How do I get my cat to play without biting!?

Question

I have an adult, male cat- I also have three children, 5 and under (and another due in 5 weeks). My cat was neutered and declawed when I got him at five months old. He is now one. He is a great cat, very loving and affectionate, however he does "attack" my husband and I, and our children (they seem to catch most of it). His intentions are to play, and he hasn't hurt anyone, but I'm afraid he could. Plus, it's just annoying. Occasionally he'll do it without any provokation. Anyone know why he does this? Can anyone tell me how to teach him a better way to play- especially with the children!

Answer 1

1. Flick the cat on the nose with a stern "No" or "No bite"

2. Hold the head down to the floor like the mother would with a stern "No"

3. Offer a plush toy in its mouth to teach the cat that it is ok to bite on that.

4. If that does not work, put the cat away for some timeout. It teaches them that if they get rough, there is no more play time.

Most importantly, Be Consistent in any training.

Answer 2

well the cats will play. my cat isn't declawed and waits in the kitchen chair waiting for the next unsuspected victim to walk by, normally my kids. Leaves some pretty good scratches sometimes on my lil ones but they know he is only playing. we got a cat toy that hangs in the doorway and that seemed to distract the cat from these attacks.......still does it every now and then but not as much as befor

Answer 3

the cat attacks your husband because he is another male in the house and the cat wants to be the only male I get that too my friends dog she will attack me but not my husband her owner is a single guy and she is the only female in the house .does that make sense. it is a territory thing I guess. maybe yo need a trainer.

Answer 4

yep he is playing and will calm further down as he gets older-and oh yea it can be annoying sometimes thats what cats do best-have patience if he gets to rough stop it immediately you are bigger than him-and most of all remember dogs have masters cats have servants-i am a servant-lots of love old hippie here

Answer 5

It could be that's he hungry. First, it that doesn't work... peel the skin off an orange. Cats seem to hate the smell. If that doesn't work...
Wear 2 lavers of gloves, or hope it doesn't bite/claw your butt.

Answer 6

My cats used to do this. If it occured when I was playing with/petting her I would immediately tell her "NO!" and stop playing or petting. If she came back for more playing or petting I would ignore her for about five minutes or so. Eventually she learned "No!" or "No teeth!" meant "oops. did something wrong. mommy will quit playing with me now. must remember not to do it again."

Answer 7

give the cat a siren. that will straighten him out.
A siren is rendered by grabbing the cat by the tail and then swing the cat around in a circle above your head. the sound it emits sounds like a fire engine or siren.

Answer 8

each time he bites pull back immediately and refuse to
play with him any more. he will figure out the bites are
not acceptable play.

Answer 9

GET A "SMALL" HAND WATER GUN. WHEN HE ATTACKS SPRAY HIM "ONCE". DO NOT ABUSE THE SPRAY GUN. ITS TO MODIFY HIS BEHAVIOR NOT TO PLAY WITH HIM. MAKE THIS CLEAR TO YOUR CHILDREN. OTHERWISE YOU MAY CREATE A BIGGER PROBLEM. CATS KNOW NOT TO BITE YOU HARD. NEVER USE YOUR HANDS WHEN YOU PLAY WITH CATS. USE CAT TOYS WITH EXTENSIONS. ROXX

Answer 10

Teach the kids to be nice to it. Mine does that if i am mean.