Your 1-year-old cat is kind of like a teen human. You’ve put a lot of hard work into their training so far, and they’ll make sure you keep working hard! At this age, some cats may push back against some of the training they’ve already learned. You may notice them testing boundaries and practicing the fine art of tricking you into giving them what they want.
While your young cat may seem like they’re stirring up a lot of trouble, they may simply be more interested in interacting with their environment. Your cat might perceive that trying to knock things off shelves is worth any fallout that results. They might decide that the strings hanging from your blinds are just too interesting to resist.
For some cats at this age, you can also start to see frustration-elicited behavior. This means when a cat can’t perform a behavior they’re really itching to do, you might see some undesirable behaviors like repetitive yowling, biting at feet or a resurgence of destructive behavior. Your cat should not regress in litter box training—if you’re noticing this, it’s best to get a medical evaluation to rule out health conditions.
During this time, you may have to double down on training. Remember to use positive reinforcement only. Reward well, and reward often. To combat these sometimes irritating, sometimes dangerous behaviors, you may need to increase the frequency or value of rewards you offer. Consider introducing tasty new treats to keep things interesting! Make sure you’re incorporating activities that help your cat burn off energy, both physical and mental. If your cat isn’t spayed or neutered, it’s also a great time to revisit the topic with your veterinarian, as some of these behaviors may be hormone-driven.
Importantly, for most kittens, this is just a phase! With patience, positive reinforcement and proper enrichment, you and your teen cat will come out on the other side with your strong bond intact.
Learn how to manage excessive vocalizing or crying in cats.
