Biting !

[xumi's mom]

Hey there... thanks for the heads up Paige... yup, I can help. First of all, do not punish her for the behavior, she isn't being bad. Instead, modify how and when you play with her. When playing with the kitten use a pole type of toy, such as tone of the Necko fly toys. Use the Kittenator toy, not one of the insect or bird type of toys. Those will over-stimulate her. Play with her in a way that imitates the hunt. Drag the toy away from her, over vertical territory and scratchers, letting her catch it a couple of times so she doesn't get frustrated. When you want to stop playing, don't just stop, instead, slow the toy gradually down, imitating the hunt. Finally let her catch it, one last time and then immediately feed her something substantial and delicious. she will eat, groom and settle down... for a few minutes. Also, she needs multiple play sessions throughout the day. Make sure that she is played with in the mornings and evenings, since those are the times cats are naturally the most active.

When she does bite, give her a time out... stop all interactions with her and leave the room... in other words, remove yourself. Time outs last maybe 15 seconds... that's all...

I do not recommend pushing your finger into her mouth. Instead relax your hand, do not pull away. She will release her bite.
Marilyn Krieger, CCBC
www.thecatcoach.com

Marilyn,

Thank you for the advice! I read your book a couple of weeks ago and have started her on clicker training, although she's way too easily distracted at this age and with her energy level so high. But I will keep at it! My theory is that they're never too young to start training.

We do play with her many times during the day, it's tiring but less so than trying to keep her out of trouble! I have been using a "Da Bird" feather wand, but at your suggestion, I ordered a Kittenator today. We will start giving treats after playtime, as well.

The only observation I have about relaxing during the bite is that she will NOT stop. She digs in harder, then harder still. The first bite lasts maybe 5 seconds, then she opens her jaws a little wider and pushes in deeper, sometimes shaking her head a little. She rabbit kicks a little with her back feet, sometimes with claws. We really have no choice but to pry her off before we walk away. We don't get far before the second, angrier attack. She doesn't hiss or growl, but sometimes she'll make a spitting noise.

 

[xumi's mom]

Thank you everyone, for responding! I sure hope this is a phase, and not a sign of more trouble to come.

 

[admin]

It will definitely get better, Susan...maybe you could also try the bitter nail polish someone talked about here?

 

[WitchyWoman]

One other trick that might help. It worked with Juba when he was in his terminator phase. I would give him a soft stuffed toy to bite when he got rough with me. I'd just stick it under his nose and he'd bite and rabbit- kick the toy instead of me and I'd remove myself from the room for awhile.

 

[admin]

I did that as well Deborah - good tip!

 

[admin]

Susan, I have a Kittenator and all mu cats love it!!!! Actually I really like all the Neko Flies toys...and now I am using Lori's Hyendry toys...just got a new one today and all three cats will not let it go...they are playing tug of war with it

 

[Trish Allearz]

One other trick that might help. It worked with Juba when he was in his terminator phase. I would give him a soft stuffed toy to bite when he got rough with me. I'd just stick it under his nose and he'd bite and rabbit- kick the toy instead of me and I'd remove myself from the room for awhile.

This is what we have done with biters. Thankfully, they all grow out of it... At least, ours did! Great advice from Marilynn too, as always!

 

[Paul B]

Sorte is becoming a nipper/biter in the last week or so. It is when I am not giving him attention or when he wants to play (even if we just got done 5 minutes earlier). Most of the time I can tell when it's coming. He will meow and pace around in front of me, twitching his tail and if I pet him he will turn to nip me. The worst though is he will come lay in my lap or next to me while I'm on my laptop and he will let me put my arm on him for a good couple minutes then out of no where, if I'm not paying attention he will turn and bite my arm. Not fast and aggressive, but slow and forceful. I'm not sure where this is coming from. He doesn't flinch when I say "Owch!!" anymore and leaving the room just seems to agitate him more. I don't want this behavior to move onto my wife either.

 

[Patti]

Instead of simply saying 'ouch' try yelping using a high pitched tone as though you are really hurt. If that doesn't work then you might have to be more drastic. I have curbed nippers by putting my finger down their throat (yes, until they gag) every time they bite. Most learn to curb their behavior after only a few times.

 

[WitchyWoman]

Part of the affection & play repertoire includes non aggressive nipping. If you don't have success redirecting the behavior onto a toy, try limiting his access. Put him out of the room when he nips you, don't let him sit on your lap, limit petting or cuddling to a minute or two or if he begins showing signs of biting put him down or stop touching him, hook your finger into his mouth and make him gag, try a squirt bottle and a "no" or "bad boy", don't pet him for a day or two.