How to Teach Your Cat not to Bite

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By Eli Zwillenberg
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An aggressive cat can be a nuisance or a danger, but teaching them to stop doesn't have to be. If kitty bites you, here's how to stop it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Cat treats
Deterrent

Step 1

Identify Kitty's biting triggers and concentrate on correcting them. Some cats bite to show they're done being petted, some bite to assert dominance and others to claim territory or just because it's fun. Still other cats attack because they're overstimulated from play-hunting. Learn when your cat bites and how Kitty behaves just before attacking.
Step 2

The next time Kitty is in a situation that normally precedes an attack, keep extra vigilant. Have your deterrent ready. Your deterrent can be a spray bottle with water, a metal tin full of change or just your own ability to hiss or blow your breath sharply into Kitty's face. A loud clap or snap of the fingers can sometimes be useful.
Step 3

You'll have to be as quick as Kitty, and ready to reprimand her. When Kitty begins to attack but preferably before she's successful, employ your deterrent. If Kitty recoils and does not attempt to attack again, this reprimand has been successful and you're on your way to training Kitty. If Kitty recoils and then makes ready to attack again, deter her again. Continue until she gives up the attempt. If the deterrent is ineffective you'll have to find another one.
Step 4

Once you've found an effective deterrent, Kitty will understand the rules. You'll have to continue to use the deterrent and to reprimand Kitty with a common phrase like, "No," any time the behavior presents itself but at no other time.
Step 5

Now that Kitty understands the rules it's time to reinforce good behavior. Whenever Kitty ignores his normal biting opportunity, give him a treat. Do not give Kitty a treat after he has attempted to bite but recoiled, as this will result in a bite-for-treat game.
Step 6

Now it is time to play a slightly dangerous game called Tease the Kitty. Give Kitty an opportunity to bite you. Don't push it and overstimulate him, just present the normal situation in which she would bite. If she goes for it, use your deterrent. If she does not, give her a treat.
Step 7

Kitty will show you he understands by doing everything except biting. If, previously, Kitty would proceed from playing with you to biting your fingers he may now lick, or stop short of biting and just use his paws. If he goes from this behavior to nipping or even softly biting, reprimand him but do not employ a strong deterrent unless he refuses to stop.
Step 8

A very strong reprimand for a cat is to be denied attention and game-playing. If kitty is being very aggressive you can grab her by the scruff of the neck and, supporting her weight with your other hand to avoid hurting her, put her more than a few arms lengths away. Continue to do this until she is no longer aggressive, and ignore her until she is mewing. Summon Kitty at that point and give her positive attention–but no treats. Be kind but firm and you will soon have a friendly cat.