Kitten Behaviors & Cat Training

Published: January 1, 2012 • Updated: October 17, 2025 • By: The MCCN Community

Kittens are so much fun - but sometimes a bit naughty!

Below are real questions from our readers about training and early behavior challenges.

How To Stop A 6 Month Old Tapping Objects Off Surfaces?

by: Jo Ward in England

Mischievous Kitten:

Hello, We have a 6.5 month old Maine Coon and she is fantastic but she wants to play with everything and I mean everything!

She will tap and push off objects on high surfaces. I know that kittens are playful but this is really getting annoying nothing is out of her paws reach.

So far she has broken a few things cups, picture frames and ornaments..

So far we have to lock her out of most rooms when were not around for more than few mins or we take her off the side before she can get anything off but we cant be around every second or lock her out of rooms all the time. So she still gets to things we don't want her to.

Does anyone know if this is just kitten behavior and will pass or can I do anything to deter her from wanting to play with such things?
Thanks

Reply:

Hi Jo,

The world is her playground — and try telling her otherwise! She sounds adorable, and what you’re describing is very typical of this age. Our two were the same way, scaling impossible heights and sending things flying.

It really is a phase that will pass as she matures. In the meantime, move any fragile items out of reach and keep plenty of toys around to redirect that energy. Having engaging toys available at all times helps a lot.

If you haven't already, take a look at our cat toys page - it lists some of the most popular and interactive options. Hopefully other readers will share what worked for their playful little ones, too.

Comments:

It does get better
by: Joy
My youngster Marley is exactly the same - "no" seems to mean "try again in a minute."

What keeps me sane is remembering that my older Coonie was just like this at his age and eventually calmed down. Marley has a room full of toys, and a laser pointer works wonders for redirecting him. Hang in there; it really is worth it.

Kitten trouble
by: Tracy
Our Leo went through the same stage and still occasionally does it, though much less often now that he's 15 months old. He was obsessed with drinking glasses - we lost a few to the floor before we learned to put them straight in the dishwasher!

Thankfully he grew out of most of it. We're actually bringing home another Coonie soon, so it looks like we’re starting all over again. Enjoy kittenhood - it doesn't last long!

Oreo Cat
My cat Oreo does that too. He climbs, knocks things down, and once managed to topple both a plant and a lamp. I wouldn't lock her out of rooms - it's just a phase and will pass soon.

Hyper coonies!
by: Jane B
We have three littermates just over a year old. When they were younger, they broke everything (we quickly learned to hide anything valuable).

They're still wild sometimes - and now that they're bigger, they do more damage when they run! But they're improving, and honestly, I wouldn't change them for the world.

We know what you are going through
by: Baerbel
Oh, I had to laugh - we've been there! Our Bentley used to get into everything. We even switched to unbreakable ornaments for Christmas.

Now we take him outside daily on a leash and harness, which made a huge difference. After his outings he's calmer, and the house is much safer. It might be worth a try with your little one too!

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Keeping The Kittens Out Of A Certain Area

We have two 6-month-old Maine Coons, brother and sister, who are basically wonderful.

The problem is one area of our living room that we can't seem to keep them out of. Our house has an open floor plan, and we've tried everything: sticky tape (sticky side up) on the floor, a water bottle when we catch them in the act. Nothing works.

They definitely know they're not supposed to go there, but they sneak in whenever they think they can get away with it. We'd read that sticky tape would train them to avoid it, but no luck so far.

It's just a small corner of the room, not even an area where we spend time, so we can't figure out what the appeal is!

Reply:

Hi there,
I can completely picture this! We also had two young Coonies exploring every inch of our open-plan space. It honestly never occurred to me to keep them out of one specific section - and now you’ve got me curious: what’s over there that's so tempting?

Cats are incredibly smart, but they're also... well, cats. And kittens even more so! There's a reason the old saying goes, "pick your battles." Trying to teach them to stay away from one open area is a tough one.

Most cat owners will tell you that the only foolproof way to keep them off something is to close a door - which of course isn't an option in an open floor plan. My advice? Move or protect whatever you're worried about instead of fighting their instincts.

Sticky tape can help when you're protecting a specific item (like furniture or woodwork), but it's nearly impossible to train them to avoid a general floor space. You can teach them to stay off a counter, sure - but if they smell tuna, all bets are off!

So I’d say save yourself the frustration and rearrange instead of retraining. They'll settle down as they grow, but their curiosity won't ever go away completely.

All the best,
Carrie

Comments:

Thank you, Carrie
Thank you for your thoughtful response - I even read it aloud to my husband. Just then the kittens started racing around like maniacs, and he laughed, saying, "They must've heard your answer - they're celebrating!"

For the record, it's not a leather chair or a rug we're protecting, it's our vintage Hammond B-3 organ and Leslie speaker, both in mint condition. Sadly, they're far too heavy to move up our winding staircase to a closed room.

Still, the kittens bring us so much joy. Even when they're testing limits, they keep us smiling. The energy in this house is something else!

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Playing together without injury.

by: Jason in Melborne, Australia)

I have two Maine Coons, Jack and Chloe.I bought them together thinking they would be good playmates, but as they get older Jack plays too rough and Chloe gets injured.

Hence she doesn't want to play with him whines for some play time.
Any cures?

Reply:

This is a tough one! We went through something similar with our two, Alice and Leo - brother and sister from the same litter. He was literally twice her size and used to get a little too rough, just like your Jack. It started right around that same age.

The difference is, Alice was feisty and gives Leo a piece of her mind! Now that he’s older (and slower), the problem has taken care of itself.

The usual tools like a water bottle, a firm "No!" or "Psst!" sound, or a brief separation can help, but since this sounds more like rough play than true aggression, I’d treat it gently.

Cats can definitely cross that line between play and dominance sometimes, and it’s not always easy to tell which is which.

You mentioned on Facebook that both are spayed and neutered, so I'll add that note here for other readers. It could just be a phase tied to his age or energy level.

As for Chloe's neediness, I don't blame her! You can't really "train" that away, but once Jack's behavior evens out, she'll feel more confident again. And remember, this kind of playfulness doesn’t last forever. Soon, they’ll be spending more time curled up for afternoon naps than wrestling matches.

What You Can Do

The goal is to help them stay close and keep their bond strong. Keep using gentle correction so Jack learns what’s acceptable. It may just take time and consistency.

I hope he grows out of his rough phase soon, and please send a photo when you can! I'd love to see your beautiful pair.

All the best,
Carrie

Comments:

Rough Playing
by: Erin
I’ve got a similar setup - a big male Maine Coon, a smaller needy female, and a Russian Blue who sometimes gets too rough. When that happens, I give a quick squirt with the water bottle. If things really escalate, I use Bach’s Rescue Remedy. It’s natural and calming.

I never yell, but I’ll break up the fight by picking one up, alternating who gets scooped so no one feels singled out. My older male even steps in to "discipline" them sometimes. He's such a good big brother!

When my little female gets extra clingy, I make time just for her — an hour of TV or a nap together really helps her relax. Good luck with your two!

Thanks for feedback
by: J.A. (Jason)
Thanks for the response! Jack and Chloe still sleep together sometimes, so they're definitely still bonded.

I actually got Jack first, by about three or four weeks. I brought Chloe home because I work long shifts (sometimes up to 12 hours) and thought they'd be good company for each other.

Lately I think Jack's gotten a bit territorial with me. He chases Chloe off the bed when he wants to sleep there. Usually she ends up at the foot of the bed, but sometimes she sneaks back up, and I'll wake up with both of them curled beside me or between my knees. I think it's adorable when they do that.

I uploaded a photo, but I don’t think it’s been added yet. Thanks again for your input!
Jason

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VERY Playful!

by: Maria Lemon in Huntersville, NC

Sam Furr, our two-year-old Maine Coon, loves to play. He tends to wear us out with how much energy he has! Any ideas for the best toys and ways to help him get exercise?

Right now, he has a tall cat tree and loves to sprint up the stairs at full speed before climbing straight to the top. He seems to prefer interactive play with us instead of entertaining himself.
Thanks!

Reply:

Hi Maria,
That sounds exactly like the friendly and social personality these cats are known for. It sounds like Sam is already getting plenty of exercise, but some new toys might help channel that energy and give you both a break.

Since he enjoys playing with you, not just solo, I'd suggest a few toys that involve light interaction. Have you tried a laser toy? The laser is a favorite around here and a great way to wear out an energetic cat without tiring yourself out.

Another fun option is the Da Bird wand toy. It's excellent for jumping, pouncing, and general kitty aerobics. Cats absolutely love it.

Hope this helps, and I'd love to hear what other Maine Coon owners are using to keep their playful cats happy!

All the best,
Carrie

Comments:

Hide and Seek
by: Theresa
Playing hide and seek is a blast. It does wear you out, but when they jump out and tackle you, it’s worth every bit. I laugh so hard, and our Peyton clearly enjoys it too. Wand toys are a big hit here, especially the one with suede ends. There’s something about that texture that drives cats wild.

Fetching little toy mice or stuffed animals is another favorite. Maine Coons are natural hunters and learn to fetch fast. Have fun with it!

Re: VERY playful! Sam Furr
by: Maria
Thanks, Carrie and everyone, for the suggestions! I'm planning to pick up a laser toy this week so Sam can try something new. Hopefully it'll help him burn off some energy and finally take a good nap afterward.
Thanks again!

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Litter Tray Games

by: Judy in the UK

Hi Carrie,
I bought Buddy a 2'6" x 2' x 10" high clear container for £4.99 from Poundstretcher. It works beautifully, except Buddy has decided it makes a great playground. He takes his favorite toy into it, rolls around, and pounces on it inside the tray.

He loves it, but of course the litter isn't always perfectly clean. I scoop daily and remove soiled bits several times a day, but still... help! How do you or other Maine Coon owners handle this problem?
Happy New Year,
Judy

Reply:

Hi Judy,
Oh dear, Buddy sounds like quite the character! It's cute, but I can see how that could get messy fast.To be honest, my cats never tried turning their litter box into a playpen. Maybe that’s because we didn’t move to a large box until they outgrew the smaller ones (well, mostly Leo did).

The only thing I can think of is a simple DIY fix. Get another container of the same size, cut an opening in one end, and smooth the edge with tape so it’s not sharp. Then place it upside down over Buddy’s current tray to create a covered box.

If you can secure it well enough, it might discourage him from hopping in just for fun.

Other Maine Coon owners, have you had a litter box gymnast like Buddy? What worked for you?
All the best,
Carrie

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Training

by: Tom Flounders in Mathews, Virginia)

My daughter has allergies and is giving us her Maine Coon.

He's about a year old, and after learning how intelligent he is, I'm wondering if I'm expecting too much by wanting to train him.

Commands like stay, come, and roll over. I've had good results with dogs, but I'm not sure what to expect from a Maine Coon.

Thanks,
Tom

Reply:

Hi Tom,
You're going to have a lot of fun with him. I'd say not to expect too much at first when it comes to training or tricks. He'll need a little time to adjust to his new home, the people, and the smells before he's ready to learn.

Some cats settle in quickly, while others take a few months. Once he feels completely at home, that's when the real bonding and training can begin.

At a year old, he's still very young. His intelligence might show up in ways like opening doors, turning on faucets, or plotting a clever escape rather than following commands right away.

When he's calm and comfortable, you can absolutely teach him tricks. Maine Coons are very smart and can learn to shake paws, fetch, roll over, or even give kisses. Many will also come when called.

Commands like sit, stay, or lie down tend to work better for dogs, so I’d keep things playful and focus on activities that are fun rather than structured obedience. That's the main difference between training cats and training dogs.

We have a few videos on the site that might inspire you. Rudy does some impressive tricks in Rudy the Maine Coon, and there's another video where Jimmie plays fetch.

I hope this gives you some ideas and confidence to enjoy your new boy.

All the best,
Carrie

Comments:

Cat tricks
by: Helen
I’ve always thought of cats as royalty, not like dogs. They expect to be pampered, petted, and catered to like the kings and queens they are.

Cats can be trained to do circus-style tricks, but it usually takes food rewards, and they need to be a bit hungry to stay motivated. It's not really in their nature to act silly unless it’s their own idea.

Training
by: Kim
I once trained my Maine Coon to stay out of the road. I did it by pretending to use a weed eater, which he already knew and didn't like, and making the buzzing sound. It worked and also kept him from following me when I walked to the store.

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Teething?

My kitten is seven weeks old and keeps biting and gnawing on my hands and feet. It's getting painful and irritating.

I've tried the usual tricks like yowling, spray bottle, saying "no" firmly, along with toys she can chew on, but she only bites them if I'm playing with her. She won't use them on her own.

She also loves to attack my nose. I’m worried this behavior will carry into adulthood.

Reply:

Hi,
This is completely normal kitten behavior. Kittens, puppies, even human babies need to chew when new teeth are coming in. It can be uncomfortable, and biting helps relieve the pressure.

You're already doing all the right things to discourage it. Just stay patient. It's not aggression or a long-term habit, and it will fade on its own as she grows and her teeth finish coming in.

She's still very young, so it's mostly play and teething instinct. Congratulations on your new little one, and enjoy this stage while it lasts.

All the best,
Carrie

Comments:

Teething
by: Kim
Cats like salt. Your kitten may be tasting the salt from your skin when your hands or feet perspire.

Cats of all kinds
by: Helen
Cats of all kinds, domestic or wild, show this behavior when they're young. Usually it's directed at a littermate. A mother cat doesn't tolerate it for long; she'll just get up and move away when they get rough.

I believe an animal's disposition is shaped early. Since I don't think any pet should ever put teeth on people, I simply move the kitten away or stand up and walk off. There's nothing harsh about this approach, just consistency. They quickly learn that biting makes the fun stop.

If you watch a mother cat or dog, you'll see the same method. As Cesar Millan says, "We humans need to do more observing and less talking." The closer we mimic the signals animals already understand, the faster they get the message.

A seven-week-old kitten doesn’t understand a spray bottle or scolding, but she does learn through natural cause and effect. When she bites, calmly stop the interaction and redirect her to a toy. Play with her, but always through a toy on a string. That satisfies her prey instinct safely.
Good luck.

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Kittens can test our patience, but they also fill our homes with laughter and life.

Most of these little challenges are simply part of growing up, and before long the wild phase fades into calm companionship.

Treasure the chaos while it lasts - it's all part of raising a happy, confident Maine Coon!

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