Expert: Dear Tabbi - 7/14/2008

Question
Hi i have a 10 week old male kitten who is very friendly and likes to be around people and very playful, but almost everytime i go to pet him he starts biting (not hard) and wraps his claws around my hands (without his claws out) and even when iam holding him and try to pet him he has the tendancy of wanting to play bite and not sit there nice to just be pet often his tail is wagging slightly i can hardly pet him at all he is constantly thinking that my hand is a play toy or something, so i wonder why he is doing this and what i should do about it. and another question i have is alot of times i go to get him and he scoots from me, i have tryed treats, but it seems like he is on his own agenda, when he wants to be petted then he lets you, but if not he scoots away but doesn't hide, i think he thinks its a game so what should i do?, and also he really likes to lick my hands or feet so if you could give me some advice on what i can do about these situations that would be great, thankyou.

Answer
Hayley,

Your kitten probably is missing his littermates. 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 he would another kitten. You might want to get another kitten for him 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.

He may have been weaned too early and did not have a chance to learn correct behavior. When a kitten is weaned too early it doesn't get a chance to learn about acceptable behaviors from it's mom and siblings. A mother cat will correct a kitten if it uses sharp claws or bites too hard. When kittens play together, they learn that biting or clawing a sibling results in being grabbed and bitten in return. A kitten that didn't get that learning opportunity doesn't know how to act or react.

If your kitten was a feral kitten, or had feral parents, they can be lovable, but most DO NOT like to be held or restrained. They also do not like to be petted for very long. You need to watch for the signs he's had enough BEFORE he attacks. The tail is the key. If your cat starts twitching his tail in a jerky fashion it's time to leave him alone...NOW! When you pet the cat, pet from behind the head. Do not come at the cat with your hand from the front. Wilder cats see that as a threat and strike or bite first before they realize you are just petting them. Watch him for signs for what he likes and doesn't like as far as being touched...and respect that.

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 him 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 him.

He could be teething. Give him 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.

I hope this helps.

Tabbi