Cat Hyperactivity

Although it may seem as though your cat has gone mad; running around, jumping off furniture, chasing anything that moves and generally being a bit hyperactive, is all quite normal for cats. These types of outburst are usually just a way for your cat to expel some pent up energy, by acting out its natural predatory instincts. It may be that if your cat does this more frequently, it is simply lonely or bored and has no other way of relieving its boredom, providing your cat with toys and "play time" will generally calm your cat down and can also be fun for both of you! It is much better to provide active entertainment for your cat, than to just throw a toy on the floor, your cat will soon get bored if the toy doesn't give anything back; try playing with a piece of string your cat can stalk and attack.

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If a cat's hyperactive behaviour has happened while you are not present, then remember not to reprimand it for any damage done on your return - a cat will not be able to associate the punishment with the crime. Likewise, chasing a cat that is in a hyperactive mood will only lead it to think that you are playing with it - exactly what it is looking for in the first place, so this will not teach it that you do not approve of its behaviour. To prevent accidents or damage from happening in the first place, it is far better to make the cat's environment a happy one when you are not around. Provide plenty of toys and a scratching post, access to a windowsill is also a good idea, cats really do seem to enjoy watching the world go by; any birds in view can also provide much needed entertainment.

Take time out to play with your cat, provide it with fun and exercise, reward good behaviour and you will find these little manic outbursts become a thing of the past.