2 year old cat plays too rough

Question
I recently adopted a 2 year old stray from the SPCA.  He is a good cat but tends to play too rough with me. when I try to pet him he often begins by biting my hand, followed by licking, and then more biting.  Is it to late to try and curb this behavior?

Answer
Lisa,

Don't ever play with your cat with your hands, or 'roughhouse'  with him, use an interactive toy to play instead. Only use your hands to pet. Use a fishing pole type toy, a pet laser light (that shines a little 'red bug' on the floor and walls that cats love to try to catch ( you can get them at PetSmart/Petco/etc.), a rope or shoestring to pull, or a stuffed mouse to throw.

To stop the biting: if the cat is on your lap or next to you and he bites, say loudly and firmly "don't bite!" and dump him on the floor and ignore him for awhile. Then pick him up again and pet him. If he bites again then dump him again and say "don't bite!", and again ignore him.  He will start associating biting with not getting petted and being dumped on the floor, and will eventually quit doing it. He needs to associate biting with getting no attention. You can use a rolled up newspaper also when he bites, but always love on in a little while after so he is scared to bite you, but is not scared OF you. If he has had this habit for awhile then it will take time to break him of it.

If he bites because of over-stimulation when you pet him, watch his tail and ears for warning signs that he is going to bite and stop NOW! The tail will wag or jerk, and/or the ears may go back. Sometimes cats only like a few pets and that's enough.

He may be biting when you stop so you will continue. That is his way of telling you not to stop and getting your attention. In that case then use the "don't bite" method. Also say "that's enough" so he will associate that work with when petting time is done.

You have to determine by his actions which reason he is biting and work on the solution from there. If he had feral parents then that behavior is inbred and is normal to him. They are not like domesticated house cats and will not behave like one. Their first instinct in to bite, whether in play or mad. You need to show him it is unacceptable behavior to you. Cats learn word association with actions and will understand if you are patient and calm...but firm.

Sometimes in situations like yours it is good to get another cat for yours for company and to play rough kitty games with. Cats need cat companionship for comfort, cuddling, and play that humans can't give. Cats can play rough with each other and they don't understand that they can't do the same with humans. After a correct introduction period, a cat about his same age and temperment may help channel his energies. Two cats are easier to care for than one because it takes the pressure off of you to keep them amused.

I imagine he is neutered, but if not, he NEEDS to be done.

I hope this gives you some food for thought.

Tabbi