I have a VERY needy VERY active cat as well (even though she's almost 12!). She wants to play and be in my lap or snuggle or just be all up in my business ALL the time and also yowls outside my door when I'm working or sleeping. I got her this toy a few years ago and she LOVES IT. I buy her so many goddamn toys, a lot are expensive and interactive, but this is the one she loves THE MOST by far. A lot of other cats love it too. It looks like it might be semi-sold out on amazon right now but they have it a lot of places and it's normally only around $12. It has lasted years now despite her constant aggressive attacks. Whenever she's annoying me I turn it on and she immediately runs over to it and goes nuts. Highly recommend.
Also, getting draft guards for under your interior doors (bedroom door, office, etc) really, really helps to muffle the noise. I got them because my cat would reach her paw under the door and violently jiggle it back and forth, making a ton of noise, but after I installed them I learned it also really cut down on noise from the other side (aka her constant cries for attention).
You additionally need to be consistent with not responding to her going nuts. If your office is in an individual room, close the door while you're working and don't let her in no matter what. I used to let her sleep in my bed and when my boyfriend (now husband) started staying over a lot he was like um..no, because she knocks over everything in the room very aggressively at like 4am to wake me up. She was very mad at first but now she's used to it and she has plenty of very comfy places all over the house to sleep instead.
Lol oh no :(! I actually got a bonded pair, so her and her brother will wrestle and tire each other out. Was actually part of the reason I considered getting two! I got them this toy though that they seem to love, and it also gives me a break. It's so hard to keep up with them with all the energy they have, they're babies after all! https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B06WP7F8YC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_dOaTj6oizocX7 It's like an auto wand on a rotating wheel thing. They go ape shit for it lol. Hope this helps?! Haha ¯_(ツ)_/¯
The one in the video is Cat's Meow someone said it had bad reviews, it's also like 25.50
This one is currently on sale for 11 something:
This is for a U.S. link, the other is a Canada link
I think they're talking about the SmartyKat Hot Pursuit. Full disclosure - both my cats love it too, but they get hot and cold with it. Make sure to swap through different types of toys and try not to "overuse" the "one that works." Cats like variety just like we do!
I find a laser pointer is a good way to switch things up, and then transition to a remote toy (like a mouse or a spring) once they're riled up!
This toy is concealed by a cloth and spins around slowly at random. The cats at the shelter I work at are obsessed with this thing. It doesn't make loud noises from my experience. SmartyKat Hot Pursuit, Electronic Concealed Motion Cat Toy, Interactive Spinning Feathered Wand, 2 Speed Controls & Moving Lights, Battery Powered https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WP7F8YC/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_NH3RJQVVD7BMG1XFTQ1F
Get some more toys. Especially toys that make the cat run around after it. That should stop her from trying to play with your arm.
SmartyKat Hot Pursuit Cat Toy Concealed Motion Toy, Blue https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B06WP7F8YC/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_5C6FX5A9K4YGTXJV36M7
That toy should be able to wear out even the most energetic cat.
Get your cat one of these. Also when kittens are that young it’s honestly better to get them a buddy. They play all the time and tire each other out.
SmartyKat Hot Pursuit Cat Toy https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WP7F8YC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_65F3XJ6AE70C6XR0R043
Do you have cat trees? Or a way to get some good window cat tv in for him?
In toys - buy this. Life saver and it’s timed so I’ll even turn it on when I go out for a bit.
Mine has such an obsession with the toy linked that he learned how to turn it on himself and I just hear it go off randomly at all hours. I sometimes have to take it away...he also really loves those plastic springs and the little rainbow balls.
My boyfriend also wakes up at 5am for work and he turns on this toy and our kitten will entertain himself with it while he’s making breakfast and getting ready.
I can’t believe bought something from gif, what has my life become... (link if you’re interested)
This is on par for cats. Cats go to the secure place, then wait there until they have sussed out their environment from under the bed. They may be tempted out by an enticing robot toy, and for this I recommend this thing which is the only toy we have that gets my Tuesday to forget she's scared of stuff and want to kill the fluffy. This reminds her that she is a brave little hunter and that the bed is her hunting cave:
You don't have to get in on Amazon but I recommend it as a toy. Add catnip to the tail but for extra kittehbelleh.
Cats will stay in their cave until they are tempted out. This means a) leave them be, and b) put stuff near the place they holed up in that they have the option of being interested in, without pushing it on them.
If all noises and movements seem to freak them out, just leave the room to them for a day or two and let them come out when they're curious. Cats are curious creatures once their natural fear of bigger creatures has subsided enough for their cat-pride to remind them that they can manipulate us into... well let's just say that I haven't been to the bathroom, showered or slept alone for three years now.
Just give them time, things to be interested in (i.e. kill, at least for now) and add other bolt holes they can move over to, like cat trees with enclosures and cardboard boxes with multiple escape methods.
Ideally, to make a cat feel secure, add up-high retreats and getaways. In the wild, most cats prefer to have a little highway they can access that we don't step on - tree branches, walls, etc. For a cat to be at home in a human home, you have to give them a range of cubbies, gangplanks, shelves and hideyholes that let them live next to you, rather than on your actual plane.
Also if they have a way to move around the house that doesn't involve your couch, they won't scratch the shit out of it. As much.
For now, leave the cat alone but do interesting things that a cat might like (tying string to your ankle works well). In the long term, try to look at your home from your cat's point of view and give them an alternative way to get around that makes them feel safe and in control. Cats really like to be in charge, and they feel easier about that if they can get up high and look down.
I bought this one and my cats can't get enough of it. Best cat toy yet!
from amazon, surprisingly durable! also, automatic shut off and 2 speeds. it’s amazing.
SmartyKat Hot Pursuit Cat Toy... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WP7F8YC?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
from amazon:
SmartyKat Hot Pursuit Cat Toy... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WP7F8YC?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Basically, one cat was so ADD that play with normal toys wouldn't hold her attention. This particular electronic toy mesmerized her, though, and she played with it for a long time. Unfortunately, the video doesn't go into how the owners eventually got her engaging with fishing-rod type toys.
I'm assuming she's straight up not interested in the toys rather than just stalking without attacking.
There are two possibilities I see: you're not moving the wand/fishing rod type toys unpredictably enough (or enough like prey), so they're failing to hold her interest. This guide might help you if that's the case. The other possibility is that she's literally ADD and you need to move more predictably to start off and keep her focused.
Keep ignoring her. Stick to your resolve and eventually she will learn being annoying doesn’t equal attention. There are a lot of products on the market that can prevent scratching like scratching sprays, double sided sticky tape, pet repellent/pet block sprays. I used to have a cat who did this and I locked her out into the living room at nights usually having something blocking the door to avoid damage to the door. There are also toys on Amazon that u can put batteries in that entertain the cats for a while.
SmartyKat Electronic Motion/Moving Toys for Cats & Kittens, Battery Powered, Mimics Motion of Real Prey, Fun & Interactive Play - Multiple Styles https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WP7F8YC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_AEDZYNTK8T85NV9FWJZ0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Flurff Cat Toys, Interactive Cat Toy Butterfly Funny Exercise Electric Flutter Rotating Kitten Toys, Cat Teaser with Replacement https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B4XGY1Z/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_5Z3ZZ1GAPRE47HKARGVW
I would write down a list of things that you do to take care of your kitty.
For mine, it would look something like
-Refill food bowls as needed -Rinse and refill water dishes 1x daily -Clean litter box(es) once daily -Brush/play time -Take in for vet care as needed -Shop for cat items
Then I would go task by task to make sure each task is doable.
For feeding, would automatic food/water feeders be an option?
You could consider getting one of those litter box systems with the sifter that always sits in the bottom of the box so you wouldn’t have to do the scooping motion, if that’s one of your triggers. Combine that with the lightweight litter, you might have some luck. There are self-cleaning litter boxes but they are super, super expensive.
For playtime! I got my cats this super cool mat for Christmas and they have literally never been so enthralled by anything ever. You do need to press a button in the center to turn it on, and it runs on batteries so there is some maintenance, but ours lasted through a lot of playtime before the batteries needed to be changed. Also, Cat TV on YouTube is a fun option if you think she would like to see some freakishly big birds or squirrels. Just make sure she doesn’t attack the screen!
Vet care! Very important. I would look into a mobile vet that could come to you.
Cat item shopping: another one where you could have what you need delivered.
Do you have other friends/family that could help you out in an emergency situation? It’s more than likely that there are cat people around you that would love to help out.
Lastly, it sounds like your SO cares about your kitty too. Would they be willing to take her if you tried and just don’t feel like it’s a good idea for you?
I really hope this helps. I love my cats more than anything in the world and I can’t imagine being in a position where I had to give them up. 😢 Best of luck to you!
Is he neutered? If not, get him neutered.
He wants to play. He wants more play than what he's getting from you right now. Sorry :(.
I got my guys some automatic toys, because I really don't feel like moving a string around while they stare at me, as much as they want that. Their favorite is this dumb thing: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WP7F8YC
My friend has the pet cube, which you can program to start a laser game while you're out.
He also might benefit from a pal, like another young active cat.
My cats love this toy off Amazon!
No way your cat would ignore this toy! My cats can't get enough of it!
Awe, so cute. I have a hard time finding toys my cats like. But they both love this one. They can't get enough of it!
We have that same toy, it's this one here: https://www.amazon.com/SmartyKat-Hot-Pursuit-Concealed-Motion/dp/B06WP7F8YC (seems like other companies make similar toys too.)
One of the best purchases I’ve made in 2020 and possibly ever: https://www.amazon.com/SmartyKat-Hot-Pursuit-Concealed-Motion/dp/B06WP7F8YC
I just buy stuff at the pet store, but I can try and find a few recommendations. You'll want to avoid things with bells or small parts, at least while she's tiny. PetSmart usually has some pretty good stuff, or you can even find a good selection on Amazon. If you're gone a lot, it also might be a good idea to invest in something you can turn on and leave running while you're gone, like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WP7F8YC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_2GCMBb2JZP9JV.
Ironically, my cat's favorite toy is a piece of cut up fleece on a stick that I got from the pet store.
Here are a few homemade things that look fun:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/496293492/cat-toy-kitten-toy-kitten-puzzle-cat
https://www.etsy.com/listing/573944129/catnip-toy-medium-kicker-cat-toy-cat
And here are some more things from Amazon that I would recommend: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DT2WL26/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_bLCMBbEDZ585B
And https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QPLUQXY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_dOCMBbRA7B6MM
Just make sure she's careful with the string on this one. As long as she doesn't break it off and swallow it, it should be fine.
Some sort of a laser pointer is always a great toy for kitties, just make sure not to shine it in her eyes.
Finally, make sure to get her a cat tree if you have room for one. Cats like to climb. Something like this would be great: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0794T79KM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ERCMBbM18RTGA
Scratching posts are also important, so here's what I would recommend for a scratching post, if you don't want to get the cat tree: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BY385RX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fTCMBbKA5B15Q
Once you spay her, if she isn't already, feed her adult food so she doesn't gain too much weight. A good kitten food to start her on before the spay is Good Natured, at PetSmart. If she's spayed and you want to start her on adult food, I use this, and my cat loves it, and she's super healthy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XDQCL13/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_0VCMBbHDBF7XG
If you have any other questions, please feel free to message me. I have had my cat for two years, and raised her since she was three months old, so I can answer a lot of kitten questions.
One more thing, get her a bed. She may not always use it, but she will appreciate it.
Is getting a second cat and shutting them out of your bedroom an option? Young cats in particular are often active at night - mine sometimes race up and down the stairs chasing each other in the middle of the night. Having two means they play with each other more.
Also, check out robot toys that you can leave for your cat to play with. Sounds like she's just playful and active at a normal time and just needs stuff she can play with - she has no concept of 'keeping you awake' and has no idea why you're spraying her and booting her out. From her perspective it's playtime and everything is a toy. This needs to be diverted so she can play alone, plus possibly a companion to play with.
Here are some toys mine get on well with (sorry its all Amazon links but the pet stores in our town are a rip off so I tend to shop online and am a creature of habit - you might find cheaper alternatives in your area/ from other retailers):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06WP7F8YC/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07415PHRW/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006N9I68/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (one of mine goes nuts for this one and I have about 5 of these around the house)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000N9W7HW/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It is possible to rig these with switches your cat can learn to operate - I will make a separate post on how I did that at some point but essentially cat robot toys can be rigged with basic levers that your can can switch on, and if your cat watches you switch it on enough times they will try and do it too. For example for the SmartyKat Hot Pursuit Cat Toy I hotglued another toy (a rubber ball with a stalky bit sticking out) to the top of it and tied on a bit of string, so my cat can pull the string and it turns on the toy.
It doesn't help to wear them out a bit with a laser pointer before you go to bed either - young cats have a lot of energy to burn off so if you can tire them out a bit during the day they're more likely to be sleepy at night. Mine are about 2 and a half now and they are starting to be more sleepy at night, the romping around the house is getting a bit rarer. Hang in there :)
SmartyKat is a good range. We have one that has a mechanical arm under a rip-proof blue sheet that has a 'tail' you can chase. Amazon link is here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06WP7F8YC/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
“Hot pursuit” XD Here’s the Amazon link for it: SmartyKat Hot Pursuit Cat Toy... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WP7F8YC?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Comet (black and white kitty) is not super big on playing with toys. She sometimes will grab one and whack it around for a bit but not a ton. Now there are two toys that she does go ape for. This one and this one. She learned how to turn the first one on herself and will play with it until she tires herself out. With the rainbow wand, she will chase it for as long as we will wave it around. If she outlasts us, she will end up grabbing the rainbow part and dragging it around. Maybe your cat would like something like those! :)
SmartyKat Hot Pursuit Cat Toy Concealed Motion Toy https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WP7F8YC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_trabCb1M1RSJZ