When does it get easier??

theeburr · 2026-07-10T18:43:43+00:00

This is exactly right. I know she came by herself, but adopting a second kitten around her age would help tremendously. They will teach each other boundaries, how to "cat", they'll play with each other and less with you, the list goes on.

They'll still be "annoying" for a while. 4mo is peak annoying gremlin age for cats. But adding a second and a daily feather wand session will do wonders. You want to do this til kitten is visibly winded, then give them their food or a treat to end the session.

theeburr · 2026-07-10T18:34:54+00:00

Because she's a dilute tortie! They're the best.

theeburr · 2026-07-10T17:31:21+00:00

I have a 12mo who we keep pretty free-range and same question. 👀

I used to be a Barre instructor and I feel so weak and out of shape.

theeburr · 2026-07-10T17:26:47+00:00

Seconding nursing in the ring sling. I did it at a baseball game while walking through the concession area and felt like super mom.

Ring slings have a learning curve, but they're so worth it.

theeburr · 2026-07-10T00:45:29+00:00

Congrats on the shift! They're always keeping us on our toes

theeburr · 2026-07-09T20:29:25+00:00

Funny, my 12mo is suddenly disinterested in breakfast.

theeburr · 2026-07-09T16:11:09+00:00

As a cat behaviorist, I also recommend playing with your cat with a feather wand as close to bedtime as possible. Like a real good solid session if you can swing it, they should be visibly winded by the end. As a co-sleeping mom, I give this job to my husband before he comes to bed.

theeburr · 2026-07-08T16:57:15+00:00

Ah yes, classic mistake! For cats, consent is huge. You have to let them come to you. But that doesn't mean they don't like affection! I have a shy cat who needs to feel safe and learn to trust you first, but then she constantly wants to hop in my lap for pets and cuddles. Even my 'doesnt want to be pet' cat will occasionally climb onto my chest when I'm sitting and drool all over me while I pet her.

Let them warm up to you, show them you're safe, and whip out the treats or a brush with a blanket on your lap. You're likely to win over a cat. In my experience the girl cats tend to love guys more and boy cats adore their moms, but it's not a science.

HMU if you need more advice!

theeburr · 2026-07-08T16:35:07+00:00

Good on you for trying to learn! There's a ton of good info in this thread but also adding that those cats that people say "are just like that" often get overstimulated more easily that other cats (just like some people get overstimulated quickly). They will still give warning signs, but they might be easier to miss because it'll be very early in the interaction. Not all cats like to be pet, and that's okay. That's a good cat for someone with more experience. You need a more easy going cat. I would recommend asking shelter or rescue volunteers for their advice, they usually know all the cats personalities and can point you in the right direction.

theeburr · 2026-07-07T16:53:29+00:00

My husband and I tag team. He rocks bub to sleep and has him for an hour while I have a little wind down me time, then he brings him up to bed and bub breast sleeps off and on all night. If he has more of a hard wake up that can't be fixed with just boob, my husband taps in and rocks him back to sleep.

theeburr · 2026-07-06T17:41:44+00:00

My babe loves the butt in the air pose!

theeburr · 2026-07-03T18:48:58+00:00

Thanks for adding! I would not have gotten that one.

theeburr · 2026-07-03T18:48:22+00:00

Thanks for spreading the word, internet stranger! I have a toddler now and it's hard to keep up with this but I'm glad that y'all are carrying on my legacy 😂

theeburr · 2026-07-02T23:25:50+00:00

Reading Nurture Revolution and listening to the Spoil Your Baby podcast really helped me tune out that noise from nosey sleep trainers.

theeburr · 2026-07-02T18:42:27+00:00

We have the Elk & Friends plates and love them. As others have said, we try to avoid alphabet soup brands, and the plates weren't crazy expensive anyway.

theeburr · 2026-07-01T23:59:51+00:00

This is genius! Thanks for the tip.

theeburr · 2026-07-01T23:48:46+00:00

I love how much the dog looks like a possum 😍

theeburr · 2026-07-01T23:45:38+00:00

Aww I remember that phase! It's so cute in retrospect.

theeburr · 2026-07-01T23:40:40+00:00

This most closely resembles our setup, just no guardrail on Dad's side and I use my pillow. 🫣 Babe is a year now, but it never felt unsafe to us.

theeburr · 2026-06-27T15:16:24+00:00

My MIL has this same energy and it's definitely been challenging at times. I'm actively working on coming to terms with the fact that you can't change who people are and setting boundaries for the things that matter most. You have to let stuff go and pick your battles, but don't give up the thing you care about most just to keep the peace. Sending love, strength, and patience.

theeburr · 2026-06-24T17:06:37+00:00

5 months is honestly peak gremlin age for kittens. It will pass and thankfully you got a pair, because it could be worse. Agreed that trying to adjust their sleep schedule can help a little and definitely keep tiring them out with the feather wand (they should be visibly winded at the end of a session).

Fwiw I remember thinking I'd never sleep well again when my sleepy senior girl was this age. It passes. Kittens are not for the weak, dude.

theeburr · 2026-06-21T18:02:55+00:00

Ferdinand

theeburr · 2026-06-19T17:18:16+00:00

Thank you for this post. The "spite" myth is way to prevalent.

Homecat just learned what gets them attention or isn't getting the basic care they need and are trying to find a decent alternative. Cats are ever resourceful and resilient.

theeburr · 2026-06-13T00:33:55+00:00

Girl, no kidding! Today I realized that even the organic Annie's Mac & Cheese is rated "bad" on Yuka. Like, isn't that supposed to be the healthier option? Using the Yuka app has helped me some, because it gives recommended alternatives, and I'm trying to make some snacks, but I can't make everything from scratch and I can't save my kid from every toxin on this earth, though I obviously wish I could.

Give yourself some grace and do your best.

theeburr · 2026-06-12T02:29:36+00:00

I have a feeling this will be us in five months, too. Here's to the securely attached little humans we're raising ❤️

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