does my cat have a behavioral problem?

Question
All people who meet my cat agree that she is one of kind. Her personality is
that of a dog who has too much energy. Recently I have become concerned
that there may be something wrong with her. She isn't afraid of water, cries
constantly unless she is being held yet when she is picked up she only wants
to go back down onto the floor, she jumps onto every counter, table and desk
top in the apartment and knocks all the objects that she can down from the
table and watches them as they fall only to continue that task again with
other objects.  She has decently normal reactions, for instance when I throw a
ball she fetches it back, so I know she is has pretty sharp reflexes but I grew
up with 5 cats in my house hold and know many right now and have never
met a cat that acts like this. Because of her energy levels and the fact that one
of my roomates sleeps in a doorless room, my cat needs to be put in the
bathroom when its bedtime. She has her little box, water and her bed, all on
opposite corners of the bathroom from each other for her comfort. However,
she cries for atleast 20 minutes and throws her little body up against the door
when she gets put in any room alone. She really acts like she is on speed
almost always until she tires herself out for the occasional cat nap. (less
ocassional than most cats of course) please help with any info you may have.

Answer
Darla,

Your kitty is bored. You may want to think about getting a kitty friend for your cat. 2 cats are easier to care for than one because another cat takes the pressure off of you to keep your cat amused, and they are less destructive than one bored cat. Cats need a friend to play rough with, play kitty games with, to snuggle with, and to keep them company and give them comfort when they are alone.

Getting a pet laser light helps too to take care of some of the kitten's energy. You can get them at PetSmart or similar store. Even Safeway carried them! (Never shine the light into their eyes). It is funny to watch them try to catch the 'red bug' on the floors, ceilings, and walls!

Play 'throw and fetch' with your cat. Get some furry stuffed mice or shiny craft balls that come in a package at Wal-Mart's craft dept. or a craft store. My cats love to just carry them around when I get tired of throwing them!

Play with her right before you go to bed. A good play session before bedtime will tire her out, which is essential for a good nights sleep for you both! Give the cat a can of catfood after you play with her, just before you go to bed. That will help her sleep.

You can speak to the vet about a prescription for 'kitty Prozac'. It is a very popular calming aid for hyper cats.

I hope this helps.
Tabbi