MAINE COON BITING

Question
I HAVE A MAINE COON THAT IS ABOUT 2 YEARS OLD AND IS NEUTERED. WE ADOPTED HIM ABOUT 5 MONTHS AGO AND HE BITES NON-STOP. HE GRABS ON TO YOUR LEGS WHEN YOU WALK, ATTACKS THE COVERS AND ATTACKS ME IF I AM  ON THE COUCH. MY BOYFRIEND IS BECOMING AGGRAVATED, BUT WE STILL LOVE HIM ANYWAY JUST NOT HIS BITING ANY SUGGESTIONS?

Answer
Leigh,

This cat was never socialized to humans.  Because cats & kittens have such tough skin, they tend to play very roughly with each other exhibiting lots of biting/scratching behaviors.  We teach our kittens that this type of behavior is unacceptible to us softer skinned humans.

What we do with kittesn is to hold them, talk to them softly, and stroke them. They love this "game". If the kitten begins the biting/scratching behavior, we scruff the kitten, put it down and walk away. It does not take young kittens long to figure it out.  Unfortunately, your cat is 2 years old, and is going to be harder to break of this behavior. He thinks he is being affectionate and playing, but does not realize he is hurting you!

Cats do not respond well to neagtive reinforcement like NO!, spray bottles, and time outs. They do much better with positive reinforcement like food treats as a reward for appropriate behavior.  Secondly, you must be consistent and persistent in trying to break him of these habits. Also, no roughhousing, only gentle play.

It may take a while, but it is possible to break an older cat of these habits.

Good luck and best regards... Norm.