Having a furry friend is one of the best things to happen to you. They provide us with companionship, love, and laughs. However, one thing they don't come with is a how-to guide. Each animal has a unique personality and, therefore, it's a way of communicating. It can be hard to figure out what they want or need, but that's okay! Part of the fun of having a pet is learning about them and building a bond.
One issue you may encounter while building this relationship is biting. It's normal for kittens to bite, but it can be frustrating when you're trying to play with them, and they keep nipping at your fingers. Luckily, you can do a few things to stop this behavior.
Why Do Kittens Bite?
Kittens bite for several reasons: teething, playing, or feel threatened.
Teething is the most common reason for biting. Like human babies, kittens undergo a teething process where their teeth grow. This can be a painful experience, so they may bite to try and relieve some of the discomfort.
Kittens also bite when they're playing. It's their way of interacting with the mother cat and their litter mates. Playful biting is not hard as they are just using their natural predatory instincts. When they bite you, they're not trying to hurt you. They just want to play.
The final reason kittens may bite is if they feel threatened. If cats are feeling scared or anxious, they may lash out and try to defend themselves. This is usually seen in kittens that haven't been properly socialized or have had a traumatic experience.
Why Should You Stop Your Cat's Biting Behavior?
Although most cat bites are harmless, there can be times when they can lead to more serious consequences. If your furry friend bites you and breaks the skin, there is a risk of infection. Cat bites are especially dangerous because of the bacteria in their mouths. This bacteria can enter your bloodstream and cause an infection.
According to a study about "Cat Bite Cellulitis" published at NIH, 1% of all emergency department visits in the USA are due to canine or feline bites. The study also states that approximately 3% to 15% of these cases represent cat bites. Around 28% to 80% of these cases end up with infections, with around 20% being severe.
While cat bite infections can be treated most of the time, rabies is a whole different story. Rabies is a fatal virus transmitted through an infected animal's saliva. Although rabies in cats is rare, it is still possible for them to contract the virus from wild animals. If your kitty bites you and they are not up-to-date on their rabies vaccination, you will need to get a series of shots to prevent the virus from infecting you.
Another danger of biting cats is tetanus. Tetanus is a dangerous bacterial infection that can cause muscle spasms, paralysis, and even death. Tetanus bacteria typically enter the body through a cut or wound. If your kitten bites you and you have an open wound, there is a risk of the bacteria entering your body and causing an infection.
So, as you see, it is crucial to nip your cat's biting behavior in the bud for both your safety and theirs.
How To Stop A Kitten From Biting
It's not hard to stop kitten bites, but it takes time and a lot of it. So, whatever method you choose to stop kitty bites, you will need a lot of patience.
Here are a few ideas:
Distract Them With Toys
One way to stop your kitten from biting is to distract them with toys. When they start to bite, offer them a toy to bite instead. There are kitten teething toys that you can buy that will help with their teething pain. These toys usually have nubs or ridges that massage their gums and help relieve the discomfort.
You can also use regular toys like feathers or balls. Some other kitten toys include plush toys, wand toys, tunnels, and catnip toys. Try to find out what type of toys your kitten likes to play with the most and keep them handy, so you can quickly grab them when they start to bite.
Tip: If your kitten seems uninterested in toys, you can try using a catnip spray on them. Catnip spray contains essential oils that can stimulate cats. For more info, read The Best Catnip Spray Products.
Make Sure They're Getting Enough Playtime
If your kitten is biting because they're bored, ensure they get enough playtime. Kittens need to burn off plenty of energy, so they need plenty of playtimes. Set aside at least 30 minutes a day to play with your kitten. If possible, try to play with them more than that. Daily play sessions are a must for keeping your kitten happy and healthy.
Redirect Your Kitten To A Scratching Post
Cats scratch to mark their territory and as a natural exercise to stretch their claws. Additionally, your kitty may use its claws during playtime for hunting and pouncing practice - which is perfectly normal! However, during a rough play session, it may think of you as its prey and try to scratch you.
If your kitten is biting because they're trying to scratch you, redirect them to a scratching post. When they start scratching you, pick them up and place them in front of the scratching post. Show them how to use it by scratching it yourself. Some kittens will need a little help getting started, but eventually, they'll get the hang of it.
Make sure you have several posts in your home to be within reach. You can also try using catnip or placing a toy on the scratching post to entice your kitten to use it.
Keeping different types of scratching posts helps get your cat's attention. For that, we recommend The Best Rated Scratching Board For Cats and The Top Scratching Posts For Indoor Cats.
Reward Good Behavior
Cats respond well to positive reinforcement. You should reward your kitten every time she does something good. For example, if she uses a toy instead of your arm, give her a treat or some petting. She'll quickly learn that she gets rewarded for good behavior and is more likely to repeat it.
We can vouch for these Highest Ranking Cat Treats when rewarding your cat. They are both delicious and nutritious for your kitten.
Stop Playing When They Go Off Limit
If it is your kitten's behavior to bite its playmate, you must discourage it at once.
If your kitten bites you while playing, quickly say "no" or "ouch" in a loud voice. Then walk away and ignore your cat for a few minutes. Let her know that you will not appreciate her aggressive play. She'll learn that biting results in losing your attention, which is something she doesn't want.
Ensure Your Home Is Kitty-Friendly
When your kitten is stressed or anxious, it is more likely to display scratching and biting behavior. Making sure your home is kitty-friendly is key to preventing stress and anxiety in your feline friend. This means providing enough resources for your cat, having a regular meal and playtime routine, and ensuring the environment is quiet and stable.
You may also want to limit any extra noises or changes in the house, as these can be stressful for kitties. Creating a calm and comfortable environment can help keep your kitty happy and healthy and thus decrease biting behavior.
Be Consistent
It's important to be consistent when trying to stop your kitten from biting. If you scold them sometimes during rough play, they won't understand what they're doing wrong. Every time they bite, ensure you get your kitten's attention by saying "no" or "ouch," then walk away and ignore them for a few minutes. They'll learn that biting isn't acceptable behavior with time and patience.
Visit The Vet
If you are doing everything you can to avoid the biting habit and your cat still loves to bite, something might be wrong. If your kitten displays overly aggressive behavior, it's always best to seek veterinary advice as sometimes pain or illness cause biting.
Your veterinarian may advise you on how to deal with your kitten's biting behavior and recommend any necessary treatment.
Bring Them A Playmate
If nothing works out and your kitten seems fine, you must bring her a playmate. If you have a rambunctious kitten, it will be hard to keep your fingers and toes safe from them. As she has full of energy, bringing them another cat or a dog may be a good idea.
Kittens need to socialize, and running around with another animal is the best way to do this. Their companion will teach them how to control their energy, and they will start to understand the concept of biting too hard.
For this, we recommend buying an adult cat because they are calmer and can put up with a kitten's biting. You better get two of the same gender so they cannot mate and have kittens.
Tips and Warnings
Trim Your Kitten's Nails
If your kitten is biting and scratching, it may have sharp nails hurting you. In this case, you'll need to trim their nails. You can do this at home or take them to a professional groomer.
If you're going to trim their nails at home, use sharp scissors or clippers designed for cats. You'll need to be careful not to cut the quick, which is the pink part of the nail. If you trim the quick nails, they will bleed and be painful for your kitten.
If you're not comfortable trimming your kitten's nails, take them to a professional groomer. They can do it quickly and safely.
Spay or Neuter Your Kitten
If your kitten is biting and scratching excessively, it may benefit from being spayed or neutered. This will help to reduce their overall energy levels and make them more manageable.
Spaying or neutering your kitten is a major decision, so speak with your veterinarian about it first. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action for your kitten.
Enroll Your Kitten in Training Classes
If you're struggling to stop your kitten from biting and scratching, enrolling them in training classes may be the best solution. A professional trainer will be able to help you manage your kitten's behavior and teach them how to behave properly.
Training classes are also a great way to socialize your kitten and allow them to interact with other animals in a controlled environment.
Consider Adopting an Older Cat
Adopting an adult cat may be better if you're not set on getting a kitten. Older cats are typically more settled and less likely to bite and scratch. They are also less active and do not require as much exercise.
Older cats can make great companions and be a good fit for families with young children. Be sure to visit your local shelter to meet some of the cats available for adoption.
Conclusion
Kittens bite and scratch as they explore the world and their place in it. The kitten biting phase is normal, but you must be firm in disciplining your kitten. It is also essential to provide an outlet for their energy, like a scratching pad or a post, and to keep a consistent routine. If the biting persists, it's best to visit the vet to rule out any medical causes.
FAQ
[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0="h2" question-0="Why Do Kittens Bite Their Owners?" answer-0="Cats often bite their owners to express their natural hunting instinct. Biting and bunny-kicking are normal kitten play behaviors. They mimic how they pounce, grab, and bite their prey when they play like this with their littermates and mothers. Unfortunately, when cats bite their owners, it can be painful and sometimes cause injuries. Therefore, owners should try to redirect their cat's natural hunting instincts into appropriate activities such as chasing a toy or playing with a scratching pad." image-0="" headline-1="h2" question-1="How Long Does It Take To Train A Kitten To Stop Biting?" answer-1="It can take a kitten up to 12 months to learn not to bite. During this time, it's important to be consistent with your training and keep rewarding your kitten for good behavior. If your kitten does bite, be sure to let them know that it's not okay by making a loud noise or squirting them with water." image-1="" headline-2="h2" question-2="Why Does My Cat Grab My Hand And Bite Me While Purring?" answer-2="Some cats enjoy grabbing their owner's hand and biting it while they purr. This behavior is usually harmless and is often done as a sign of affection. However, if your cat is biting you hard enough to break the skin, this may be a sign of aggression, and thus you should seek help from a professional trainer." image-2="" count="3" html="true" css_class=""]
