To get a kitten to stop biting, it's helpful to first understand why the kitten feels the need to attack. There are several reasons why animals may have instincts to bite, so the key to getting your kitten to stop biting is identifying their motives. Kittens typically bite for three main reasons: they are nervous or agitated for some reason, they get carried away in the excitement of the game, or they are afraid. With a little patience, however, you can teach your kitty better habits. Read this article to find out more.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Dealing with Bad Game Behaviors
Step 1. Remember that kittens learn to play gently by being with their siblings
A key aspect of the early part of a kitten's life is playing with other kittens. It is through the bites and scratches of siblings that the kitten learns what hurts and how to be gentle while playing.
If a kitten is deprived of this early experience, for example if it is being raised by humans or if it is an only child, then it is less likely to have any idea what is painful and what is not
Step 2. Know that the kitten chases your feet and bites them because it follows its natural instinct to hunt
It is a natural instinct for the cat to hunt down anything that moves in order to train to hunt prey (although it will probably never have a real need to hunt). At around 12 weeks of age, instinct tells him to bite the prey to kill it. So when he chases after moving objects, like his human friend's foot or hand, he ends up biting.
Unfortunately, this behavior is reinforced by the victim's reaction. If you get bitten and react by frightening yourself, you reinforce the cat's instinct to chase and bite its prey
Step 3. Get your kitten tired by playing with a toy tied to a lanyard to keep you safe from biting
Cats have big energy spikes, and these are times when they can lose their brakes and bite. The trick is to channel this energy safely, away from your hands and feet, causing the cat to let off steam in an energetic fight with a toy tied to a lanyard. Make your cat tire with this toy by keeping your hands and feet at a safe distance.
Usually a kitten can play at full energy for 5-10 minutes, then have to stop and lie down. Only pet him when he has calmed down and reward this quiet behavior with a good tidbit
Step 4. Try as much as possible to keep the cat from getting bored
When kittens are bored, excess energy can lead to a barrage of attacks and bites aimed at your feet. Provide him with a good variety of toys and change the toys that the cat has available often, so that he always feels like he has new toys.
There are numerous automatic battery operated toys on sale, which can be programmed to start moving at a certain moment, capturing the cat's attention and keeping him psychologically stimulated even when you are away from home
Step 5. Redirect the cat's attention if it bites you
Teach your kitty that you are not interested in playing with him if he is too aggressive. If he bites you, say "No" in a firm voice and pull your hand away. Instead, give him a toy. Don't go back to stroking him or letting him play with your hand until he's calmed down.
Step 6. Break his habit of biting with something bitter
If your cat just doesn't want to stop biting, try putting a disgusting (but non-toxic) substance on your hand before playing with or stroking it. The cat will quickly associate the bite with bad taste. You can find a spray for this purpose at many pet stores or even at a veterinarian.
Part 2 of 3: Controlling Fear Induced Bites
Step 1. Never block the cat's escape route
A cat that feels trapped will feel overwhelmed and will bite to defend itself. If it's on the floor, leave it alone. Forcing him out from under the bed will only intensify his fear and reinforce the notion that he is right to be scared.
If the kitten is hiding because he is scared, put some of his food or a good treat within his reach and leave the room. When he feels that the threat has passed, he will have a good reason to go out, which will also reward his "courage" for coming out of his hiding place
Step 2. Try to create a good bond between the cat and the children
Strange as it may seem, kittens and babies struggle to get along. This is because children struggle to understand that cats don't always like being picked up. If your cat is afraid of children, help him overcome this feeling. Here are some ideas on how to do it:
- Teach your kids to be nice to your cat. You can achieve this by educating them to behave kindly and appropriately when it comes to playing with and stroking them.
- Get your kids to give them treats. This will help the cat associate your babies with positive things.
- Feed the kitten from one side of the room, while the children sit on the other side and ignore the cat. Explain to the children that they should never disturb the cat while it is eating, as it may see them as a danger. By learning that babies do not pose a threat (to themselves and their food), the cat will gradually learn to be less afraid of them and begin to associate them with something beautiful (like eating).
- Always monitor the behavior of your children in the presence of the cat and intervene if necessary.
Step 3. Ignore the cat to gain her trust
Cats interpret direct eye contact as a challenge. In addition, the most anxious kittens may misinterpret your gaze and perceive it as a threat, rather than as affection or attention. To help your cat trust you:
- Lie on the floor. A standing human is intimidating to a small animal.
- Don't turn your head towards the kitten. If he approaches, don't turn around and don't look at him - let him inspect you with his timing. This will make him feel more comfortable with you.
Step 4. Reward "brave" behaviors
Positive reinforcement of exploratory behavior will help teach a fearful cat that new experiences can be positive. To do this, always carry a bag full of small cat treats with you. If you see the cat come out from behind the sofa or from another hiding place, drop a treat next to him so that he associates the wide world with things he likes, like food.
Part 3 of 3: Handling an Agitated or Nervous Kitten
Step 1. Understand that aggression redirection is one of the most common reasons a cat is agitated or nervous
Redirection of aggression is the cause of half of cat attacks on people. It happens when the kittens are frustrated. When a kitten is excited enough to attack but doesn't have what it wants, it redirects this latent impulse to the nearest object. Often this is a person who bothers him, then the cat attacks and bites.
For example, if the cat sees a bird outside the window, but cannot attack it because there is glass in the middle, it can attack the first thing it sees moving or distracting it, such as your foot
Step 2. Redirect the cat's shaking to a toy
When you notice signs of nervousness, you should try to redirect the cat's frustration to a toy. Once this latent impulse is channeled to an appropriate object, the kitty will become your friendly kitty again.
Throw a catnip stuffed toy at your cat or have them chase a lanyard or toy
Step 3. Learn to recognize the signs that your cat is getting nervous
The key to not getting bitten is to put distance between you and the cat when you notice that they start to feel nervous, frustrated or scared. Signs that your cat is nervous and may bite may include:
- Flattened ears
- Tail waving
- Skin twitching / twitching
- Eyes wide open, gaze fixed
- Straight hair
- Low growls
Advice
- Reward your cat's correct behaviors with some good treats and affection.
- NEVER yell or hit the cat! This is animal cruelty and must be avoided at all costs!
- Keep your cat entertained with a toy tied to a lanyard so that he can't accidentally bite you while playing.
