Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 4/23/2009

Question
Hi Dr. Sherrell...

I adopted a kitten (mixed breed) last September when he was 6 weeks old. He's now 8 months old. He's very healthy and quite a beautiful cat. The problem we're having is that he's just beyond wild. He's a "biter", a scratcher and incredibly destructive. If I didn't know better, I'd say he was feral. I can't touch him without him trying to bite. He attacks my 7 year old cat as well as my 10 year old Lhasa Apso. I adore this kitten, but I'm at my wits end. I had him neutered in November hoping it would calm him down, but if anything, he's worse. Now, when he's sleepy, he crawls on my lap and is the most loving cat you could ever want. He bites so hard that I'm covered from head to toe in sores and scratches. I've tried spray bottles, he has a house full of toys, I've tried lots of methods that I've seen online. I'm hoping you can help.

Answer
Pattie -

What you are describing is the normal behavior of a kitten.  Perhaps this kitten is extra active, but the biting and the scratching are absolutely normal.

I do not think he is feral; if anything he might have been pulled away from his mother and siblings too early.  It appears that he did not learn how to play with his siblings properly.  As the siblings play they learn not to bite too hard by vocalizing when they are bitten or scratched too hard.  Cats apply this to humans, too, so when your kitty scratches you be sure to make some noise to let him know that the scratch is uncomfortable. Hopefully he is not too old to change his behavior.  
As far as attacking the older cat and the dog, I think that they should be able to take care of themselves if they are healthy.  Kitten play often seems irritating to the other animals, but they usually adapt by either putting the kitty "in its place" or learning to play along with him.  

I understand your concerns, but I am not an animal trainer at all; i do know that this "aggressive" behavior often subsides by two years of age.

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM