biting and scratching kitten

Question
QUESTION: my kitten is 3 months old and it has been biting and scratching eversinces i got it in nov. it got better then got worse i dont know how to syop her from biting please help me

ANSWER: Alyanna,

Kittens need a playmate to play rough with, to cuddle with, and to be comfort them when they are left alone. Your kitten is 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.

The first rule is never to play rough with her with your hands. It will get more painful as the cat gets older and a harder habit to break.

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) that you can get at PetSmart or somewhere similar, a rope to pull, or a stuffed mouse to throw for examples or interactive play.

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.

I hope this helps.

Tabbi







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

QUESTION: i wish i could geta a second cat but i cant its like she is more playful with me then my parents when they play with her she dosent bite but with me she does

Answer
Alyanna,

Cats are smart. They are like little kids...they know what they can get away with and who they can get away with it with. And they will test you.

Start training her now. And don't play or wrestle with her with your hands. You are her playmate, not your parents, so she is playing rough 'kitty play' with you. Don't let her do it. Show her toys are for play, people are for loving.

Tabbi