My Pet World: My kitten turned 1 and suddenly she’s a handful

Dear Cathy,

My one-year-old Siamese rescue cat, Lilibet, has developed some rambunctious behavior. She follows me everywhere but constantly bites at my feet, tries to trip me on the stairs (I have a broken foot to prove it), and climbs the window screens. I am careful not to let her get outside. Right now, she doesn’t settle down enough to sleep with me.

She has always been the perfect kitten. Is this typical behavior for a cat her age, and how long will it last? She is eating fine and has no litter box problems.

— Ann, Plainville, Connecticut

Dear Ann,

Lilibet has entered the feline equivalent of the teenage years. At one year old, she may look like a grown cat, but she still has plenty of youthful energy and a strong drive to chase, pounce, climb and explore. Young cats commonly engage in predatory-style play, and moving feet can become especially tempting targets.

You can redirect much of that energy into more appropriate activities. Try giving Lilibet several short, vigorous play sessions throughout the day using a wand or fishing-pole-style toy that she can chase, leap after and eventually “catch.” Letting her complete that sequence is important. Puzzle feeders, climbing structures and rotating toys can also give her more ways to use her brain and body, which help wear her out.

I would pay particular attention to the foot biting and weaving around your ankles because, as your broken foot demonstrates, this has become a safety issue. Before you start walking, toss a few treats or a favorite toy across the room, or use a wand toy held well away from your body to engage her somewhere else. Then walk away once her attention is focused on the treat or toy. Over time, this can help shift her attention away from your feet and onto more appropriate things to chase.

For the screen climbing, give her a tall, sturdy cat tree placed near a window to satisfy the urge to climb. You may need to temporarily block access to screens while she learns that there are better places to exercise her climbing skills.

As for when she will settle down, there isn't a birthday when someone flips the “calm cat” switch. But you should see her energy level gradually change as she matures. Rather than waiting for Lilibet to outgrow the behavior, help her learn where all that enthusiasm belongs.

Don't worry if she isn't ready to sleep with you. A cat who follows you around the house is already telling you she enjoys being near you. She may eventually decide your bed is the perfect place to sleep, or she may simply have other ideas about bedtime. (Cats are nocturnal and it can take time for some cats to get the message that nighttime is for sleeping.)

Because this represents a noticeable change in behavior, however, mention it to your veterinarian, especially if the biting seems aggressive rather than playful or you notice any other physical or behavioral changes. Pain and medical problems can sometimes contribute to sudden changes in behavior.

For now, though, it sounds like you may have a healthy young cat with a serious case of the zoomies. Your job is to give those zoomies somewhere safer to land.

Dear Cathy,

My eight-year-old female lab mix has suddenly started peeing in the house, mostly overnight. She has never done this before, and her veterinarian says that there are no medical reasons causing this. How can I stop/redirect her behavior?

— Earl, Des Plaines, Illinois

Dear Earl,

Your veterinarian says there is no medical reason, but did they run tests? A urinary tract infection, kidney disease, diabetes, even neurological disorders can cause a previously house-trained dog to suddenly urinate indoors. Since this is new behavior and she is 8, I would continue investigating the health aspect.

If medical causes are completely ruled out, consider changes in her routine or environment. Did a different work schedule, changes in when she eats or drinks, someone new in the home or even nearby construction stress her and affect her behavior. If it’s stress, I recommend a pheromone collar for a month or two to see if that helps.

Meanwhile, go back to house-training basics. Feed her early in the evening, and take her outside just before bed, giving her plenty of time to empty her bladder. Praise and treat her when she urinates. Doggie diapers are another option for managing overnight accidents, whether temporarily or long-term. Just be sure to change the diaper when wet and keep her skin clean and dry to prevent irritation.

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(Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to cathy@petpundit.com. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal.)