If the kitten scratches and bites

For example, just a couple of minutes ago, the kitten purred gently while you scratched it behind the ear, and then suddenly took it and grabbed it with sharp claws right into the owner’s hand! And there are even more impressive situations when a kitten decides to take the owner’s foot for a tree and, without too much modesty, works out its climbing abilities on it. And one could laugh at this, if only the little cat’s teeth and claws were really harmless. In practice, this behavior of the baby is reflected in impressive scratches and bite marks on the body of the indignant owner. Well, the hostess, in addition, will have to properly stock up on tights! So what makes a fluffy angel turn into an imp from time to time and how to deal with such behavior?

It is not uncommon for kittens to bite and scratch when under stress. Perhaps the baby was having a hard time moving, or you are violating his personal space. Or perhaps there are irritants in the house that prevent the kitten from a comfortable life. Alternatively, the pet may be jealous of the owner for other pets, conflict with tailed neighbors, and react sharply to other people’s unfamiliar smells. The causes of stress are different, and the task of an attentive owner is to understand and eliminate the cause of the aggressive behavior of the baby.

In addition, animals behave aggressively if something hurts them. But, as a rule, the disease is accompanied by other symptoms, and timely treatment helps to cope with the problem.

However, in the vast majority of cases, kittens bite and scratch during play. All over the world it is difficult to find a creature more energetic and active than a kitten. He always wants to move, run and jump, explore the world and … chase prey! And what kind of production can be in a city apartment? – That’s right, the owner’s hand, because it so often flashes in front of an inquisitive muzzle. Or a leg that sticks out from under the blanket during sleep and … evokes associations with a rodent peeking out of a mink!

In short, your kitten is hunting you! And you only strengthen this skill in him, sharply withdrawing his arm or leg when attacking, because this is how prey behaves. But if you make an effort and do not withdraw your hand when the kitten starts to bite it, but, on the contrary, move it closer to the kitten, he will be very surprised and, most likely, will abandon his occupation.

Your other assistant is a variety of toys. Let the active kitten have a lot of them so that he will never be bored. Give your baby toys that he can play with on his own, and toys for joint games. Kittens love teasing, and you yourself will get great pleasure by tickling the muzzle and tummy of a funny baby. But using your own hand as a teaser, again, is not recommended. After all, if a kitten learns to bite your hand during the game you started, he will not understand why you can’t do the same when you sleep or are going to have breakfast.

As heavy artillery, use a spray bottle with plain water. As soon as the kitten has bitten or scratched you, sprinkle water on his face, but only at the moment of the perfect act. If, after the bite, you run into the next room and look for the atomizer for another five minutes, and only then commit retribution, the kitten will never understand why he was punished. Of course, with this method of education, you will have to walk around with a spray bottle in your bosom for several days, but this is a very effective and efficient measure.

In some cases, ignoring helps in the fight against the kitten’s unpleasant habit. If a kitten has bitten or scratched you, get up and leave the room, leaving the kitten alone. When the baby understands the consequences of his “harmless” actions, he will stop behaving like that. But in this case, you can achieve the expected result only if the upbringing is systematic.  

Summing up, I would like to note that no matter what the reason for such misconduct is, the kitten hurts the owners unintentionally, because he still does not even know how to behave with people. The norms of behavior are laid down in the first months of life, and it is the owner who has to convey to the kitten how it is possible and how not to behave in certain situations. 

Good luck and patience to you in your educational work!