im afraid

Question
QUESTION: my kitten is still a baby 5months old and she bites constantly and is always hyper ive tried everything to calm her but i dont know so please try to help me i dont want to give her up

ANSWER: Alyanna,

Some cats have a higher level of energy than other cats. If it is any comfort, the cat WILL calm down when she's 1-2 years old!

Your kitten may be trying to play with you like she would another kitten. You might want to get another kitten for her about the same age and temperment (there would be about a 2 week adjustment period). 2 kittens are easier than one because they keep each other company and take the pressure off of you to keep them amused and they can play kitty games with each other that humans can't.

If the cat is on your lap or next to you and she bites then say loudly "don't bite!" and dump her on the floor and ignore her for a bit. Then pick her up again and pet her. If she bites again then dump her again and say "don't bite!". She will start associating biting with not getting petted and dumped on the floor and will eventually quit doing it.

She could be teething. Give her a raw beef rib bone periodically as a treat to chew on. Go to the supermarket and have the butcher cut some beef ribs in half. Though some cats don't care for meat, most cats enjoy them. It satisfies the hunting and 'fresh kill' instinct that is strong in some cats. Plus the fibers in the meat cleans their teeth.

Getting her spayed (if she's not) will help calm her down too. Here is a link for state by state low cost spay programs: http://www.lovethatcat.com/spayneuter.html

Getting a pet laser light (PetSmart, Petco, etc.) is a good interactive toy that helps burn off energy. They can chase the 'little red bug' on the floor, walls, and ceiling (NEVER shine the light in their eyes). Also pull a shoestring or rope that the cat can chase. Never play rough with her with your hands. It will get more painful as the cat gets older and a harder habit to break. Only use your hands to pet her.

You can try a popular cat calming spray or plug-in called Feliway or Comfort Zone with Feliway. It is available at pet stores, from a vet, or on-line. It copies relaxing pheromones that cats produce from rubbing their faces on things.

There is also another cat calming product that you can add to her food that reduces anxiety called Bach's Rescue Remedy. It is available on-line and in health food stores. Here is a link about it: (copy and paste, or type the whole links into your address bar)
http://www.bachflower.com/Pets.htm.

As a last resort you may want to speak to your vet about putting the kitten on 'kitty Prozac' to help calm her. It is a common medication for that purpose.

I hope this was helpful.
Tabbi







---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: would it be ok if i got an older cat than her would they get along

Answer
Alyanna,

Alot of older cats DO NOT like kittens either because of their smell or because of their energy level. It's best to have them the approximate same age so they can be at the same level in actions and they can develop together. They also learn from each other. Make sure they get spayed or neutered.

Tabbi