Just adopted two 12-week old kittens!

[ailsagirl]

I haven't had kittens for years (I always adopt adult cats) so this is quite an adventure! Do they ever slow down? I am exhausted trying to keep up with them but very glad I found and adopted them. Two little (spayed) girls from same litter. Hyperactive!!

My question is, how long (as in weeks, months) do they act like raving-lunatic-speed-freaks?? Don't get me wrong-- I love them but I'm just wondering when I can relax a bit more where they're concerned.

Any advice or information anyone wants to share is welcome.

I guess I could have googled my question but I wanted to share a photo of them FINALLY settling down for their late afternoon nap. Cute, eh?? That's me giving the thumbs-up because at long last they closed their eyes. Whew!!

[MLAA]

1. They are beautiful!

Do they have names yet?

[ailsagirl]

2. They are beauties

The one in the foreground is Kylie (more pugnacious)

Behind is her Kiara (runt of the litter but she's no slouch! Had to put her in a carrier yesterday and she nearly took my hand off!!)

[MLAA]

4. Perfect names for the little girls!

[ailsagirl]

13. I always give my cats Celtic names-- sometimes it isn't always easy but so far, it has worked out

[TomSlick]

18. My wife's cat is named Kiara! (She will not tolerate my touch.)

All our pets have Gaelic names. I tell the vet the name Kiara is Gaelic for "Momma's Precious Cat."

[ailsagirl]

21. I'm probably mixing up Celtic with Gaelic

Per Google:

Kiara means "light" or "clear" as a variation of the traditional Italian spelling of the name Chiara. ... Kiara is also a variation of the Irish name Ciara, which means "dark" or "black." Ciara is the feminine form of the Irish name Ciar or Ciarán.

I like your definition of Kiara in Gaelic!

[TomSlick]

25. The Gaels, both the Irish and Scots, were Celtic peoples.

Both spoke (and many still do) a local version of a language sometimes called Erse but usually Gaelic (in Ireland pronounced Gay-Lick while in Scotland pronounced Gah-Lick). Gaelic is the language of the Gaels.

[ailsagirl]

32. I visited Scotland awhile back...

and was pleased to hear the locals speaking Scots Gaelic at the neighborhood market. Most of the signs (directional and the like) were also in Gaelic, which fascinated me. (By the way, this was on the isle of Lewis/Harris). It seems it’s a difficult language to master but if one is raised using it, it has got to be easier than learning it as an adult.

Thank you for the information! 👍

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

3. They'll be raving-lunatic-speed-freaks for several years,

so brace yourself.

I adopted an adult cat a year ago. She was a stray and the shelter thought she was about 4 years old. She still spends part of the day racing around wildly. Loves to chase the laser light. Then she'll sleep for a few hours.

They are beautiful and you can look forward to a long, happy life with them.

[ShazzieB]

22. Wow, that's longer than I realized!

I know kittens are hyper and eventually settle down, but I didn't knowit could take that long. I think I've been lucky, because most of the kittens I've adopted in the past mellowed out a lot by their first birthday. There was one little girl who was an exception, but she had other problems, due to being separated from her mom and littermates too early. early (long story).

The important thing, of course, is that they DO settle down eventually.

[Blue Owl]

5. Oh it'll be a couple years

I adopted two sibling tabby sisters some years ago, when they were less than a year old. Took until they were about 3-4 years old before they mellowed out but they still have some active spurts here and there. It’s all healthy! Having a multi level cat condo they could attack, shred, and launch on was key...

[ailsagirl]

8. OhMyGosh!!

My main worry is that they'll get into something they shouldn't (like something dangerous). I know there are lots of unnamed perils in a household so I try to do my best to remove them from their sight. I'm a nervous mother hen, for sure.

(MIXING METAPHORS!!!!!)

[Deuxcents]

6. So sweet🐾

So glad you did not separate them but got em both. They’re beautiful. I adopted an 18 mo old kitty about 7-8 months ago and she sleeps more than she used to but, they’ll be great entertainment for a while.

[ailsagirl]

9. They came as one package, fortunately

The humane society near me takes note of kittens who bond and typically insist they be adopted together. I'm so glad I did! Sadly, my various cats over the years have not always gotten along.

[applegrove]

7. Get a ball of wool and try and knit a scarf. That will keep them busy and

if you are doing it for them you will not mind when they tangle everything.

[ailsagirl]

10. Now if only I could knit!! LOL

[OAITW r.2.0]

11. Enjoy the Journey!

[ailsagirl]

15. So far, so good

[OAITW r.2.0]

16. "It's only just begun"

Keep us informed on the progress!

[ailsagirl]

17. I certainly will

[I_UndergroundPanther]

12. Wonderful Kittens

Little furry balls of love curiosity and energy.

They will fill your heart with purrs and sweetness.

[ailsagirl]

14. They certainly have, with lots more to come

[eppur_se_muova]

19. Aw. Synchronized napping team, holding tight formation. nt

[ailsagirl]

23. Just lucky. The moment I snapped the photo, their little eyes opened wide

...then they were off and running!!

[StarryNite]

24. Awesome picture.

They are beauties.

[summer_in_TX]

26. Gorgeous little girls.

It's been quite awhile since I've had kittens, but I think as they grow accustomed to you and their new home it will tamp down some.

Friends recently adopted kittens. They got them the multi-level cat scratcher. I was over there today, and when they got restless my friend got out a stick with a strip of fabric for her to wave so they can chase it. That laser pointer idea might help them get some energy out too. Empty boxes make for a lot of fun for them.

My more recent adoptions are a couple of dogs who are rescues. They get anxious when we leave and used to chew up pencils. But I ran across an article on some research done in British kennels where they tested various genres of music to see which was most calming, because without something one dog in a tizzy would set off the entire kennel. The genre that did the best wasn't classical (my guess) or folk, but more of a classical soft rock/Americana mix. Luckily our TV satellite provider has the perfect channel and it's music all of us like well enough. Our dogs do much better if that's on sort of low.

Maybe there's something similar for cats.

[ailsagirl]

28. That's interesting about your dogs and music

Yes, they really are (and they know it)!

YouTube has quite a few videos about calming cats & dogs and so far they have worked. Worth a look-up.
🐈🐕

[bluboid]

27. lifelong cat lover here...

my experience is to enjoy this period of kitten antics - it won't last forever & the hilarity they create will make you smile for years to come. years ago I brought a half Persian kitten into the house to be company for an older male cat & they romped & played endlessly. we still talk about it. I have a picture of the Christmas tree leaning over with bulbs all over the floor & a cat on either side of the tree looking totally innocent!!! nobody witnessed the job they did on the tree but just the thought of those two characters makes me laugh, & laughter is the best medicine in the world.

[ailsagirl]

30. It's true what you say about kittens' antics

They are such little clowns!! 🤡
My ultimate concern is keeping they safe, of course. It’s been so long since I’ve been in “kitten mode” that I worry that I might overlook potential danger. 😬
They seem so smart and aware, but they’re truly babies and will sooner down something toxic than plain old kitten food. 😳😱
Just writing about it frightens me!! 😣😖

Thank you for your input - it’s much appreciated!
That goes for everyone who responded!! ❣️

[KT2000]

29. Oh - so sweet!!

They look like they are settling in very well.
As I recall, kittens have two speeds - manic and asleep. Have fun while it lasts because they are a riot.

You have probably seen Walter Santi's crazy kittens:

[ailsagirl]

31. Never saw such hyperkinetic kittens!!

The mom must be into Buddhism, the serene and unruffled way she acts. Yikes, four kittens!! I get tired just watching it. 💕 After I’ve quit laughing, of course. Not surprised how they collapsed into a heap at the end. So cute!!

PS I never heard of Walter Santi — thanks for turning me on to him!!

[KT2000]

34. Mom Cat into Buddhism!

Walter Santi is in Turkey. Many of these cats have come to him with injuries, being pregnant, and just strays. He helps them recover, spay, neuter, and they stay. Just love how laughs at all the cats.

[SheltieLover]

33. Congrats!

They are beautiful girls!

Sorry, no idea about energy level.

[ailsagirl]

37. Thank you!!!

[Ziggysmom]

35. My husband is disabled and when we adopted our Sophie she was 8 weeks old and feral.

He needed a way to release her nervous energy while helping her adapt to indoor life. The cat toys on a wand are great for tiring out playful kittens, and you can remain seated while using them. She loves Da Bird toys and they have held up well with daily play.

[ailsagirl]

38. Love the video!!

I was a little worried about what was going to come out of the pot!!

[Duncanpup]

36. Awww