he always bites and scratches when we try to pet it . Is this playful or is he a bad cat? serious answers please
2006-08-21 16:54:13 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
He from a foster home we only had him for a month ,Siemese mix
2006-08-21 17:10:58 · update #1
Hes just being a kitten Its very normal for a kitten to act that way he'll grow out of it in time he just need some attention and the right kind of toys try cat nip too
2006-08-27 12:02:48 · answer #1 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your little guy is probably teething, which makes them a lot more prone to bite. He's getting his big kitty teeth in, so he's very interested in chewing on things, much like a human baby. Another reason that he could be biting and scratching is that he is simply acting on his natural prey instincts. He views your hand as "prey" and will attack it, bite it, and "rake" you with his hind claws. These are all natrual abilities that are ingrained in your kitten and he is exploring. He could also be just playing, and because he's so young, he doesn't know how to play any other way except rough. Approach the little guy slowly and calmly, speaking in soft tones to him. Don't "swoop" in and pick him up or play rough with him, this will only scare him and/or encourage him to continue his behavior. You have to remember that you're a lot bigger than he is, and he's still just a little baby. I seriously doubt that he's a bad cat, he just may take a bit of patience. Be calm and gentle around him and he'll settle soon enough. Just view him as a toddler right now.
If he's behaving in a way that you don't like, don't ever hit him, or smack him. The "rolled up newspaper" method (although not my recommendation) may work for dogs, but it only teaches your cat to fear you. If he begins to bite, just give him a "head push" very gently, but firmly, push the kitten's head away and down. You can pair this with a firm "no," but don't yell at him.
Good luck with your new pet!
2006-08-21 17:14:18 · answer #2 · answered by bibliophile_1976 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He is probably just being playful. I had a cat like that when I was younger. He did grow out of it. If he's really starting to hurt you, I would pull away if he gets too aggressive. You can wait a few mintues and then try again. Maybe play with some cat toys and not let him bite your hands.
2006-08-21 17:06:48 · answer #3 · answered by lolabean 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is normal for a five month old kitten...It's just being playful...
I have three cats of my own, and when they were little they loved to play... And the way they play is by biting.
You have nothing to be worried about...
I hope this helped you out....
~Angela~
2006-08-21 17:31:05 · answer #4 · answered by The_Pet_Lover 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he is growling or has his ears back I don't think he his playing. He is still a kitten so I think he is just playing. You should try to discourage that behavior. When you pet him and he bites you try telling him no in a stern voice and stop playing with him. If all fails you can always tap his nose while you are telling him no. Above all be patient he is a kitten. ...Have you thought about getting him a playmate? ; )
2006-08-21 17:06:29 · answer #5 · answered by lavieja321 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lots of kittens play bite. My kittens do all the time. Unfortunately they don't know that their play bites hurt sometimes. Our one 6 week old kitten doe sit too and it hurts when he does. Does he try to run away from you? Does he growl? If not then he is playing.
2006-08-21 17:02:31 · answer #6 · answered by Love not hate 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Normal
2006-08-26 19:15:02 · answer #7 · answered by daugtherofmerlin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it depends on the cat and how it's treated. If you are nice to it and don't abuse or harass it it may just be a cat who desn't want to be petted. If it is a stray or a rescue cat it may have been abused and thinks you're going to hurt it. If it is just putting it's teeth on you and swiping wiht it's paws and no claws it's playing if it is really trying to draw blood you have a problem on your hands pal. Take it to the vet.
2006-08-21 17:02:48 · answer #8 · answered by comcamav8r 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know what it is with kittens but I think most of them like to bite when they play. I know my cats did.
2006-08-21 17:21:44 · answer #9 · answered by danikatspecial 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well he could be scared . If a a few days he does not calm down I would say agressive behavior. To soon to tell.
Try one person in the room with the new kitty and no one else quiet calm voices and slow movements no fast movements and get to know the kitty.
2006-08-21 17:35:09 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋