How do I train my cat not to bite?

Question

Shes 3 years old, and still very playful, problem is when she is playing she gets over excited and does'nt realise she bites so hard, esp. my toes and ankles, ouch.

Answer 1

Shadycat's advice is excellent.

Cats play rough and seldom hurt each other. She's one tenth your size and she has no idea that she can hurt you. Let her know. Make a fuss. Be a drama queen. She'll catch on.

Also, as you go into your dying swan act, look her in the eye and hiss at her. That will let her know you're not pleased with her, then your whimpering and licking your wounds will let her know why.

It's just a matter of speaking to her in language she can understand, explaining to her that her roughness is not aceptable and it hurts you. She loves you; she doesn't want to hurt you, and she wants to understand.

Answer 2

I agree with Lyndzee. Every time she bites tell her a firm NO and immediately stop giving her attention for 5 or 10 minutes. Then go give her a big hug.

She will very soon get the message - maybe a week or two. Then she might occasionally forget so you have to remind her.

Never hit any animal.

Answer 3

You should never use your toes, fingers or feet as cat toys. This as much tells the kitten it's play time with your fingers. Use cat toys instead. Keep a squirt gun with water around and when if she does bite, just a quick squirt. She will learn in time not to bite. If she doesn't, you've created a biting cat. Good Luck!

Answer 4

Cats hiss at one another to show their displeasure. When she bites hiss in her face, put her away from you with a firm "NO! or "Ouch". Choose one voice response.

You may have to persist with these two steps for a while. Really dedicate yourself to this approach. She has fallen into a bad habit.

This is a combination of two responses you have already been given. I think it will be more correcting to use this combination of the two.

Answer 5

Shout at her as you flick the bridge of her nose with the side of your finger.

Say "NO!" as she does it and tap her bridge. Soon after , about 10 mins, go make up with her. Tell her its ok and give her a stroke.

Thats what I do, and he NEVER bites me when we play, only if I go over the top and annoy him too much. Cat books say a 10 minute game/playing and a 10 minute cuddle is enough for a cat at any one time..... Although I must add, me and my cat cuddle for ages sometimes, and fall asleep!! It just depends on his mood & mine I guess :)

Answer 6

Yell, "OW" or "Ouch" and remove the "plaything" immediately. Playtime STOPS when biting gets too rough. You might also keep a soft "bitey toy" nearby to switch out with your skin as the object of chewing. Usually a loud "OUCH" and "Don't bite me!!" will make them stop, though. They don't want to hurt you.

Answer 7

This may sound a bit odd, but hiss. This is the cat's vocalization for " !#!!&**!!!", and she shall back off quickly.
We had rescued and kept a litter found outside last winter and soon learned the language. This works, I swear.
Good luck!
~Because sometimes it is rocket science.~

Answer 8

Dont offer toes and fingers as playthings; your cat doesnt know she is hurting you. Give her catnip toys, pour catnip leaves onto the rug for her, buy feathers-on a -stick to tickle her tum, and keep your toes and fingers intact!!!

Answer 9

get a water squirter and squirt her when she bites. this works for all the things that i don't want the cats to do (clawing the furniture,climbing on the fish tank, etc) try it it does work.

Answer 10

Hit her on the head when she bites like this ... I think she will get it