Have you heard of the “T-Rex phase” of kitten-hood? It’s called this because kittens will sometimes stand up on their back legs, batting at things with their tiny front legs, running like crazy, much like a stampeding T-Rex. We use this phrase to describe the “terrible two’s” period of a kitten’s life, usually between eight weeks/three months to two years old, typically peaking at ten months.

The age at which this phase happens and how long it lasts strongly depends on previous socialization and what they learned from mama, littermates and the humans they’ve interacted with.

• How did people play with and handle them when they were smaller?
• Did they grow up an “only” kitten, without littermates to learn boundaries from?
• Did they have stability and routine?
• Were they given tools to manage high energy?

Some kittens are just more energetic and curious than others. Even if we give them the proper tools, they still need to explore and run, no matter how frustrating that can be for us. And remember, there is light at the end of the tunnel! With proper management and modification, your T-Rex can grow up into a loving, relaxed, happy lap cat… we just have to be patient and a good teacher.

What behaviors might we expect? (Not a comprehensive list, as T-Rex kittens can be quite rambunctious!!)

• Biting and batting at things with paws, often with claws out
• Chasing moving legs, arms, hands
• Climbing humans and objects
• Scratching objects
• “Attacking”
• Boundless energy

What can we do about this? What tools can we give them?

• Regular, extensive playtime with appropriate toys
  • WAND TOYS!!! Keep those babies running, while also keeping them at a bit of a distance
• Limited handling
  • As humans, we want to cuddle and pet our kittens, but remember, they’re living for fun and excitement right now, which means we need to meet them where they are. They’re not capable of shutting this energy off.
• Toys to help them learn independent play
  • Battery-operated toys can be great!
• Enrichment
  • Boxes! Create a maze of boxes with toys and treats inside for them to explore and chew on.
  • Frozen treats
    • Lick mats can work wonders to give your cat a distraction
    • Freeze wet food or Churu in small ice trays and offer them in a bowl
  • Shredded paper with toys or treats hidden in it for them to burrow into
  • Snuffle mats with their meals hidden in them
• Make nail trims normal and rewarding using Churu or wet food to reinforce allowing nail trims
• If your kitten likes to pounce as you walk through a room, keep treats or toys handy to toss away from you, directing to the toy instead

Redirect unwanted behaviors into something appropriate. We all learn better when we’re offered an appropriate alternative, instead of simply being told no. Time out doesn’t work for these little ones; it just builds frustration.