How to Handle Play Biting in Kittens
Kittens who grow up with their littermates, primarily during the ages of 3 to 9 weeks old, learn proper play and social behaviors, according to CatHealth.com. During this time, kittens stalk and playfully tussle with each other, simulating hunting behaviors. The kittens also learn that playing rough with each other can hurt and stops the play. A kitten that is not properly socialized or taken away from its littermates too early may display signs of play aggression and biting. Combat this behavior by teaching your kitten how to properly play without anyone getting hurt.
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Things You'll Need
- Cat toys
- Aluminum foil
- Paper
- Laser light cat toy
- Empty spray bottle
- Compressed air canister
- Cat climbing tree
- Scratching post
Instructions
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Engage your kitten in play using a cat toy on a string so your hands are not involved in the activity. Dangle the toy in front of the kitten and allow it to chase, catch and bite it. If, during play, the kitten tries to grab your hand and bite it, immediately stop the play and leave the room. This teaches your kitten that biting leads to a stop in a pleasant activity.
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Throw small cat toys or crumpled up pieces of aluminum foil or paper in front of you when you walk, if your kitten tries to attack and bite your ankles and feet, an aggressive play behavior. These items will distract your kitten and redirect its attention to an appropriate outlet. Observe your kitten to see its favorite hiding spots and keep the small toys or crumpled papers ready for when you walk through your home in front of these spots.
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Play with your kitten during the evening for 15-20 minutes using a cat toy on a string or a laser light cat toy to tire it out for the night. This prevents your kitten from coming in and attacking and biting your feet or hands while you sleep, to wake you up and play.
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Say "ouch" and cease playing with your kitten to stop it from biting you. If the kitten latches onto your hand, let the hand go limp until it lets go to prevent it from causing severe damage. You can also squirt the kitten with a spray bottle filled with water or a spray of compressed air, to stop it from biting you. Leave the room immediately, ignoring the kitten, to give it a "time out."
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Provide toys, cat climbing trees and scratching pads for your kitten to play with. By enriching its environment, you can provide your kitten with appropriate outlets for its play instincts, making it less likely to play roughly with you and bite.
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Observe your kitten's behavior while stroking it. If you see the kitten try to grab your hand or twitch its tail about, immediately stop petting the kitten, get up and walk out of the room to prevent an attack and discourage this behavior.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider adopting another kitten for your existing kitten to play with and to better socialize it.
Avoid playing with your kitten using gloves, allowing your kitten to attack and bite your hand. The kitten cannot make the distinction that it is not okay to attack your hand without a glove.
Play aggression and biting may come out in a previously calm kitten at around 4 months of age. This is part of its normal development and behavior, usually subsiding around 1 year old, according to PetPlace.com.
Treat and verbally praise your kitten for calm, good or normal playful behavior to positively reinforce it.
Never play with your kitten using your hand as a toy because this causes the kitten to view your hand as a toy to play roughly with.
Do not hit or even tap your cat for biting you during play. This will escalate the behavior to actual aggression and make the kitten fear you.
Wear socks around your house to prevent the kitten from attacking and biting your feet, breaking the skin.
References
- Photo Credit Martin Poole/Digital Vision/Getty Images
