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.
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.
Play Aggression
These kittens have no other playmates, and so may go from sweet lap snuggles to biting in seconds. Adopting a pair of kittens allows them “legal” outlets to wear each other out, until they outgrow the behavior by about 9 to 12 months of age.
Kittens that mouth or love bite their owner are showing affection through facial marking, rubbing their pheromones on their human to claim them as their own. Demand for attention: When a kitten is young, almost everything they do is adorable, including little nibbles, scratches or even full-on bites.
Avoid trigger situations where possible. Do not encourage aggressive play: this involves ignoring unwanted behaviour (not reinforcing it with your attention). If your cat tries to play aggressively, move away from the situation, preferably into another room, shut the door and do not react.
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.
Although play is usually more common in kittens, it may persist through adulthood, especially in cats under 2 years of age that have no other feline companions.
If you are playing with your cat and he does manage to bite a part of your body, firmly say "no," and then withdraw from the play session for a few moments. If every time your cat's teeth touch human flesh, playtime ends, your cat will quickly learn to stop biting. Never yell at or hit your cat for play biting.
While exploratory biting and scratching are normal, anything with clear aggression behind it is not. If your kitten is displaying signs of aggression such as hard biting, scratching that draws blood, and dangerous fighting with other kittens, this is abnormal and problematic behavior.
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.
With human visitors, cats displaying territorial aggression will typically approach or lunge at them, which may be accompanied by growling and hissing. Swatting or biting may occur even if the visitor stands still or attempts to move away. It's important to remember that cat aggression is the symptom, not a cause.
From 6 months to a year is what could be called the “teen years” as the cat moves toward its sexual maturity. You may find a male or female trying to claim territory by marking, or with assertive behaviors such as aggression, scratching, or biting.
Play aggression is often exhibited in cats that are ignored or left alone for long periods of time without a human or animal playmate. When dealing with this form of aggression it is important to understand that play behavior is natural in all cats, and especially in kittens.
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.
Research suggests that catnip targets receptors in their brain to make them feel happy. After an initial bout of stimulation and excitement, the herb helps soothe your cat and calm its aggressive behavior.
Recognizing aggression and startling an aggressive cat without physical contact is usually effective. Avoid situations that you know make a cat aggressive. Separate cats that act aggressively toward each other and reintroduce slowly with positive reinforcement, as described in the Territorial Aggression section.
When your cat goes from perfectly calm to chomping your hand, it's likely due to overstimulation. This is a common problem often known as “petting aggression.” If your cat suddenly attacks or bites your hand when you're petting them, they're likely giving you a few warning cues that you're missing.
Sound: Blow a whistle or fog horn, ring a bell, or toss a penny can (empty soda can with 5-6 pennies inside) in your cat's direction to startle him just as he is about to engage in the unwanted behavior. Remember, you should not say a word — the startling noise should come out of nowhere.
Spraying cats with water from a squirt bottle is not a reinforcement; it's a punishment. Giving your cat a choice of ways to express his behavioral needs and then rewarding his use of the choice you prefer is the best way to encourage your cat's “good” behavior.
Our team of vets agree that using water bottles to discipline cats isn't the best course of action. According to Dr. Dwight Alleyne, “Spraying cats with water can create a negative association with humans. As a result, they may become more anxious or even aggressive over time.”
Always train with positive reinforcement. Use “time outs” or a squirt bottle filled with water to distract your kitten from behaviors you want to prevent. If your kitten misbehaves at home or during his first veterinary visit, discuss with your vet ways to in which to work with him.