my new kitten is biting me i am told these are

Collarspace Discussion Forums

Home Login Search

my new kitten is biting me i am told these are

View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as: Guest

All Forums >> [Casual Banter] >> Off the Grid >> my new kitten is biting me i am told these are

Page: [1] 2 3 next > >>

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

my new kitten is biting me i am told these are - 1/31/2008 10:43:58 PM

winterlight

Posts: 1319
Joined: 2/18/2006
Status: offline

love bites. She is 5 mos old. Do I have to worry about her biting me harder in the future or do i need to be worried about behavior?

I am a new time Mom.

thanks for the help!

Profile

Post #: 1

RE: my new kitten is biting me i am told these are - 1/31/2008 10:47:28 PM

GreedyTop

Posts: 52100
Joined: 5/2/2007
From: Savannah, GA
Status: offline

are you using your hand as a toy? if so, stop!
Here's a great link: http://pets.yahoo.com/blog/catbehavior/5532/how-to-keep-cats-from-biting

*edited to add* some cats are just biters..my Amos is like that, if you dont stick to petting her/scratching her exactly where SHE wants...

< Message edited by GreedyTop -- 1/31/2008 10:48:38 PM >

(in reply to winterlight)

Profile

Post #: 2

RE: my new kitten is biting me i am told these are - 1/31/2008 10:48:07 PM

luckydog1

Posts: 2736
Joined: 1/16/2006
Status: offline

You shuld be very worried and under no circumstances turn your back on the kitten, it could kill you <smile>. Don't even think about sleeping in your home...

(in reply to winterlight)

Profile

Post #: 3

RE: my new kitten is biting me i am told these are - 1/31/2008 10:49:14 PM

GreedyTop

Posts: 52100
Joined: 5/2/2007
From: Savannah, GA
Status: offline

LOLOL Lucky! Youre not supposed to spill the Kitty Secrets!

(in reply to luckydog1)

Profile

Post #: 4

RE: my new kitten is biting me i am told these are - 1/31/2008 10:50:32 PM

Alumbrado

Posts: 5560
Status: offline

http://www.fleascontrol.com/kitten-biting.htm

(in reply to GreedyTop)

Profile

Post #: 5

RE: my new kitten is biting me i am told these are - 2/1/2008 2:29:07 AM

Aneirin

Posts: 6121
Joined: 3/18/2006
From: Tamaris
Status: offline

Bite the kitten back!

No joke, I had a border collie pup years ago and when it started biting it's owner's, the advice we got was to bite it back, it worked, it never bit it's owners again.And by that, I do not mean the creature was bit hard, just enough for it to know the owners can bite harder, therefore I suppose the dog got the message at an early age who was boss.

I have a part time cat, part time in that it comes here to stuff it's neck and kip for a bit, sometimes I play with it, and it does get into that claws and teeth mode. When it does that, a bite or claw, I do not pull away, but allow the cat to continue, it soon gets bored and quits, perhaps knowing it has not won the game.

I feel life is simple for animals, they do need to know who is the owner/boss, sort of pack mentality I suppose.

_____________________________

Everything we are is the result of what we have thought, the mind is everything, what we think, we become - Guatama Buddha

Conservatism is distrust of people tempered by fear - William Gladstone

(in reply to Alumbrado)

Profile

Post #: 6

RE: my new kitten is biting me i am told these are - 2/1/2008 5:14:27 AM

rubberpet

Posts: 1743
Joined: 4/6/2006
From: The Land of Voodoo
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Aneirin

Bite the kitten back!

No joke, I had a border collie pup years ago and when it started biting it's owner's, the advice we got was to bite it back, it worked, it never bit it's owners again.And by that, I do not mean the creature was bit hard, just enough for it to know the owners can bite harder, therefore I suppose the dog got the message at an early age who was boss.

I have a part time cat, part time in that it comes here to stuff it's neck and kip for a bit, sometimes I play with it, and it does get into that claws and teeth mode. When it does that, a bite or claw, I do not pull away, but allow the cat to continue, it soon gets bored and quits, perhaps knowing it has not won the game.

I feel life is simple for animals, they do need to know who is the owner/boss, sort of pack mentality I suppose.

I was going to post this very advice. I had a German Shepherd that had the habit of biting, but I broke him out of it by first biting his paw on the first offense, then the bridge of his snout on the second. It only took two bites probably because he looked at me like I was a mental patient afterwards.

Accidental nips of the teeth were considered accidents because he loved tug-o-war with his toys, but he'd cringe everytime he'd accidently nip me. I'd tell him everything was ok, I'd rub his head, nuzzle my forehead against his, and kiss his nose to let him know I knew it was an accident. He learned the difference, but dogs are much smarter than cats, in my opinion.

As for my kitty, Meenu (her pic is on my profile), she has never bit or scratched me a single time. She has such a sweet temperment. If I'm petting her and I stop, instead of biting, she'll nuzzle her head under my hand until I start petting her again. She is too precious!

_____________________________

Collared and devoted property of Mistress Lorelei (vampchick88) as of 3/26/08.

Rubberpet - The Resident Anti-Subby and mysterious shadowy figure known as Voodoo, proud hitman and wiseguy for the Subby Mafia.

(in reply to Aneirin)

Profile

Post #: 7

RE: my new kitten is biting me i am told these are - 2/1/2008 5:20:18 AM

Aneirin

Posts: 6121
Joined: 3/18/2006
From: Tamaris
Status: offline

Oh, you went for the bits that pups like sticking in smelly stuff, me, I bit the ears, a yelp was enough to know the dog felt it.

Odd is, the pup was only bitten once or twice, and if I remember for only one day. Border collies learn fast, you can never trick them more than once.

_____________________________

Everything we are is the result of what we have thought, the mind is everything, what we think, we become - Guatama Buddha

Conservatism is distrust of people tempered by fear - William Gladstone

(in reply to rubberpet)

Profile

Post #: 8

RE: my new kitten is biting me i am told these are - 2/1/2008 5:30:13 AM

Sanity

Posts: 22039
Joined: 6/14/2006
From: Nampa, Idaho USA
Status: offline

My cat "Damnit" loves to bite and scratch, and he's old, fifteen years old. It's playful, but it hurts and leaves marks, so I discourage him by getting a little rough myself. I couldn't imagine biting an animal, but I'll wave my hands in his face, growl in a language resembling his, even slap him hard enough to send a message without really harming him.

Cats love to play, and among thei litter mates they are very rough, so it's natural for them. It's something you should expect, they think it's rowdy play, but the best thing is to try and relate to them on their level what it is that you're thinking.

quote:

ORIGINAL: winterlight

love bites. She is 5 mos old. Do I have to worry about her biting me harder in the future or do i need to be worried about behavior?

I am a new time Mom.

thanks for the help!

_____________________________

Inside Every Liberal Is A Totalitarian Screaming To Get Out

(in reply to winterlight)

Profile

Post #: 9

RE: my new kitten is biting me i am told these are - 2/1/2008 5:31:17 AM

petdave

Posts: 2479
Status: offline

i would certainly discourage the behavior now, rather than letting it continue. i'd suggest a sharp "No!" and withdrawal- either move away from her, or put her on the floor immediately after she does it. Blowing in her face should also work as a negative reinforcement, or to make her let go if she's latching on.

(in reply to Aneirin)

Profile

Post #: 10

RE: my new kitten is biting me i am told these are - 2/1/2008 5:41:21 AM

LadyHathor

Posts: 775
Joined: 1/2/2008
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: winterlight

love bites. She is 5 mos old. Do I have to worry about her biting me harder in the future or do i need to be worried about behavior?

I am a new time Mom.

thanks for the help!

This is normal in kittens as they are teething, get a few good catnip toys to start, then a quick snap tp the nose when that happens should correct it--if it continues, get a water bottle and a quick spritz should correct that for the most part and yes--do not use your hand as the toy---smiles, good luck and enjoy.

_____________________________

Lady Hathor, I am the Mistress Hathor of Orleans, I am what I am, often to the dismay and discomfort of others.

(in reply to winterlight)

Profile

Post #: 11

RE: my new kitten is biting me i am told these are - 2/1/2008 5:47:19 AM

Aneirin

Posts: 6121
Joined: 3/18/2006
From: Tamaris
Status: offline

Odd thing is, my part time cat prefers it rough. Everyone strokes a cat gently, not me, I dig my nails through the cat's fur, it loves it. And the metal finger talons even better. The part of the back just at the base before the tail, heavy stroking here will get a cat to love you.

_____________________________

Everything we are is the result of what we have thought, the mind is everything, what we think, we become - Guatama Buddha

Conservatism is distrust of people tempered by fear - William Gladstone

(in reply to LadyHathor)

Profile

Post #: 12

RE: my new kitten is biting me i am told these are - 2/1/2008 5:52:03 AM

MstrssPassion

Posts: 2444
Joined: 1/1/2004
From: West Palm Beach, FL
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: petdave

i would certainly discourage the behavior now, rather than letting it continue. i'd suggest a sharp "No!" and withdrawal- either move away from her, or put her on the floor immediately after she does it. Blowing in her face should also work as a negative reinforcement, or to make her let go if she's latching on.

Just be careful when you blow in their face... I've seen cats lash out blindly with claws out when people have blown in their face.

_____________________________

MstrssPassion

(in reply to petdave)

Profile

Post #: 13

RE: my new kitten is biting me i am told these are - 2/1/2008 6:00:39 AM

pahunkboy

Posts: 33061
Joined: 2/26/2006
From: Central Pennsylvania
Status: offline

kitty could be hungry- or looking for moms nipple

(in reply to MstrssPassion)

Profile

Post #: 14

RE: my new kitten is biting me i am told these are - 2/1/2008 6:02:23 AM

kyraofMists

Posts: 3292
Joined: 7/29/2005
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: GreedyTop

are you using your hand as a toy? if so, stop!

Completely agree!! I would use an oven mit, sock, blanket, etc to cover my hand and play with my cats. If there was nothing covering my hand then it was only for petting and affection.

Teach them that hands are for loving and toys are for playing.

Knight's Kyra

_____________________________

"Passion... it lies in all of us. Sleeping, waiting, and though unbidden, it will stir, open its jaws, and howl. It speaks to us, guides us... passion rules us all. And we obey..." ~Angelus

(in reply to GreedyTop)

Profile

Post #: 15

RE: my new kitten is biting me i am told these are - 2/1/2008 6:02:23 AM

Sanity

Posts: 22039
Joined: 6/14/2006
From: Nampa, Idaho USA
Status: offline

That's the thing, it's normal for them, it's how they play among themselves. You have to establish dominance and teach them what you think play should be. They're smart enough to figure it out, if you're smart enough to teach them.

In the past I've used my hands for toys and played with them as if my hands were other cats, but that leaves them bloody scratched up messes. It's fun. They have definite personalities, different cats behave far differently from one another under similar circumstances.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Aneirin

Odd thing is, my part time cat prefers it rough. Everyone strokes a cat gently, not me, I dig my nails through the cat's fur, it loves it. And the metal finger talons even better. The part of the back just at the base before the tail, heavy stroking here will get a cat to love you.

_____________________________

Inside Every Liberal Is A Totalitarian Screaming To Get Out

(in reply to Aneirin)

Profile

Post #: 16

RE: my new kitten is biting me i am told these are - 2/1/2008 8:20:23 AM

Stephann

Posts: 4214
Joined: 12/27/2006
From: Portland, OR
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: LadyHathor

quote:

ORIGINAL: winterlight

love bites. She is 5 mos old. Do I have to worry about her biting me harder in the future or do i need to be worried about behavior?

I am a new time Mom.

thanks for the help!

This is normal in kittens as they are teething, get a few good catnip toys to start, then a quick snap tp the nose when that happens should correct it--if it continues, get a water bottle and a quick spritz should correct that for the most part and yes--do not use your hand as the toy---smiles, good luck and enjoy.

I strongly disagree. There's never a need to actually hit your cat. Keep a water bottle handy, and when she bites you give her a good squirt in the face.

I also agree; make sure she has other toys to grapple with and bite. Pet her and praise her for it when she does.

Stephan

_____________________________

Nosce Te Ipsum

"The blade itself incites to violence" - Homer

Men: Find a Woman here

(in reply to LadyHathor)

Profile

Post #: 17

RE: my new kitten is biting me i am told these are - 2/1/2008 8:22:36 AM

SubbieOnWheels

Posts: 590
Joined: 12/14/2007
Status: offline

A friend who'd had several litters of kittens born in her home said she observed how the mother cats disciplined the kittens. The most effective way was a flick to the kitten's ear - not hard, but noticeable. I tried that with my cat, and she stopped what she was doing and looked at me with the most incredulous expression on her face, as if to say, "Where did you learn that?" She never really stopped nipping, but she learned to keep it soft - she'd touch her teeth to my hand and look at me. It meant that I'd gone far enough in playing.

Oh, I do miss her. After 17 years of love, her passing left a hole in my heart and an emtiness in my home.

_____________________________

Bethical
Beat me, strike me, take away my reindeer! I'll never tell! -- Walt Kelly, Pogo Possum
I yam what I yam - Popeye

http://www.myspace.com/bethical_wheels

(in reply to Sanity)

Profile

Post #: 18

RE: my new kitten is biting me i am told these are - 2/1/2008 8:27:36 AM

GreedyTop

Posts: 52100
Joined: 5/2/2007
From: Savannah, GA
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: SubbieOnWheels

A friend who'd had several litters of kittens born in her home said she observed how the mother cats disciplined the kittens. The most effective way was a flick to the kitten's ear - not hard, but noticeable. I tried that with my cat, and she stopped what she was doing and looked at me with the most incredulous expression on her face, as if to say, "Where did you learn that?" She never really stopped nipping, but she learned to keep it soft - she'd touch her teeth to my hand and look at me. It meant that I'd gone far enough in playing.

Oh, I do miss her. After 17 years of love, her passing left a hole in my heart and an emtiness in my home.

awww, Subbie....my heart goes out to you... my boykitty passed when he was 3, of kidney failure. 4 yrs later, I still mourn for him. Although, his sister (Her Majesty, Gracious) sometimes channels him...LOL

(in reply to SubbieOnWheels)

Profile

Post #: 19

RE: my new kitten is biting me i am told these are - 2/1/2008 8:31:48 AM

lauren0221

Posts: 681
Joined: 8/29/2006
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: GreedyTop

quote:

ORIGINAL: SubbieOnWheels

A friend who'd had several litters of kittens born in her home said she observed how the mother cats disciplined the kittens. The most effective way was a flick to the kitten's ear - not hard, but noticeable. I tried that with my cat, and she stopped what she was doing and looked at me with the most incredulous expression on her face, as if to say, "Where did you learn that?" She never really stopped nipping, but she learned to keep it soft - she'd touch her teeth to my hand and look at me. It meant that I'd gone far enough in playing.

Oh, I do miss her. After 17 years of love, her passing left a hole in my heart and an emtiness in my home.

awww, Subbie....my heart goes out to you... my boykitty passed when he was 3, of kidney failure. 4 yrs later, I still mourn for him. Although, his sister (Her Majesty, Gracious) sometimes channels him...LOL

My heart too, Subbie. I had to put my boy Millie (he looked like a girl, and by the time I discovered testicles, his name had stuck) to sleep on my birthday last year. He was angel who would never bite or scratch. His brother Teeny, on the other hand is a monster, and seems to be impervious to any sort of discipline.

(in reply to GreedyTop)

Profile

Post #: 20