She has a really unhealthy sounding meow but she's very playful. I've noticed that she often times will lick me and then start nibbeling on me. I know she's just playing but it hurts. She nibbles on my fingers and my toes. Is that normal?
2006-08-04 00:16:58 · 18 answers · asked by hithere234 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
It was very normal with my kittens. You should definetly take it to the vet. You have no way of knowing whats wrong with the cat. It could have fleas or some type of infection. It might need some shots. It's just the safe bet and if you plan on keeping the cat then it's the only fair thing to do for the cat.
My older cat had a very strange sounding meow as a kitten and had different meows that he used (and still uses) for different situations. My younger cat is far more vocal, she "talks" all the time, when she enters a room, when you can her name and so on but she wasn't overly talkative as a kitten.
You said she was playful, thats a good sign, I've noticed that if my cats aren't feeling well then aren't playful and they even withdraw a little bit.
2006-08-04 00:27:44 · answer #1 · answered by GretzkyMVP 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A vet will be able to help you figure out her age. They usually tell not only by the size of the kitten, but by their teeth. They start loosing baby teeth at about 4 mos, and by 6 months they have all their adult teeth. Since she is a stray, you want to get her feline leukemia and aids tested, and if she's negative, then you need to get her vaccinated. Kittens also get respiratory infections quite easily, so since she doesn't sound good, you need to have her checked out for that also, a simply dose of antibiotics will do the trick. As for her playing, cats give "love bites". Not all cats do this, but I have a large male orange tabby that thinks nothing of coming over and nipping me on the cheek, just to say he loves me. Some are more assertive in this behavior, than others. It's a difficult thing to train them not to do, but you need to not encourage the behavior. Do not wriggle your fingers or toes, and use them as toys. It looks cute now, but when she is an adult, it won't be so cute. Get some actual toys to use in play time, and this will help with the biting situation.
2006-08-04 07:55:39 · answer #2 · answered by buggsnme2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take her to the vet...not only because they can estimate her age but she needs her shots, and if she was outside for an undetermined amount of time she may have fleas, mites, or even worse worms...not to mention feline leukemia, and what not..the best thing for both of you is a vet check..
And yes nibbling is normal..she might be trying to suckle..but blow in her face and tell her no...or simply pick her up and put her on the floor away from you when she gets too rough..as well as tellin her no (in a firm voice)
2006-08-04 08:04:51 · answer #3 · answered by butterflykisses20027 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you found her than you need to get her checked as she could have any number of cat diseases, that it can transfer to you. Don't let her nibble on you til you get her checked over and vaccinated. The nibbling is just a kitten thing that they do, be careful of any jewellry and buttons because it will probably nibble on them too. A vet can also tell you how old it is as well.
2006-08-04 07:22:34 · answer #4 · answered by Clueless 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your Cat is very playifu and she is not very tall then she must be young.I know it because i have a cat and when she was little she was very playiful but now she only likes to sleep.And you can tell it by it's strange meow that she is little.If she bites you , well maybe that is because she's teeth are growing, it's not a bad thing it's ok.For example:when my dog that is dead now was little and she's teeth was growing she had to bite something because it was hurting i gues, but the vet said it's ok.Or maytbe she likes to play with your fingers or she founds it tasty.The best would be if you take it to a Vet(Veterinary) and he will tell you more about it.Or she could be sick but its the best for her and you to take it to the Vet(Veterinary).
2006-08-04 07:37:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A vet should be able to estimate age - you should take her anyway to see if she has issues with her 'voice'.
Kittens often like and nibble until its painful. Tap the end of her nose or blow in her face when she does it and it should deter her. Don't let her keep doing it or it will be harder to break her of it when she's older.
2006-08-04 07:21:00 · answer #6 · answered by Catmmo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are planning on keeping her, you should take her to the vet for a check-up. outdoor cats frequently have ear mites. the vet will check her out and can tell you the approximate age, some times by their teeth. she may be away from her mom too soon, and she is only doing what kittens do. she may also be hungry.
2006-08-04 07:23:23 · answer #7 · answered by snowbunny 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its normal, but if you don't stop her from doing it now, she will continue to nibble until the nibbles becomes bites and they hurt, my cat bites, he does it in a playful manner, but it hurts worse now he's an adult kitty and not a kitten.
2006-08-04 07:21:12 · answer #8 · answered by tiggerkitty3 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A vet will be able to help you with determining the age. Even though her nipping seems cute now, you need to put a stop to it now before she gets used to it being acceptable.
2006-08-04 08:23:20 · answer #9 · answered by Lydia 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
best thing to do is get her to vet...she may have any number of issues...as far as biting goes, when she starts to bite,gently push your finger down her throat until she gags a little..and i mean gently. you don't want to hurt her, just make her a little uncomfortable. she will stop, but get her toys she can chew on...she is a kitten and is teething and learning how to hunt
2006-08-04 07:22:58 · answer #10 · answered by anastasia 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋