Understanding Your Kitten’s Behaviour – What’s Normal and What’s Not?

Bringing home a new kitten is an exciting experience, but it also comes with plenty of questions. One moment your kitten is asleep in your lap, and the next they’re sprinting through the house at full speed, climbing the curtains or pouncing on your ankles. Many new owners wonder whether these behaviours are normal or if they have done something wrong.

The good news is that the vast majority of kitten behaviours are completely natural. Kittens are learning about their world every single day, and much of what appears mischievous to us is actually essential for their physical, mental and emotional development.

Understanding why your kitten behaves the way they do is one of the most valuable things you can learn as an owner. When you recognise the motivation behind a behaviour, you can guide your kitten using positive reinforcement rather than punishment, helping them grow into a confident and well-adjusted adult cat.

Your Kitten Is Learning Every Minute

From the moment your kitten wakes up until they drift back to sleep, they are gathering information about the world around them.

Every interaction teaches them something.

They are learning:

What is safe.
Who they can trust.
Which behaviours earn rewards.
How to communicate with people.
What objects are fun to investigate.
Where they should eat, sleep and use the litter tray.

This learning never stops, which is why the first few months are so important.

Why Does My Kitten Have the Zoomies?

Few things surprise new owners more than watching their kitten suddenly explode into action.

One minute they’re peacefully sleeping.

The next they’re racing through the house, jumping over furniture and bouncing off walls at incredible speed.

These “zoomies” are completely normal.

Cats are natural sprinters. Rather than exercising steadily like humans, they release energy in short, explosive bursts that closely resemble hunting behaviour. After a few frantic laps around the house, they usually stop just as suddenly and settle down for another nap.

Regular interactive play sessions throughout the day can help direct this energy into appropriate outlets while still allowing your kitten to express this perfectly natural behaviour.

Why Does My Kitten Bite?

Biting is one of the most common concerns for new owners.

Fortunately, most kitten biting is part of normal development.

Kittens use their mouths to explore objects, interact with littermates and practise hunting skills. During play they are learning bite inhibition—how much pressure is appropriate.

If a kitten begins biting hands or feet, avoid punishment. Instead, calmly end the game and redirect their attention towards an appropriate toy.

Never encourage rough play with your hands, even when they’re tiny. What seems cute at ten weeks old is far less enjoyable once adult teeth arrive.

Climbing Is a Natural Instinct

If your kitten seems determined to climb everything in sight, they are behaving exactly as nature intended.

Height provides safety.

From elevated positions cats can observe their surroundings, escape potential threats and satisfy their curiosity.

Providing cat trees, shelves or climbing furniture allows your kitten to express this instinct safely while protecting your curtains and bookshelves.

Whenever possible, reward your kitten for choosing appropriate climbing areas rather than simply telling them where they cannot climb.

Why Does My Kitten Scratch Furniture?

Scratching isn’t an act of destruction.

It’s communication.

Cats scratch to maintain their claws, stretch muscles, leave scent from glands in their paws and create visual markers within their territory.

Instead of trying to stop scratching altogether, provide attractive alternatives such as scratching posts or cardboard scratchers.

Place these near sleeping areas and reward your kitten whenever they use them.

Cats rarely scratch out of spite.

They’re simply following instinct.

Kneading Means Comfort

Many kittens rhythmically push their paws into blankets, beds or even their owners.

This behaviour, known as kneading, begins during nursing and often continues throughout adult life.

Kneading usually indicates that your kitten feels relaxed, comfortable and secure.

Some kittens may even drool or purr while kneading.

It’s one of the nicest compliments a cat can give.

Why Does My Kitten Follow Me Everywhere?

Sphynx and Elf cats are particularly well known for forming strong relationships with their people.

If your kitten follows you from room to room, waits outside the bathroom or insists on supervising every household activity, they’re simply choosing to spend time with someone they trust.

These breeds thrive on companionship and often become deeply involved in family life.

As long as your kitten is happy when left alone for short periods and isn’t showing signs of separation anxiety, this behaviour is perfectly normal.

Sleeping All Day Isn’t Laziness

Many owners worry because their kitten seems to spend most of the day asleep.

Growing kittens commonly sleep between 16 and 20 hours every day.

Sleep supports growth, brain development and memory formation.

Those energetic bursts of activity between naps are far more important than how many hours they spend awake.

Why Does My Kitten Meow So Much?

Young kittens often use vocalisation to communicate.

They may be asking for:

Food.
Attention.
Play.
Reassurance.
Help finding you.

Sphynx cats are generally more vocal than many other breeds and often “chat” with their families throughout the day.

Respond thoughtfully rather than automatically. If every meow results in food, your kitten quickly learns that vocalising is an effective way to receive meals.

Instead, reward calm behaviour and maintain consistent routines.

Curiosity Is Healthy

Don’t be surprised if your kitten investigates every cupboard, shopping bag and cardboard box that enters the house.

Cats are naturally curious animals.

Exploration helps them understand their environment and builds confidence.

Providing safe opportunities to investigate new objects and experiences supports healthy behavioural development.

Behaviour Is Communication

One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming cats misbehave deliberately.

In reality, behaviour always serves a purpose.

Cats scratch because they need to scratch.

They climb because they feel safer up high.

They chase because they are predators.

They hide because they feel uncertain.

Rather than asking, “How do I stop this behaviour?” it’s often more useful to ask, “Why is my kitten doing this?”

Once you understand the motivation, finding a positive solution becomes much easier.

When Should You Be Concerned?

Although most kitten behaviours are completely normal, some changes deserve further attention.

Speak with your breeder or veterinarian if your kitten:

Stops eating.
Stops using the litter tray.
Becomes unusually withdrawn.
Shows persistent aggression.
Has prolonged diarrhoea or vomiting.
Appears painful or lethargic.
Suddenly changes behaviour without an obvious reason.

Behaviour changes are often one of the earliest signs that something isn’t quite right medically.

Raising a Confident Adult Cat

Every interaction during kittenhood shapes the adult your kitten will become.

Reward curiosity.

Encourage exploration.

Provide enrichment.

Avoid punishment.

Celebrate small successes.

Most importantly, remember that your kitten isn’t trying to be difficult—they’re simply learning how to be a cat.

With patience, understanding and positive reinforcement, those playful antics gradually develop into confidence, trust and a lifelong bond between you and your companion.

Final Thoughts

The more you understand your kitten’s behaviour, the more enjoyable life together becomes. Instead of seeing problems, you’ll begin recognising opportunities to teach, guide and strengthen your relationship.

Kittens aren’t born knowing how to live in our homes. They rely on us to provide clear guidance, appropriate enrichment and plenty of patience.

By understanding the reasons behind their behaviour, you’re not just raising a well-mannered cat—you are building a confident, resilient companion who feels safe, understood and loved.

About the Author

Written by Jane Cockerton

BSc (Hons) Biological Science
Diploma in Feline Behaviour Science and Technology
Certificate in Cat Psychology and Training

Founder of Born Bold Cats and The Smart Cat Society, Jane Cockerton is an Australian feline behaviour specialist, qualified animal trainer and award-winning Sphynx and Elf cat breeder. She combines scientific knowledge with extensive hands-on experience in feline behaviour, training, kitten development and responsible breeding. Her work focuses on helping cat owners better understand feline behaviour through practical, evidence-based education and positive reinforcement training.

Educational Disclaimer

The information in this article is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional veterinary diagnosis, treatment or individual behavioural assessment. Every cat is unique. If your cat is unwell, showing signs of pain, or displaying significant behavioural changes, seek advice from your veterinarian or a qualified feline behaviour professional.