Why does a cat scratch and bite and how to wean it

A cute kitten can not only purr like a small motor and rub against his hands with fluffy fur, but also scratch and bite. And if the first few bites are perceived almost with affection, then with each new mark the question arises of how to wean the kitten from scratching and biting.

Why does a kitten start scratching and biting

The first step in solving this biting-scratching problem is to understand the reasons for this behavior. Sometimes they are similar to the reasons for the bad mood of the owners:

• Stress, fear, aggression. For example, due to moving to a new apartment – or rearranging furniture. The kitten can be alarmed and does not allow himself to be stroked, bites, because unfamiliar surroundings frighten and irritate him. The baby needs time to calm down and understand that it is safe here.

• Too much attention, bad smells, loud noises: these and many other things no cat will like. Perhaps the kitten bites and attacks, making it clear that something is unpleasant for him.

• Bad feeling. If the kitten scratches and bites, you need to pay attention to his condition. No appetite, weight gain or loss, problems with urination, strange discharge, bald patches or other signs of health problems? You should contact your veterinarian immediately.

• Change of teeth. During this period, the gums even of four-legged friends itch very much, so the kitten bites and scratches a lot. What to do? Special toys and snacks that can be chewed for a long time will help save your own hands and furniture.

• Game, hunting instinct. When playing, the pet often imitates hunting: it tracks down the “prey”, which can easily become the legs and hands of family members, rushes at it, grabs it, bites it, and then lets it go again. He just does not understand what gives the owner discomfort. The main thing here is not to miss the moment when a fun game turns into unhealthy aggression.

• Lack of attention, boredom. The kitten is like a child. He will not sit still, waiting for the owner to have time to scratch him behind the ear. And just ask “Play with me!” he cannot, then he uses his teeth and claws.

• Psychological features. This may be the specificity of a particular breed or this particular cat or cat, psychological trauma or inability to contact people and other animals. An experienced zoopsychologist will help you understand the behavior of a tailed one and tell you how to wean a kitten from throwing and biting.

What to do if the kitten scratches and bites

The sooner you take up the upbringing of your pet, the more likely it is that in the future this biting and scratching will not become a habit for him. First you need to analyze the behavior of the animal and try to understand why the cat bites, what worries or excites him. 

If he is sick, you need to make an appointment with a veterinarian. If the reason is different, it is better to eliminate irritating factors from the pet’s field of vision. 

In no case should you shout at the kitten, raise your hand at him, throw objects at him. This is a real taboo in the proper upbringing of a kitten or an adult cat. It is important for the owner to be calm and patient: it will take time to wean the animal from scratching and biting. You should not jerk sharply and try to pull out an arm or leg – such behavior will only provoke the hunter.

Another important point in how to wean a kitten from biting is to show that such behavior is unacceptable. The animal should form a clear negative association with its attempts to scratch or bite you. You can try to pat the kitten by the scruff – this is how the mother cat usually punishes. You need to do this every time the kitten attacks and bites. You need to accompany the action with a forbidding word, for example, calmly say: “You can’t!”.

It is important to take the process of education seriously, to be attentive to the requests and needs of the pet and to treat him with respect. Then it will be quite easy to wean the kitten from scratching and biting.

See also:

What do cats not like?

10 easy tips to keep your home safe from a kitten

What to do if the cat’s aggression in the game goes beyond?

How to properly raise a kitten or an adult cat