While this behavior may be normal at first, if it doesn't subside within a few months, it may be time to take corrective action. Of course, aggressive behavior may come from a mother cat protecting her kittens.
If you allow them to bite and scratch when they are young, it will be hard to stop them doing it when they are older - although most kittens naturally grow out of the habit between 1 and 2 years old.
Maternal aggression will usually subside as the kittens get older and more independent. Male, and more rarely female, cats may demonstrate aggression toward other male cats as they approach social maturity between two and four years of age.
It's common for kittens and young cats to engage in rough, active play because all feline play consists of mock aggression. Cats stalk, chase, sneak, pounce, swat, kick, scratch, ambush, attack and bite each other—all in good fun. If they're playing, it's reciprocal. They change roles frequently.
At what age do kittens calm down? Generally, by 9 to 12 months old, the massive amount of enthusiasm has begun to settle, and a personality has become more apparent. Each cat differs individually with some being more playful and some lazier. However, these are some typical stages you'll see as your frisky feline ages.
The reason kittens bite us is simple: they're natural predators and they want to practice their attack on a moving object. In fact, kittens are biologically wired to attack an object that moves, so it's important to teach them how to play with toys--not fingers or feet--from a young age.
Kittens who stalk or hide and then jump out and attack you as you pass are also exhibiting a form of play aggression. If you leave your kitten alone for long hours at a time without any opportunity to play, she may be bursting with energy and play extra rough when you interact with her.
Territorial Aggression
While often directed at other cats, people and other animals may be the subject of the aggression as well. Triggers may include introducing a new pet or even a new person into the house, a recent move, or new cats in the neighborhood.
It's common for kittens and young cats to engage in rough, active play because feline play can consist of mock aggression. Many cats retain this kitten-like behavior well into adulthood. Cats stalk, chase, pounce, swat, kick, scratch and bite each other—all in good fun.
In kittens, most aggression is caused by fear or curiosity. In older cats, there may be other reasons for cat aggression and attacks, such as redirected aggression, or when a cat lashes out at its owner because it senses something is wrong.
Some owners and behaviorists argue that there are distinct differences between male and female cats, but only when the cats are intact. Males, for instance, are typically more aggressive and likely to display dominant behavior before being neutered.
Aggressive cats can become more aggressive on catnip, while others can become aggressive when they see another cat playing with the catnip. While catnip can help reduce the anxiety that may lead to aggressiveness, it can also prevent them from behaving properly.
Aggression is the second most common feline behavior problem seen by animal behaviorists. Although cat aggression is sometimes taken less seriously than dog aggression—perhaps because cats are smaller and don't pursue people to bite them—aggressive cats can be formidable.
If your cats' bodies are relaxed or their ears are pointed forward, they're likely just playing. If your cats flatten their ears, hold their ears back, or puff up their fur or tails, this is a sign that they're fighting, not playing.
Species appropriate punishment such as “hissing” or the use of punishment devices such as a water sprayer, can of compressed air, or hand held alarm are better than using any physical techniques since they are less likely to lead to fear and retaliation.
The term “love bite” is somewhat of a misnomer. “When cats bite in this context, it's not a sign of affection, but rather a signal that the cat is done with the interaction. If the petting continues despite the cat's efforts to signal that he or she is done with being petted, the cat may escalate to a bite,” says Dr.
Single kitten syndrome is the idea that young kittens, when raised with other young kittens and cats and then adopted into a home by themselves, can become aggressive, anxious, stressed, and even develop behavioral issues like inappropriate chewing/scratching and inappropriately using the litterbox.
As they get to 4-9 months, they hit their teenage years. They may start to feel their natural predatory selves and the need to begin “hunt” and scavenge. They may start bringing toys, sleeping more during the day, and playing more in the evenings.
A cat's temperament, training, and personality are the result of genetics and upbringing, and are generally unaffected by the presence or absence of male hormones. Castration is unlikely to calm an overactive cat or decrease aggression toward people.
Cats are juniors until the age of 2, and like human children, may start to show a different temperament between 6 months and 2 years old, even progressing from the (sometimes) defiant 'Terrible Two's' to becoming a stroppy teenager!
Physically harming your cat can actually make the situation worse and cause her to lash out or become withdrawn. Also, cats have a hard time associating the physical punishment with the bad behavior, so you're not actually training her to stop doing it.
Offering “Treats”
Offer them “treats” often. It is especially effective to offer them a couple of spoonfuls of human baby food a day (meat only). Kittens LOVE baby food! Start by putting a little bit of baby food on their mouth or nose if they will not come to you.