I adopted a kitten about a week ago, and he’s nearly three months old. Every night he sleeps on the bed with me, which I don't mind at all. However, he gets really hyper just as I’m going to bed and also very early in the morning. So, I’ve started putting a toy on the bed for him to play with; otherwise, he pounces on me and attacks my feet.
Is putting a toy on the bed a good idea, or is it a bit of a bad habit to get into in terms of his training?
This is my first cat, so thanks in advance for any advice! 😸
P.S. If he doesn't sleep with me, he meows, and since I live in a studio flat, I can't really see myself locking him in the bathroom all night. But as I said, I don't mind him sleeping with me.
Translated from French
The forum content is sometimes translated from another language, and posts may concern countries with different animal laws. Do your research before making any decisions.
Since the forum is translated by AI, the translations may contain errors.
Evening,
Since cats are naturally nocturnal creatures, it’s not at all surprising that he gets the "zoomies". You can leave some toys on the floor for him, like a ping-pong ball. These are great because they roll away at the slightest touch, so he can play with them for hours. Even a cotton bud on the floor can keep him occupied for ages.
Also, if the kitten is really bothering you by pouncing on your feet while you're sleeping, well, just give him a bit of a kick! Don't worry, through the duvet there’s no risk of hurting him. There’s no reason to sacrifice your sleep. That said, sleeping with their owner is a real treat for a cat, so it’s lovely that you let him.
Yeah, you can’t really train a cat, unlike a dog. So, whether there’s a toy on the bed or not, it isn’t going to stop them from playing; besides, they’ll play with just about anything (don’t leave small objects or elastic bands lying around as they might swallow them). You can tire them out by playing with them (using string or fishing rod toys) and feeding them right before you go to bed. I ended up opting for a playpen under a large table for its safety, as I also had adult cats, and for my own sleep.
How can I put it... What your kitten is doing... well, I’ve got the exact same thing but doubled because I have two kittens!
It’s a proper party in the evening until about 11pm (and that’s an improvement because at the start it was until 1am), and then in the morning they're at it again at 5:30 or 6am. They charge full pelt onto the bed, hide under the protective sheet we’ve put over the duvet, nibble our feet if they manage to find the way in, jump around... and so on. I’ll admit it’s exhausting, especially at first, but it’s so funny and lovely, and it creates a real bond with them. Like @Lebronzé, I’d say everyone has their own idea of what a relationship with their cat should be, and in my opinion, having a toy on the bed isn’t a mistake—but he’ll soon get bored of it because you’re a much more interesting playmate! 😁
I’m just a big kid at heart, really. I’d say I’m like one of the cats myself and I couldn’t imagine not roughhousing with them.
Some people want their cats to be perfectly behaved, like a proper prim and proper family. Me? I prefer them mischievous, a bit of a thief, slightly manipulative and just full of nonsense!
Unlike dogs, cats aren't expected to have perfect social manners, so it’s really up to you what kind of cat you're dreaming of.
If you want a cat like mine, you’ve got to let them play with your feet when they’re poking out from under the duvet, or when they think there’s a little beastie under the sheets and they pounce like they’re hunting mice in the fields. But that’s a playful habit they’ll keep as they grow up, so you can’t go complaining about it later on!
For me, that’s just what having a cat is all about!
Otherwise, you can keep a bit of distance and use feather wands instead of your hands; it hurts less, but it’s not half as much fun!
In my opinion, putting a toy on the bed isn't going to work 😂
