We have a 4 1/2 month old cat (not neuteredt yet) who plays during every minute that he is awake. The problem is that this playing often involves attacking us or whatever is lying inside the house (his toys, boots, chair legs, etc). Not only is it annoying, but we also do not like that he tries to bite and scratch our feet and hands all the time (which he does whenever he can reach them). Any suggestions for curbing that behaviour? Thanks!!!
Answers:
use a squirt gun when it attacks.
Cat Nip
It is natural for cats to want to do that. My cats all did the same thing but he will grow out of it. You can get soft claws so that way he cant scratch you anymore but please do not declaw your cat. He is only trying to play with you and so anything you may do may make him feel like he cant play with you. You can use a spray bottle for the negative things he does and just give him a little squirt and he should stop after a couple of times.
Firstly get him neutered, which will help calm him down and reduce his chances of testicular cancer in later life.
His behaviour is natural for his age - he has a lot of energy. When he's playing with you he's practicing his hunting skills. Cats enjoys toys that imitate hunting, so you can try tying a small toy to a piece of string that he can chase. There are also toys that dangle off the end of a wand stick, so that he can practice his leaping skills. Even a scrunched up piece of paper is fun for kittens to pat and chase around. When you play with him, don't let it involve your hands, as if he gets a bit rough he won't be able to differentiate between your hand and the toys. If he continues to play rough and bites you, gently scruff his neck and say "no" in a firm voice, this should be enough to make him stop. If however he carries on, then stop playing immediately and walk away from him, as this will teach him that biting is not acceptable behaviour.
If you can afford it, taking on a second kitten is a good option as it gives him a playmate. I have two and they love to play fight with each other all the time. I live in an apartment so it's a good way for them to burn off their energy.
If you keep him as the only cat, just be patient, he will eventually grow out of it and calm down.
Good luck.
When we neutered our cat he did not "calm" down and stop play attacking us. Our vet recommended getting toys that you and your cat can play with together to keep something in between you and him, and praise him for not biting or scratching when you play by giving him his favorite treat after wards. If he continues to bite and scratch, don't hit him to punish him that will just make it worse, but pet stores carry bitter apple spray, dilute it with water in a separate spray bottle and squirt once him if he continues to bite and scratch you. Its also good to use to keep the cat off of tables and counters. You can spray it on your furniture to if you want them to stay off of it as well. It does not hurt them, it puts a nasty bitter taste in their mouth, and he'll eventually quit.
If your cat is black, good luck. Try spraying it with vinegar water.
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