hyperactivity can be a sign of health issues or, most often, from a lack of physical exercise, so it’s important to understand why your cat is so hyper.
These are some of the reasons why they might be so high-energy:
1. Cat Breed
First things first, let’s talk about genetics. While not always the case, some cat breeds are simply born to be wild and mildly unruly.
The Siamese, Bengal, and Abyssinian breeds are notorious for their high energy levels.
These kitties have a lot of energy to burn, and it’s up to us to provide them with ways to do so.
Consider investing in interactive toys or a cat tree to provide them with an outlet for their wild antics.
2. Age
Age is just a number, they say, but it plays a significant role in your cat’s energy levels.
Younger cats tend to be more active than older cats most of the time. I remember when we first brought our new cat, Cleo, to meet our other cat Simba.
Simba was a kitten and wanted to play. Cleo was older and did not want to play.
If your cat is still in its ‘kittenhood’ phase, this hyperactivity should lessen as they grow older.
However, don’t count on your senior cat to be entirely calm, either.
They may become more relaxed, but they still have plenty of mischief to make, so be prepared!
3. Diet
You may not realize it, but your cat’s diet can also contribute to their hyperactivity.
Jackson Galaxy is always advising against free-feeding cats, as it can lead to overfeeding and a boost in their energy levels.
Like humans, cats can have reactions to certain foods. Some cat foods contain high levels of carbohydrates, which are then converted into sugars and can cause energy spikes.
Consider switching to a high-protein and low-carb diet to help calm your kitty down but remember to always consult with your vet before making any drastic changes to your cat’s diet.
4. Environment
Cats are sensitive to their surroundings, and changes in their environment can lead to nervousness and increased activity levels.
Moving to a new home, rearranging furniture, or even having guests over can make a cat anxious.
To help them adjust, maintain a consistent routine, and provide them with a safe, quiet space to retreat to when they need to calm down.
5. Physical Exercise
Cats need daily physical exercise to stay healthy and burn off excess energy.
A lack of exercise can leave them feeling bored and more likely to act out. And simply giving them toys to play with won’t always work, especially if they aren’t interactive toys.
Regular playtime is essential to ensuring your cat gets the workout it needs.
Toys like laser pointers and feather wands can provide great ways to keep your cat active and engaged.
6. Health Conditions
If your usually calm cat suddenly becomes hyperactive, it’s important to be able to rule out any physical health concerns with the help of a veterinarian.
A cat’s hyperactivity can sometimes be a symptom of underlying health issues such as hyperthyroidism.
A trip to the vet can help you identify any potential health concerns and guide you in managing your cat’s energy levels.
If your cat seems excessive or off, don’t hesitate to consult with a professional.
7. Medial History
If your cat has undergone a medical procedure or has had any illnesses, it could influence their behavior.
Always keep your vet informed about any changes or abnormalities in your cat’s behavior.
That way, your vet can provide proper guidance on how to manage your cat’s hyperactivity and provide the necessary medical attention if needed – and before a condition becomes worse.
Why is my cat so hyper all of a sudden?
Your kitty might be extra hyper because of a sudden change in their environment or diet, an increase in playtime, feeling playful or energetic, or even due to some health conditions.
But don’t worry; it’s not always a red flag. I have seen my cat doing this many times, usually when we open the door after being out for a few hours.
Sometimes, our cats are just excited or bored.
It’s best to keep an eye on them, and if the hyperactivity continues, maybe a quick visit to the vet could help ease your mind.
Do hyper cats ever calm down?
Yes, it’s very common for hyper cats to calm down as they age. And as cat parents, we can’t always wait for that day to come fast enough!
But don’t worry; it’s usually the first two years of your cat’s life that are the most energetic.
After that, they tend to get more relaxed and become more affectionate.
However, you should provide your kitty with enough physical and mental stimulation during the day to prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behavior.
Providing plenty of toys to bat around and scratching posts can give them an outlet for their energy while also promoting healthy behaviors.
5 Ways To Calm Down Your Hyperactive Cat
As someone who has been in the cat world for a while, I’ve seen my fair share of feline frenzy. And let me tell you; it’s not always a walk in the park.
But thankfully, there are lots of ways we can calm down our overly-active cats.
1. Toys, Toys, Toys!
You know how kids can get hyperactive when they’re bored? Well, cats are no different.
They need mental stimulation, and toys are a perfect solution.
From feather teasers to laser pointers, these distractions can work wonders. Just remember, safety first!
Always supervise your cat during playtime to avoid any accidents, but more important, make sure the toys they play with are safe for them.
2. Catnip: The Feline Chill Pill
Catnip, scientifically known as Nepeta cataria, is like a natural sedative for cats.
A sprinkle of this herb on their toys or scratching post can calm them down.
However, not all cats respond to catnip; some may even get more active, so tread carefully!
3. Stress stopper cat relief
This spray was brought to my attention by Jackson Galaxy, and it’s been a life-saver ever since.
Stress stopper cat relief is a mix of feline pheromones that helps relieve my cat’s anxiety and stress, which helps her feel much safer.
I generally use this when I know I will be using the vacuum because my cat gets anxious and starts running and jumping all over the place because of the noise.
This is great for short-term stress or anxiety spikes and longer-term routine changes, offering cats a sense of grounding and protection.
4. Interactive Playtime: The Secret Sauce
Interactive playtime is a great way to burn off your cat’s excess energy.
This could involve anything from a vigorous game of fetch to a gentle grooming session.
The key is to engage with your cat in a way that suits their personality.
5. Feline Meditation: As Crazy As It Sounds
Meditation isn’t just for humans anymore.
There are numerous calming techniques, such as petting your cat in a rhythmic manner or speaking softly to them, that can induce a state of relaxation.
You might even find yourself feeling calmer too! I have actually done this a bit without even noticing that it could be meditating for my cat.
A high-energy cat can be hard to handle. But, if you understand why your cat is so active, you can do the things that will help them become more relaxed.