|
Cats
begin to bite and scratch at an early age. Kitten play with
litter mates usually begins between 3 and 4 weeks of age.
This consists of chasing, pouncing, biting and scratching.
The claws come out during play simply because the kitten has
not learned how and when to use them. Learning takes place
by trial and error; a kitten will scratch or bite too hard
and his little playmate will run away. If he doesn't change
his tactics he'll have no one to play with. Kittens will nip
at your hand and bat you with their paws when at play with
you. This is just an extension of the activity that took place
within the litter; this is the only way they know how to play.
Scratching
and biting may be cute when your cat is a tiny kitten, but
it will really hurt if this behavior continues when your cat
grows up. The longer you allow this behavior to go on, the
more difficult it will be to change later. Don't play games
with your kitten using your hands and feet as toys, because
aggression directed at your hands and feet might carry over
into adulthood.
When
disciplining your cat never spank, shake, or scruff your cat
for unwanted behavior. First, you may hurt your cat, and second,
you may reinforce the behavior even more, despite the fact
that the attention is negative. Use fishing pole style toys,
or toys that you toss for the cat. Don't tickle and poke with
your fingers or wiggle your toes to amuse your cat. Play with
toys with your cat long enough that she is really tuckered
out, and her rambunctious aggression seems to be really gone.
If
the kitten is on your lap and getting too wild, remove him
by placing him up by the scruff of the neck and supporting
his bottom, and then place him on the floor. Do not continue
to touch or play with a kitten that persists in misbehavior.
His littermates would have stopped playing with him and moved
on. So should you. Instruct your family and guests about these
rules. Don't allow other people to let your cat tussle with
their hands or feet, even if they're wearing gloves or shoes.
But
the best solution of all and the one that ALWAYS works is
to get another kitten for your kitten to play with.
|
