The only guaranteed way to stop your cat fromscratching a given area or object is to restrict access. Coila has a Bachelor of Science in cell and molecular biology from the University of Cincinnati and more than 10 years of medical research experience. 
Sue, Berkshire. With kittens, the chewing is a natural part of the teething process. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the GooglePrivacy policyandTerms of serviceapply. If necessary, hide all valuable and dangerous chewable objects,leaving out a few non-valuable fabrics for your cat to chew onso long as he does not swallow too much. Make sure you keep these dangerous objects out of the cat's reach. So now she really hurriesand stops me from chewing. When a kitten attacks your hands or feet when you move, simply disengage and redirect them to a more suitable object. This helps us offset the costs of running this site, so thank you for your support!
Then stop the games and positive attention. Its cute to allow kittens to play with your fingers when theyre tiny, right?
Providing appropriate chew toys can keep your kitten happy and satisfy her natural urge to chew. Jerking away your hands or dancing around to dodge kitten bites make hands and feet even more alluring, because cats are triggered by movement. If done excessively, chewing can gradually erode the surface of the cat's teeth. By: Chewy EditorialUpdated: December 8, 2020, By: Chewy EditorialUpdated: June 15, 2021, By: Nancy DunhamUpdated: December 16, 2020, By: Chewy EditorialPublished: September 26, 2011, By: Chewy EditorialPublished: January 15, 2015, By: Chewy EditorialPublished: September 1, 2016, By: Ashley DavidsonUpdated: June 30, 2022, 400 Girl Dog Names for Your Pretty New Pup. As cat owners,we need to find a balance between protecting ourvaluables and our cats health, while still satisfying ourcats needs. That said, it's always a good idea to ask your vet about your cat's chewing habits. Read more: 9 Grass Growing Kits That Will Make Your Cat Happy. Everything teaches them a lesson. Another reason that kittens chew things is because they are bored or curious. One common misconception is that catsare out for revenge when they destroy household items,but these behaviors are usually part of normal investigationand play and, fortunately, can most commonly be managedwith an appropriate plan and patience. The scratch marks and clawsheaths left behind may also be displays of confidence. Lastly, if the kitten is a solo kitten, you may want to consider getting her a friend. Site Help | If you think there might be an underlying medical problem that causes your kitten's chewing behavior, bring her to a vet for a checkup.
Spray bad-tasting commercial pet repellents on fabrics todeter chewing. In other words, a cat with too much energy and not enough stimuli can resort to chewing to relieve the stress. The scratching post should also match your cats preferredscratching orientation. In fact, kittens are biologically wired to attack an object that moves, so its important to teach them how to play with toys--not fingers or feet--from a young age. Philodendron (Philodendron spp.) The obvious answer is to remove access to whatever your cat likes to chew on, so dont leave clothes, shoes or books lying around, and move houseplants to somewhere he cant get to them. Redirect your cats scratching behavior by placing the postnext to an area your cat likes to scratch. By: Ashley DavidsonUpdated: July 13, 2022. Read more: Beating Boredom - What Indoor Cat Owners Need To Know. The short EEEK! not only startles and interrupts the biting, it explains what you think of their out-of-control play behavior, too. Let the kitten know she did a great job by rewarding her after playtime with a treat or meal. I recommend when possible that you adopt a pair of kittens together, so they teach these lessons naturally. Watch my video about how to stop kittens from biting you: Sign up to receive Kitten Lady news, updates, and more!
Vet Q&A: Dr. Amy Pike and Dr. Katy Nelson Discuss Pet Behavior in the New Why Is My Cat Acting Strange After I Come Home From Vacation? Theodor of mothballs in the soil may also keep your cat away. Cardboard, packing paper from Chewy.com, and a Wiggle Worm work wonders for our cat who loves to chew and tear. Also, try offering yourcat alternatives such as cat-safe rubber toys scented with fish oilor even dry cat food. When the play session has ended, reward the kitten with a treat or meal to simulate the satisfying experience of eating after a kill. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in, Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile, Q. I have a three-month-old kitten who keeps chewing on electric cables. Does your cat chew on something that poses an immediate danger, such as electric cords, toxic plants or items that could splinter and hurt Kitty? While it can be tolerated with young kittens, inappropriate chewing often turns into a behavior problem with adult cats. ~Ernie. For most kitten owners, chewing is just a normal fact of life, but in some cases, it could be a sign of a problem. While you shouldnt start ignoring your cat, try to make sure you interact with him in a more adult way and encourage him to be independent. You can help meetyour cats need to forage by putting a large ball in thefood bowl, or by providing toys that deliver treats whenmoved or scratched. These should only be appliedto cats that allow you to handle and manipulate theirpaws. Identify scratching preferences These include: Instead, we want to encourage kittens to practice these behaviors on an appropriate target. Plenty of Stimulation - Make sure your kitten has plush toys, wand toys, crinkle balls, tunnels, and other enrichment items to play with.
You can try safe homemade alternatives, such as cardboard, or invest in appropriate chew toys for cats -. If you choose the latter, make sure that thedry food used is part of your cats calculated daily caloric intake(i.e.
A more pressing concern is safety: chewing on electric cords can be very dangerous. Prevent boredom In the case of my own cat who arrived when she was about 5 months old, the hiss didnt work on her. If your kitten wont stop biting, you need to set limits and learn effective methods for training, such as clicker training for kittens.
Some items may be toxic, or break apart with small parts being ingested by the cat. Oriental breeds, such as Siamese cats, are more prone to compulsive chewing. Kittens who play dont want to hurt you; they want the games to continue. As tempting as it is to wiggle your fingers or tickle their bellies, this teaches them that its okay to practice their hunt on your skin. I usually do it when its meal timethe mom doesnt get the food in my dish fast enough. People often reward biting without realizing it.
Cats that chew on houseplants are usually indoor cats withlittle access to grass or other greens. Companion Animal Hospital in Ithaca, NY for cats, dogs, exotics, and wildlife, Equine and Nemo Farm Animal Hospitals in Ithaca, NY for horses and farm animals, Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists, on Long Island for every horse, Ambulatory and Production Medicine for service on farms within 30 miles of Ithaca, NY, Animal Health Diagnostic Center New York State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Ithaca, New York 14853-6401.
4. Cats have smaller mouths compared to most dogs and so they tend to chew on smaller objects. Kittens may bite if theyre sick.
Usecat plush toysor acat feather wandto wear out all that energy. Biting is a totally acceptable behavior for a kitten, but that doesnt mean we want them attacking our hands or bare feet! There are a number of reasons why cats chew things they shouldnt, and not only is it destructive it can be extremely harmful. First, move the toys in an engaging fashion, encouraging them to stalk, chase, pounce, and catch. Some cats like the added crunch of dry food while others may enjoy chewy treats like these -. Momma cat and siblings teach kittens that bites hurt and to pull their punches. Otherwise, its up to us humans to teach kittens to stop biting. Why Is My Sweet Kitten Biting Meand How Do I Stop It? If your catprefers couches and other nubby surfaces, choose a postcovered in sisal or some other rope-like material. Its important to try to pinpoint the reason for your cats destructive chewing, so what are the most common causes? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. My human is SO lucky none of us kitties have that bad habit! You can also try adding lettuce or parsley to her food bowl,or switching to a cat food with a higher fiber content. Her articles have appeared in Oxygen, American Fitness and on various websites. Need more help with destructive chewing behavior? Kittens need to play you can have endless fun with a ball or a length of string! However, if this is not practical, there are booby trapsyou can set up to discourage scratching. When it comes to pets chewing things they shouldnt, its usually dogs that come to mind, but cats are just as likely to demonstrate destructive chewing behaviour. But if they nail you again, end the game immediately. Required fields are marked *. Worse, it may lead to aggression.
Because scratching is an innate behavior like groomingor burying waste, it can be difficult to stop.
Reward Good Behavior - Allow the kitten to catch the toy, then give an opportunity for biting and bunny kicking. I know I shouldnt chew, but I cant help myself! Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. Picking things up, biting objects (including your ankles or hands) teaches them how such things act and react. How have your curbed your cats destructive chewing behaviour? Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? When consequences are pleasant, they increase the chance a behavior will be repeated. Please reserve this method for play aggression in kittens 7 months or younger, though. Many ownerscomplain that theircats scratch furnitureand carpets, chew onfabric, or munch onhouseplants. Ive used the sprays( feliway and bitter ) they dont deter her. Make unacceptable targets unavailable or less attractive Depending on the kittens personality, socialization, age and other factors, there may be several reasons why your kitten is biting.
Chewing behavior that lasts past the teething stage may be a sign of a disorder called pica. She is now on prozac and calming food which are not helping.
Shoes are still on the menu but cats are more likely to slowly and methodically gnaw on a particular spot on the shoe, often a strap. How to choose the right food for your cat, Playing With Your Cat: 10 Things You Need To Know, 9 Grass Growing Kits That Will Make Your Cat Happy, Beating Boredom - What Indoor Cat Owners Need To Know, Six Surefire Strategies To Reduce Stress In Cats. Teething generally starts when a kitten is between 4 to 6 months old and the adult teeth growing in his gums start to push the milk teeth out of his mouth. Purrs, Im am so guilty of chewing thingsspecially electrical cordslike on the coffee pot. Shoes, stuffed toys, your eyeglasses, everything is fair game to an untrained pup. With most kittens inappropriate chewing can indeed be a problem. Kittens commonly chew as they explore, andalthough most outgrow this behavior, some do it for life.
Remember, though, that your kitten will need to chew on something, so buy your kitten a selection of safe toys. During the crazy kitten times, carry a stuffed toy with you to offer as a positive interruption/distraction. If you wonder, Why is my kitten biting me?you should know that kitten biting is a natural practice. Dont focus on penalizing a kitten with a no. Simply recognize that the kitten is looking for a specific kind of stimulus, and provide them with a bitable alternative. A. Chewing is a very common problem with kittens and puppies, and wires and cables are particularly tempting for them. to test everything.
Houseplant Chewing
Any scratching post you buy or build should besturdy enough that it does not topple over during use, andshould be at least as tall as your cat standing on her hindlegs with front legs outstretched. Your kitten may be adorable, but the chewed-on shoes, cords and household furniture she leaves behind aren't quite as endearing. These destructive behaviors not only destroyvaluable items, but may also harm a catshealth. So what causes destructive chewing behaviour in cats, and how can you stop it? . Yep, Your Dog Needs to Wear Sunscreen Too, New Pets Guide: Information on Adopting Kittens, Adult Cats and Senior Cats.
It may take trial and error of different techniques, but in the end you will help your new kitten to learn how to play nice. These kittens have no other playmates, and so may go from sweet lap snuggles to biting in seconds.
If your kitten seems to focus her chewing efforts on her own coat or paws, she may have parasites, such as fleas or mites. Why Do Cats Clean Themselves After They Eat? You need to make sure your cat has a lot of stimulation and other things to keep him occupied, so lots of toys, activity centres and puzzle feeders are perfect. While wearing these caps, your cat can go throughthe motions of scratching, but will cause no damage. This post came at a perfect time. You can opt-out at any time by signing in to your account to manage your preferences. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); TheCatSite.com is a community of cat lovers dedicated to quality cat care and cat welfare. They use their mouths (and teeth!) The mom has covered the cord with a cord protector, but now I will chew on that. Another reason for tidying up all the wires is because the kitten could also get tangled up in them. Do not discard the used scratching post whenit looks ragged and wornthat means the post is wellused and is serving its intended purpose!
Actively playing multiple times a day before meals is a great way to help kittens develop their motor skills, learn appropriate habits, and get out pent up energy. Once youve ruled out any medical problems or dietary deficiencies with your vet, there are things that you can do to try to prevent your cats destructive chewing behaviour. About TheCatSite.com. Kittens bite for many reasons. Build a towerof plastic cups that topples over when bumped to startleyour cat when she begins to scratch. Biting a bee stings back. Kittens explore their world by mouthing objects with (OUCH!) Kittens think its a fun game when you squeal and run.
The only way for playtime to continue is if they learn to inhibit their bite. Theyll learn that any time they bite, the fun stops. Your email address will not be published. Punishment that hurts or scares kittens is NEVER acceptable and can make biting worse by turning play-bites into defensive aggression.
Kittens will play hunt with one another, get out their energy together, and even teach each other important biting boundaries. She is a happy busy girl but has this compulsive disorder to chew/ingest any and all fabric. To help break this cycle, try using an odorneutralizer to deodorize these areas. In general, cats do not respond well to punishmentbecause they see no link between the punishment andthe crime. Punishment only teaches your cat to fearyou. Whoops! Theres nothing cute about a 12 pound tabby stalking your ankle! Take your cat to the new scratching post and reward herwith treats, strokes, and praise for using it. Looking for the perfect cat name for your new kitty? If your catscratches in several locations, provide a post near each one. Browse our list of 500 male dog names for inspiration for your new puppy or dog.
Poinsettia (Euphorbia spp.). Prevent access to unacceptable targets/offer alternatives The most common reason kittens chew is because they are teething. If you do that, your kittens will have their natural urges satisfiedand youll be bite free in no time. Kittens bite when they feel pain, stress, or just plain tired and grumpy and dont want you to mess with them. Despite its name,declawing is actually an amputation of the bones at thetips of the paws, not a simple removal of the nails. Some owners get creative and build their own scratchingposts and kitty activity centers. Try switching the type of food or add treats to your cat's diet.
Copyright 2022 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Some kittens get into the habit of chewing while teething and continue to do it long after their adult teeth have come in. If your cat ispunished for scratching only when you are present, he willsimply learn to scratch when you are not there. Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pets diet, medication, or physical activity routines. Consultyour veterinarian or local poison control center for moreinformation. Alternatively, use a repellent spray (citrus is ideal) that your cat wont like the taste or smell of. They chew on the remotes for our TVs while we use them and when they're just on the bed. This information is not a substitute for a vets opinion. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists, on Long Island, Cornell Veterinary Experts Address Feline Nutrition. Safety first.
Shes not bored. Its hard to do, I know, but grit your teeth and hold still. Prevent access/provide alternatives Oleander (Nerium oleander) You wont eliminate kitten biting entirely, but you can offer better alternatives to nailing your tender toes, ankles or nose. Biting your ankle makes you squeal and run (fun stuff!). Praise them for bunny-kicking the stuffing out of the toy! Scratching is largely a markingbehavior that deposits scent from special glands on the catspaws into his territory and removes the translucent covering,or sheath, from the claws. Declawing is an elective and highly controversial surgicalprocedure that is the topic of considerable debate amongcat owners and veterinary professionals. Cats are a predator species, so its perfectly normal for kittens to express their natural instinct to attack, chomp, and gnaw. Could he actually get electrocuted? Kittens start play biting at about 3 weeks of age, and social play reaches its peak between 9 weeks through week 16 and begins to fade thereafter. Physically removing the objects you want to keep her away from or confining her to specific pet-safe areas of the home may also be a solution. Daily Play - Actively play with the kitten multiple times a day using toys you can make wiggle and flutter. Beginning around 4 weeks of age, kittens will start visually track objects that look like prey, and practice their pounce. Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number, Please enter a name between 1 and 40 characters, You must be over 18 years old to register. WebMD: Cats and Compulsive Scratching, Licking, and Chewing. 3. Its important that every time you give a kitten a no, you give them an equal or more attractive yes. If you suspect your kitten is biting out of pain, consult your veterinarian immediately. Kitten biting may be cute in the beginning, but it can become a bigger problem later on by encouraging the behavior. This yelping tactic is most effective for older kittens up to 6 or 7 months of age.
It may bea comfort-seeking behavior, or it may fulfill a desire to playand investigate. Looking for boy dog names? Cords seem to be a hit with some cats, while others are dedicated cardboard shredders.
Replace the caps every six to 12 weeks. It ismost commonly seen in Burmese and Siamese cats, whichsuggests a genetic predisposition comparable to obsessive-compulsivedisorders in humans. Scratching This can both alleviate boredom and provide an extra crunch.
Youve taught the kitten its fun to target your handsa hard lesson to un-learn. Suggest touring these sites' offerings, too.
In some cases, consultation with a veterinarianor veterinary behaviorist may be helpful to addressdestructive behavior and to devise management strategiesthat will enable you and your cat to live in peace and goodhealth. It certainly can be painful! This can become a habit and the cat can keep on chewing as an adult, long after the permanent teeth have fully grown in. Even if you dont mind the playful attacks, prospective adopters may -- especially as the kittens get bigger. They chewed through the cord on our $180 heating blanket. Electrical cables and wires might be more difficult to remove, but dont forget that your cat runs the risk of electrocution if theyre his chew toy of choice, so its even more essential to stop him from chewing on them. it's too bad the dental toys for cats are so small, my cat won't touch such small toys :( gotta find dog toys for him lol. For many kittens, a human finger is just too tempting not to chew on.
Kittens dont have hands. Effectivedeterrents to scratching, such as the tower of cupsbooby trap mentioned earlier, are consistent, immediate,and are less likely to result in a cat associating a negativestimulus with its owner. Disclosure: We may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. The best option is to run cables under the carpet, or make sure theyre completely covered. so that he gets the message that what he is doing is wrong. Other common things that cats are prone to chewing are electrical cables, which is obviously a very dangerous habit, rubber (Max loves to chew my flip-flops which now have a lovely pitted tooth-mark pattern) and plants, many of which can be toxic if ingested.
Even if you can't manage this in every room of the house, make sure that at least one room is completely safe, so that when you go out you can leave your kitten in there in the knowledge that he won't get himself into trouble. Singleton kittens (kittens without siblings) increase play aggression games around 5 months of age, and the biting can be explosive. The bite = no games cured her of all biting, because she wanted so badly to be with her people. The second effective bite interruption is a loud and short noise, like a shriek or howl.
Provide items that match scratching preference
Read more: Playing With Your Cat: 10 Things You Need To Know, 2. Kittens are smart and learn cause-and-effect very quickly. Home / BeWell / Wellness / Why Is My Sweet Kitten Biting Meand How Do I Stop It? If your cat's chewing behavior became more frequent or intense, look into potential stressors and stress management techniques. Mistletoe (Phoradendron spp.) Conclusion However, a cat that likes the horizontal motion of scratchingon a carpet might be more likely to use a flattenedcardboard box, or a log placed on its side (Figure 1). Kittens who are shy or fearful also can bite to make that scary thingyouback off. Updated 10 October 2020 By Pawesome Cats 5 Comments. Because scratching has a scent-marking component,cats are more likely to re-scratch areas that already havetheir scent. Find inspiration in this list of 400 cute, unique and creative cat names. Bridget Coila specializes in health, nutrition, pregnancy, pet and parenting topics. If theyre latched on to your hand, instead of pulling away, gently apply pressure into their mouth. The Cornell Feline Health Center is closely monitoring the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Most of your kitten's teeth should be out by the time he is 8 to 10 months old, and teething behavior should stop around that time. From newborn kittens to senior cats, we have the information you need to give your cat the best life possible, at every life stage. Do you have a cat that likes to chew things? 2000-2022 TheCatSite.com. In addition, cats that chew fabric may also chew ondangerous items like electrical cords, twist ties, or even pins andneedles. Findout Is your cat acting strange or aggressive after you return from vacation? One of the main reasons they want to chew everything in sight is because they are teething a stage which can last for several months or even as long as a year. Add some natural grass to your cat's diet by planting a little Kitty garden. Heres everything you need to know about dog sunscreen. Covering itemswith blankets, sheets of plastic, or double-sided tapemay also deter scratching. Dont forget about your pet when youre slathering on the SPF! Chewing helps your furry pal ease the soreness that comes with teething and also assists him in working the baby teeth out quickly and easily. With adult cats, a small amount of chewing is acceptable, but if you suspect the behavior is becoming destructive, try enriching your cat's environment and lowering stress levels. Supporting Cat Health with Information and Health Studies. They will have to chew on something and you need to provide them with appropriate chew toys. You can also provide a chewing substitute by offering your cat the occasional hunk of meat on the bone as part of his feeding routine which will give him a more challenging chewing experience. Offer a variety of toys that mimic different types of prey. The second step is to identify the motivation for chewing. Many owners complain about the damage caused by inappropriate chewing. Some kittens just love chewing their human's hair. Dumb cane (Dieffenbachia spp.) Pica is the medical term for eating non-food items, and it can be caused by a number of issues. Here are a few ideas for re-directing Kitty's chewing behavior to more acceptable outlets -. Kitty Kleptos: Why Cats Steal and When to Worry About It, Girl Dog Names: The Top 500 Female Dog Names of 2021, Boy Dog Names: Top 500 Male Dog Names of 2022, The Best Cat Names: 300+ Unique, Cute & Funny Cat Names. When your kitty is something of a cat burglar: what to do about your feline's stealing problem. Declawing will not curbyour cats desire to scratch, but will prevent the damageresulting from the behavior.