Is your young cat suddenly bursting with energy, wanting to play at weird times, and fiercely guarding their favourite hang-out spots before going off in a huff? It’s likely you have a ‘teenage kit’ on your hands. Our expert tips can help you manage this tricky feline phase.
21st August 2025
When your adorable, affectionate kitten starts to grow up and suddenly starts zooming around the place, knocking stuff over, doing disappearing acts and demanding attention at the most inconvenient times, it can be a challenging time for even the most devoted cat carer. Thankfully, according to feline experts, it’s just a phase.
“They may not be playing loud music or staying out late with their mates, but cats go through an adolescent phase just as we humans do,” says Your Cat.
And, although it’s a totally natural part of growing up, it can be a testing time for cat parents. Read on to find out more about the changes your cat goes through that affect their behaviour, signs they’ve entered their ‘teenage’ phase, and practical ways you can help them channel their challenging behaviour in positive and rewarding ways.
Understanding your young cat’s ‘teenage’ phase
“Cats do go through a ‘teenage’ phase, typically around the time they reach puberty,” advises Cats Protection. “During this time, their behaviour can shift as they navigate the transition from kittenhood to adulthood. The most difficult age for a cat can vary depending on the individual. But generally, adolescence (around four months to two years) is often considered the most challenging phase. During this period, cats undergo significant physical and behavioural changes. This can result in certain difficulties for both the cat and their owner.”
“They’re nearly fully grown, they’re getting a lot bigger and stronger, a lot more able and agile, and getting a bit more athletic, but mentally, they’re still very much learning about themselves, about the world, and about what it’s like to live with people,” says RSPCA cat welfare expert Alice Potter. “These cats are starting to look like an adult cat, but mentally they’re still very much learning. So, we may think that they should be behaving themselves a bit more sensibly now because they’re not a cute little kitten, but really not always appreciating that they still are very immature in their mind.”
Just like teenage humans, young cats push boundaries
Jessica Char, a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, explains: “During adolescence, a cat’s brain is developing. However, the different parts of the brain mature at different rates. Like a teenage human, a teenage cat has more development and activity in the limbic system compared to the prefrontal cortex. Basically, the limbic system is all about instant gratification and reward seeking, while the prefrontal cortex handles impulse control. This leads to a young cat that is eager to explore the world and seek out fun but that doesn’t yet have many brakes on their behaviour. It’s completely normal for a ‘teenage’ cat to have worse behaviour than when they were a kitten. They are pushing boundaries and testing new ways of interacting with the world.”
“Adolescent cats tend to become incredibly curious,” adds Rachael Gerkensmeyer on Catster. “They want to learn more about the world around them, which can get them into trouble. They might try climbing up a bookshelf or digging the dirt out of the pot of a houseplant. They may decide that a slipper would make a great chew toy. They might even scratch up the furniture and carpet. Adolescent cats also tend to have more confidence and become demanding. They might try to test boundaries by ignoring you and behaving in ways that they know you don’t approve of. They could even decide that it’s a good idea to wake you up in the middle of the night for fun or attention.”
Gaining wisdom helps young cats become successful adults
For a young cat, the world is an endlessly stimulating and intriguing place, so it’s only to be expected that they become obsessed with all the new experiences on offer to them.
Rachael Gerkensmeyer notes: “The whole point of adolescence is to gain wisdom and independence that will aid in being successful as an adult. Therefore, you should not be surprised if your teenage cat doesn’t seem to want to cuddle or play with you quite as much as they did when they were kittens.”
Understand your cat better with our cat communication guide >>
Signs your cat is in their ‘teenage’ phase
Cats Protection’s registered veterinary surgeon Sarah Elliott outlines how your cat’s behaviour can shift as they navigate the transition from kittenhood to adulthood:
- INCREASED INDEPENDENCE Cats may become less dependent on their owners and more interested in exploring their environment. They might spend more time alone or seek solitude, which can resemble a rebellious teenage attitude.
- HEIGHTENED ENERGY As they grow, cats might experience bursts of high energy, leading to more playfulness or zoomies. They can also become more curious, investigating new spaces or objects.
- AGGRESSION Some cats might show signs of territorial behaviour or increased aggression during this stage. This can be a result of reaching sexual maturity, especially if they are unneutered.
- MOOD SWINGS Like teenagers, cats may exhibit mood swings. They might be affectionate one moment and distant the next. Or they may demand attention when it’s inconvenient.
- SOCIALISATION CHANGES Cats may also start to interact with other animals differently. They may become more territorial or might challenge other pets in the house, especially if they are starting to feel more mature and confident.
She adds: “After this teenage phase, cats tend to settle into more balanced and adult behaviour, especially if they are neutered.”
Ways to help your cat cope with their ‘teenage’ phase
According to Australian cat behaviourists Catology, you can avoid a lot of unwanted behaviours by creating an environment that your teen cat can interact with and get rewarded appropriately. “Rewarding good behaviour is very important at this stage,” they advise. “It’s very easy to get angry at the ‘bad’ behaviour, but this often only serves to get our attention, which can be rewarding for a cat. Ideally, ignore the bad behaviour (no attention) and reward the good. This means treats for sitting in the kitchen without jumping on the bench, nice affection for sitting on your lap or next to you on the couch. Actively look for opportunities to reward behaviours you want, and that’s what you’ll continue to get.”
Here are some ideas these feline behaviour experts suggest are well worth trying to channel your young cat’s behaviours in a positive, rewarding way:
- CAT TREES/TOWERS/SHELVES Most cats love to be up off the ground – this provides them with perceived safety, confidence and a view over their territory. Placing these in socially significant areas (where you and your family spend most of their time) is key. Having a cat tree in the spare room that nobody uses may not be socially interactive enough for a young cat.
- SCRATCHING POSTS These are very important if you don’t want your furniture to be destroyed. Look for posts that are at least 80cm high so your cat can fully stretch out. Many cat towers double as scratching posts. Also put these in socially significant areas.
- LOTS OF PLAY IS REQUIRED Make sure it’s with toys and not your hands, otherwise you’ll inadvertently train a cat who thinks your hands are playthings.
- OUTDOOR ENCLOSURES OR CATIOS These are amazing additions and can keep your teen (and older cats) mentally and physically happy for hours.
- ENOUGH LITTERBOXES The general rule of thumb for the number of litterbox locations is the number of cats, plus one. This ensures choice, and also can prevent ‘resource guarding’ in multi-cat households.
- FOOD AND WATER STATIONS The same rule applies for these.
- TOYS THAT YOUR CAT CAN PLAY WITH WITHOUT YOU The right toys can keep a cat from depending solely on you for play. The ‘right’ toys are very individual to the cat. Some cats will shun most toys on the market, but absolutely love ping pong balls. Others go bananas over flapping fish. This is really a trial-and-error approach.
- TREASURE HUNTS AND FOOD PUZZLES Hiding treats around the house before you go to work, or when you need to get some work done at home will give them some rewarding activity.
“Adolescence is just a phase,” reassures Jessica Char. “In the end, your cat will come out at the other end as an adult. Most cats outgrow much of their impulsive behaviour and ‘chill out,’ at least a bit. Your goal will be to continue to reinforce the behaviour you want, minimise opportunities for your cat to develop bad habits, and then to stay the course until their brain catches up with their body.”
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