Q

I have a new addition to our family: a 3 month old gray and black striped kitty named Snowball.  He loves to run and jump, especially on me and when my back is turned.  It is becoming increasingly painful.  How can I get him to stop?  I really would like to not be scratched on my back by this frisky kitty.

from Pam

A

Hi, Pam!  I too am the proud owner of a leaping kitty.  When he was a kitten, he would do exactly what you’re describing very regularly: he would leap onto my back and climb up on my shoulders (and head!) when my back was turned. 

The good news is that he has only jumped on my back once or twice in the last 6 years.  I have not run across this often but I will make some recommendations that may help. 

Provided that you feel this behavior is not aggressive in any way, we can approach this as simple kitten play behavior.  He has lots of energy and a nimble little body with which to expend it.  Many cats like to perch in high places, and if you’re much taller than your daughter, then you have been chosen as the highest point around.  There are many play structures you can pick up (or build if you are so inclined) that consist of a tall textured pole with a perch on top.  You need to convince him that this perch is the best place for him.  Encourage him to sit at the top, providing him with treats, praise, and attention when he does so. 

You can even use catnip (provided it doesn’t drive him into a frenzy) to attract him to the area.  When he appears to be in a playful mood, place him up there and reward him.  Even if you THINK he’s getting in ‘that mood’ place him up there and reward him. What you’re trying to do is associate the tendency he is experiencing with climbing onto the perch.  He needs to ‘get it out of his system’ and you want him to redirect towards a perch other than you. 

You could also try to ‘break’ the behavior by carrying around something that makes a loud nice that he dislikes, like a small can with pennies inside, and shake it loudly when you think he is about to leap.  This may halt his behavior and prevent him from getting to the point of leaping.  This method is much more difficult as you need to distract him at the moment BEFORE he leaps. 

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Remember, this behavior will likely disappear over time.  Your young kitty needs an outlet, so get the little guy some fun exercise and play where you control the action!

Craig Galbraith, DVM