How can I teach an unweaned kitten to stop biting?

Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French

07/04/2016, 01:55

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Hi everyone, so back around June or July 2015, I adopted a kitten from a family who were looking to rehome him. They originally told me I could collect him once he was weaned (which is standard practice), but then just three days later, I got a message saying he was ready. I went to get him without really questioning it, but I definitely should have! He was tiny; I wouldn't have put him at more than six or eight weeks old. \/p>

He was terrified and spent all his time hiding behind the sofa. Now, his behaviour is just becoming unbearable. He can't go outside because we live near several busy roads. He has shredded so much of our new wallpaper and the stairs are covered in scratch marks. He still suckles on an old blanket and is occasionally quite sweet when he’s just woken up (but only for a very short while). Sometimes we’re walking around the house barefoot and he just pounces on us, attacking for no reason at all! My mum’s legs are covered in scratches and bite marks; we just can't go on like this, which is why I'm asking for help. I've tried everything—shutting him in a separate room for a minute or two to calm down, but as soon as I let him out, he just goes for me again. Sometimes he even pees out of spite, and there are so many other things... I'm at my wits' end. Plus, this summer he's going to want to get out, and I know if he escapes, he won't come back. At this rate, I'm going to have to give him up, which would break my heart. I really need help! HELP!\/p>

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Malkia

07/04/2016, 15:50

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Hi there, I don't mean to go against a (future) vet's advice, but I think bells are absolute torture. Just imagine having a nasty jingling in your ears every single time you move your head? I'd also add that to calm him down during an "attack", you can act like a mother cat. Put him on his back with a finger on either side of his neck—without choking him, obviously—and hold him there until he settles. Then let him go; usually, he'll just wander off. If he goes for you again, repeat the process as many times as necessary. This method works a treat, and you usually won't need to do it for very long. If that seems a bit harsh, you could try spraying him in the face with a bit of water when he lashes out instead. The only downside is you need to have the spray bottle handy! ^^ That being said, I think the best thing would be a playmate—ideally an older cat who won't put up with any nonsense and who has been well-socialised. They'll soon teach him some manners! ^^

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Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French

07/04/2016, 14:07

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Hi there, thanks so much for your message, I’ll give that a go straight away :) and I’ll keep you posted.

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Provetojuniorconseil Icon representing the flag French

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07/04/2016, 10:58

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Hi there,

This type of behaviour is quite common in kittens who haven't been properly weaned, as they missed out on vital life lessons from their mother, particularly regarding patience and dealing with frustration. It is also generally trickier to redirect a cat’s behaviour than a dog’s.

You should look into enriching your cat’s environment:

- Scratching posts would stop your cat from scratching in inappropriate places. If your cat doesn’t take to them naturally, you can try rubbing them with olives or a little olive oil (cats absolutely love the smell). Alternatively, you can show them how to use it by gently rubbing their paws against the post so they leave their scent behind, making it easier for them to return to it. To start with, place these posts near the areas they were previously scratching (cats usually scratch in prominent spots around the house; there’s no point putting a scratching post in a hidden corner as they won’t use it). You can then gradually move them to locations that suit you better. Generally, these posts should be placed about 30cm (a foot) off the ground so the cat can have a proper stretch;

- Toys, such as fishing rod wands and little plush mice, can help develop their play and predatory instincts, which should distract your cat from wanting to attack you;

- Cat trees are also excellent for stimulating cats that don't have access to the outdoors: they can climb, hide, and even use them as scratching posts;

- It is also important to let your cat look out of the window, which can keep them occupied for quite some time;

- There are even tablet apps available for cats that can help develop their play behaviour; they can become very focused and may even join in by swatting at the screen;

- You can also get puzzle feeders or toys where you hide their food. This increases the time they spend "hunting" for their meals, providing great mental stimulation;

- Introducing a new playmate, such as another cat, could also redirect their habit of attacking you;

- It has been shown that putting a bell on a cat's collar can reduce aggression, as the cat feels that its position is known.

If the problem persists, don't hesitate to consult a veterinary behaviourist who will be able to give you specific advice tailored to your cat's temperament.

Good luck,

Charlotte – Veterinary Student at the Alfort National Veterinary School (EnvA) Project Manager for ProVéto Junior Conseil, the EnvA student consultancy http://proveto.net/

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