Exercise and Play
How should I play with my kitten?
Kittens love to stalk, chase, and pounce. Use hand held toys (not your own body parts as this can lead to inappropriate biting/scratching) that encourage this behavior. Drag any toy with a small rope (but don’t let the kitten chew the string). You can even teach your kitten to sit, jump and play fetch using positive reinforcement techniques with treats/praise.
- Laser pointer--Kittens love to chase the dot!
- End play time with a laser with a toy the kitten can catch or a treat
- Cat Dancer or Rainbow Cat Charmer
- Go Cat Cat Catcher Teaser Wand with Mouse Cat Toy
- MYLAR Crinkle Balls
How do I get my kitten to exercise when I am not home?
Some kittens keep themselves busy, but most will sleep all day! You can hide treats for your kitten to search and find. Your kitten may play with other pets in the house, but if not, you can encourage play with electronic toys. Bird feeders outside your windows, TV, or a radio can also keep your kitten entertained.
- Cat Meow Moving undercover mouse electronic kitten toy
- Ideas in Life rotating mouse toy
- SmartCat Peek and play toy box
- CatIt Treat Ball
- Bergan turbo track
- Kitty City pouncing paws motorized toy
- These toys don't require your presence to engage the kitten. Electronic toys can be set to turn on several times a day for short periods of time.
- One Fast Cat exercise wheel
- A great way for your kitten to exercise indoors, but will require some training
Does my kitten need a scratching post?
Your kitten needs a place to scratch as well as to climb and explore. Kitten climbing trees or condos help deter your kitten from climbing on the furniture. They often include places to hide, and scratch as well. A natural wood fire log or old wicker chair can be great for scratching.
- Bergan turbo scratcher, KONG naturals Incline Scratcher Toy
- These are designed to attract your kitten to scratch
- Kitten Tree Scratcher Play House Condo, SmartCat multilevel cat climber
- Put these in front of an uncovered window and your kittens will love them!
Can I take my kitten for walks?
It depends on the kitten! The only safe way is on a leash with a special kitten harness. Introduce your kitten to the outdoors one step at a time, using lots of treats until she is comfortable. Some kittens will enjoy this and others will prefer to stay indoors.
- Coastal Pet Black Mesh Cat Harness, Kitty Holster Cat Harness, Savvy Tabby Nylon Cat Harness
- These harnesses keep your kitten securely attached to the leash outdoors. Never rely on just a collar!
- Strollers
Is it okay to give my kitten catnip?
Yes but not all will react to it, and most will not react until over 6 months of age.
More about keeping kittens happy
For more information on keeping your kitten happy, see our guide on Feline Enrichment