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Articles | main | Stop-Cats-from-Biting |

Stop Your Cat From Biting

Cats often learn to bite and scratch humans when they are kittens. Cat biting and scratching usually starts as "fun-time" play behavior. Unfortunately, this play behavior can develop into bad habits that are hard to break when kittens grow older.

It is a good idea to not allow your kittens to bite and scratch your hands. Kittens bite and scratch as part of their natural behavior so when they do, grab a toy to let them play with. A string, a toy mouse, anything fun to play with, just not your hands! If you divert their attention with a toy and they still go for your hands, tell them "NO" in a firm voice and let them know that play time is over.

Consider that kittens learn to hunt and defend themselves through play behavior. Do not let them learn to view your hands as practice objects. A kitten will usually carry this view into adulthood and that is when the biting and scratching can become a real behavior problem.

If you already have an adult cat that bites, there are some things you can do to change this behavior.

- Verbal Communication: Firmly say "OUCH!", or "NO!". You can also speak their own language by hissing at them. You'd be surprised how well it can work when you speak in your cat's native tongue!

- Startle Them: Flick their nose with your finger. Cats usually respond to this strongly because they do not like to be touched this way. You can also try hitting the floor with your hand or pillow. This often works when verbal communication is not enough. Try slapping the floor in combination with yelling "OUCH" and it will really get your cat's attention.

- Scruff Them: This means grab your cat by the neck and push their face toward the floor. This sounds like a harsh discipline but it's basically how mother cats discipline their kittens.

When training cats not to bite, always make sure you use disciplinary techniques at the exact moment they bite. In order for your cat to get the message, they have to associate the discipline directly with their bad behavior.

Some cats will need more extreme techniques while others will respond to a simple "NO". It depends a lot on your cat's individual personality. When breaking your cat of a bad habit such as biting, always be consistent with your discipline. It is important not to let your cat get away with bad behavior, not even a little bit.

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