You are here:

Cats/biting kitten

Advertisement

Expert: - 10/27/2007


Question
My kitten is almost 5 months old. He is always biting my hands, feet, etcetera. I thought that by now he'd be calming down. I didn't realize how bad he was until I was over at my friend's house yesterday and I interacted with her two year old cats. What can I do to stop my him from biting?

Answer
Hi Arielle,

Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. I had a mini family crisis here.

It sounds like your kitten hasn't outgrown his aggressive play acting. You need to discourage him from doing this. Most kittens will display certain behavior when they are going to attack. They will assume an attack position. The tails will swish back and forth. The ears will flatten. As soon as you see any of this type of behavior you need to redirect his attention away from you to something else. Rattle a can with pennies in it, blow in his face, throw a mousie toy near him; or get a laser pointer and use that. Cats love to chase the red dot. If he keeps on biting you a smack on his head and a loud "NO" also works. He will eventually out grow this behavior. But you can help him stop now. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

Cats

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Karen Craft

Expertise

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.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.