How to play with your cute kitten.

Understanding your kitten's behaviour
Kittens can't speak, but they will communicate with you in a number of ways. Reading body language and listening to the sounds they make can tell you a lot about what they need from you.

Your kitten's body language
Your kitten will give you a number of behavioural cues using their body language to indicate their mood. By understanding each change in behaviour, you can learn to provide your kitten with what they need, whether it's space, playtime or food.

Maine Coon kittens jumping in a living room
Calm
Interested
Relaxed
Worried
Fearful
Calm
A calm posture is your kitten's neutral state from which all other body language develops. It's important to know how your kitten behaves when they are friendly so that you can recognise even the subtle changes.

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1.Posture
Standing straight with their head raised.

Guiding behaviours
A kitten's behaviour is highly influenced by others. In their early weeks and months, your kitten will have adopted a number of behaviours from their litter-mates and mother. When they arrive at your home, it's up to you to reinforce the positive behaviours they exhibit and minimise any negative actions.

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Bengal kitten sitting on a grey blanket being stroked by owner Kitten sitting indoors on a wooden floor playing with a red ball
Maine Coon kitten waking along the back of a sofa
What causes unwanted behaviour in kittens?
Cats are creatures of habit, and particularly appreciate an established routine. Behaviours such as scratching furniture, biting or refusal to use the litter box can often be signs that your kitten is unsettled or disrupted. As well as continued positive reinforcement, if you notice an increase in destructive behaviour, think about whether there could be a hidden cause.

Your kitten's grooming habits
Cats are well known for their cleanliness and kittens are no different. Self-grooming isn't just about removing loose hairs and dirt, however. This action also serves an emotional function for your pet.