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Expert: - 1/13/2009


Question
I have a 6 month old cheese tabby who is very playful but bites my girlfriend almost every time she attempts to pet him. He will bite her hand/arm and really dig in.

When I pet him, he's very tame, but occasionally bites me very lightly.  I punished him often enough for this that he knows not to do that now, but he continues to do so with my girlfriend.  

It's not that he doesn't like her, he really enjoys playing with her and she loves playing with him.  He often  snuggles up next to her and sleeps.  She likes playing rough with him and I told her not to do that because he thinks every time her hand comes close to him that she wants to play, and that biting is his way of playing with her.

Do you have any suggestion on how we can modify his behavior to not be so aggressive with her all the time?

Answer
Hi Steve,

You've answered your own question. The kitten thinks exactly that. Your girlfriend has trained him to bite her. And as you are finding out, as he gets bigger, his bites aren't cute anymore. You and her need to retrain him. First off she needs to stop playing rough with him. Try to find some interactive toys that she can use. There are a lot of good ones that will do the trick. Here's a few at these sites that are great and will give your kitty lots of quality play time.

http://www.cattoys.com/catfisherrod.html
http://www.arcatapet.com/item.cfm?cat=6543
http://www.cattoys.com/catgardenmitt.html

If your cat goes to bite, put him down and walk away. You can also give him a tap and say "no" in a loud voice then walk away. Either way you are letting him know that his behavior is not acceptable. He should be ok in a couple of weeks. Good luck.


Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

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I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

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I have an A.A.S.

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