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Aggressive Kittens
Tips on how to stop your kitten biting and
scratching you.
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Why are kittens aggressive?
Kittens play aggressively because that's what comes naturally to them. Many
people get a kitten believing that they are sweet cuddly little pets but be
aware they have their moments. Kittens can be all teeth and claws!
You have to remember that kittens have an instinct to play rough. It is
part of a normal kitten's development to play aggressively because they are
learning the predatory skills that a cat in the wild would need
to know for survival. On a reassuring note, most kittens grow out of the
aggressive stage and grow into adorable, sweet natured cats who would never
dream of biting or scratching you.
It might be useful to research the different breeds of cats before getting a
kitten as far as kitten aggression goes. Some breeds such as Burmese or Siamese
can be more boisterous than a Persian, Birman or Ragdoll.
What is Play Aggression in kittens?
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Kittens begin play behavior at an early age. It begins with lots
of rough and tumble play with their siblings and also with their mother. A young kitten will pounce, chase, stalk, wrestle, bite and scratch it's
siblings and mother. This is generally regarded as 'mock' aggression. The kitten
is not intending to hurt anyone, it is just intent on having a good time. This
is all normal behavior for a kitten. Kittens become socialised within their litter and learn to inhibit
over-aggressive behavior. If a kitten gets too aggressive with it's sibling the
sibling will usually correct the aggression either by a growl, retaliation or it
will simply stop playing because it is hurt. All the offender wants to do is
play so he learns that being over-aggressive may stop play. The kitten's mother
also warns him if he becomes too aggressive, often with a growl or a swat.
Kittens continually give each other signals to indicate that the interaction is
meant as play and not as aggression. From these interactions with it's mother
and siblings a kitten learns subconsciously how to control its aggressive behavior. |
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How do I stop my kitten biting and scratching me?
Biting and scratching usually occurs as a result of the owner’s
actions. Some owners find it nearly impossible to resist wrestling with a tiny,
playful kitten, They will wrestle the kitten with their hand letting the kitten
bite and scratch them. This might be cute when the kitten is little but as it
grows and the kitten's strength increases it can become very painful and the
kitten will often draw blood.
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This behaviour is quite normal for a
kitten |
To stop your kitten biting and scratching you can try the following tactics.
A kitten craves your attention and wants to play with you but you should try diverting his attention away from your body parts by having a soft toy
(or selection of toys) of about his own size handy. Shake the toy or move it in
an enticing manner. Encourage your kitten to wrestle with the toy that
you are holding.
Withdraw play if things get really rough and the kitten begins to bite or
scratch you. Just as a kitten learns from his siblings and mother he will also
learn from you. If he bites or scratches and becomes overly aggressive you
simply end the game. Tell him in a stern voice 'NO' and with a loud clap of your
hands walk away from the situation and ignore him.
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If the kitten catches you unaware and latches on to your arm or leg you might
not have a toy at the ready for diversion. Try not to move too much, (this can
be difficult when you are in acute agony) because if you do, this will give him
the impression you are participating in the game and it may incite him further.
As gently as possible disengage the kittens teeth or claws from your body. Then
tell him NO, scold him and walk away. Make it clear to the kitten that you will
not be a party to these rough-house games.
You can grab your kitten by the scruff of the neck and hold him down briefly and
growl at him if he gets too rough but sometimes this can backfire on you. Your
kitten may interpret this action as a cue to become more aggressive because he
thinks you are joining in the game.
 Don't allow your kitten to play roughly with you if you want to
discourage biting and scratching. Be consistent and don't give your kitten mixed
messages. Don't allow aggressive behavior one day and then the next day punish
him for it. You need to get
the message across to your kitten that this behavior is not acceptable every
time he gets rough. Be very firm and make it clear to him that drawing your blood is not the type of play
you wish to engage in. You need to use a stern voice with a loud 'NO' and a clap
of your hands if possible. (That is if he hasn't got his teeth and claws wrapped
around them)
Use techniques such as squirting the kitten with water from a spray bottle only
as a last resort if nothing else works. This is a harsh a punishment for a
little kitten. Loud clapping and a loud NO should be enough.
Be Aware at all times. Look out for aggressive signs
You will soon begin to notice certain behavior signs
that your kitten is leading up to an attack. A pointed stare, laid-back ears, dilating pupils, swishing tail and the wiggling rear
end. If you see these signs stop what you are doing and walk away from the
situation.
Kittens Pouncing and attacking
Ambush and surprise attacks are common and one of a kitten's favourite games. Heaps of fun for kitty but it often
scares the living daylights out of you. The best advice here is to get to know
your kitten's favourite ambush spots and be aware when you enter the danger
zone. If you see the kitten waiting to pounce, give a loud clap of the hands and
a firm NO. You could also put a bell on his collar so you always know where he
is at all times.
Other Strategies to stop kittens biting and scratching you
Provide him with toys that keep him amused. Ping pong balls, a ball of silver
paper, a feather, a toy mouse or even a piece of string can keep him amused for
hours. Kittens will often find their own toys around the house so you don't have
to spend a lot of money on toys for them.
Give your kitten lots of attention. That is what he craves. Praise him when he
is gentle and scold him when he bites and scratches you.
Provide him with a scratching post. All cats need to scratch.
Be patient
Play aggression will eventually go away. Don't give up on
your kitten because he is doing what comes naturally.
Get another kitten
Just a thought. Have you
considered having two kittens instead of one? Two kittens can practice all of
their predatory skills on each other instead of you.
I really enjoy playing rough with my kitten, it's just
that he hurts me and draws blood
OK.. you just can't help yourself. You want to play rough with your kitten. Try
doing what I did. I bought a pair of gardening gloves. I had great fun playing
with the kittens with minimal blood loss. I have to add that despite the fact
that I rough-housed with my kittens on a regular basis they still managed to
grow up into well adjusted and non violent cats.
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