How do I keep a 6-month old male kitten that I found out in my driveway from scratching us and biting?

Question

I don't really know where he came from possibly a drop-off or just born outside from an old gutter cat. He bites and scratches us all the time. The only reason I have kept him, I didn't want him to get run over. He was very friendly when he came to my house, but now he is like a Ninja Cat.

Answer 1

Your 6 month old kitten has entered puberty. You must have him neutered right away. This is very typical behavior for a cat this age. The average life expectancy for an unneutered male cat is 2years! As well as he will start spraying(urinating to mark territory) all over your house. This WILL happen and soon. Be smart, have him fixed.
Approx. 30 days after being neutered, your kitten will become less aggressive. Simply because the testosterone that likely is the root of his behavior will be gone.
Some cats are naturally more active/aggressive than others. You may find your cat needs a (same age) playmate. AFTER he has been neutered.

Answer 2

If you haven't had him neutered that would go a long way toward reducing his problems with the biting and scratching. Even after his operation it will take up to a month (probably not quite that long) for the hormones to completely leave his system.

For the time being just reduce your interactions with him, giving him lots of space from the pressure of human interaction.

You can probably get the Bach flower essence "Impatiens" from a health food store if they carry the full line or it is available through websites. The flower essences can be very effective in dealing with emotional issues in animals. Impatiens is for "nervous, high-strung, impulsive animals." The essences are not drugs and probably wouldn't be too effective if he is still under the influence of hormonal surge.

You just shake the bottle well and put three or four drops on the cat's fur between his ears. Treat him as often as you can, many times a day. You should be able to see that he is getting better control of his asocial impulses and settling down a bit. A little $20 bottle will treat him for a long time. If it seems to quiet him down a bit you can treat less intensively - just when he seems to be losing control.

Answer 3

It is probably a Ferrel cat and doesn't know any other way.
They are really hard to train to be indoor cats. I don't suggest trying unless you are mentally and emotionally prepared for a long time spent in scratches and ruined furniture over an animal that may or may not ever actually warm up to your affection and concern.

They are just skittish and distrust anyone or anything not their mother.

Ever have a boyfriend that was poor and raised like an animal... They are usually sexy as hell and adorable... but they sh*it on you and you never quite know why for all your trying to "save" them. Some things in life just want to be left wild and will take all your love and concerns to change them for the better, use it gone and run off with the first idiot who abuses them to their history & expectations... There is a certain kind of human that is attracted to this kind of situation in men, pets, friends... Until the lesson is learned, the heartbreak continues.

Same kind of psychological scenerio here. Some things should just not be taken in and loved. They don't see it as kindness but more of an intrusion on their freedom. Ferell cat's can be rehabilitated but it is not an easy task... Like I said, the destruction and the scratches and the skittish hissing and spraying and clawing has got to be worth it to you.

If not, let it back out.

I suggest that you go to the store... Buy and Put; Flea and tick and mosquito stuff on the nape of its neck, feed it, water it, de worm it, care for it, hell name it even! Hang out with it, but don't bring it inside. If he wants to be left outside then let it out!

Answer 4

Congrats on the new kitty!!! Kittens love to scratch and bite...Its there way of playing....To avoid getting scratches all over you...trim his nails with a clipper....But be care full you do it right !!! If it gets really outta control say NO in a firm voice and ignore him for like ten minutes...Or put him in a time out in another room.....Or get a water bottle and gently squirt him. Just give him time...he is still a baby....Keep giving him a lot of love and attention!!!!!! Good Luck! And God bless you and your new little guy.

Answer 5

First thing I would do if you haven't already is to make sure he has had all of his shots. Do you still let it go outside? He might really like it out there and maybe that's part of the reason he is acting up. If you don't want him outside by himself, do you think you might be able to get him walking on a leash? I used to do that with my cat but I started her on it when she was little, so she got used to it easily. If none of that works, try using a squirt bottle, but only if you can catch him in the act of doing something bad. I would also just ask the vet, maybe they have some good suggestions. Good luck!

Answer 6

Get a squeezy bottle full of water, and when he does bad things say "no" sternly and squirt him plenty. It will not be long before the mere sound of the water shaking in the bottle as you pick it up sends him scuttling.

I have used this with my two girls and they are the same age now. The water actually only gets used maybe once a month. "No!" works mostly, and if not the shake of the bottle usually does the trick.

Answer 7

He is just being playful. Get him some cat toys, and when he bites you tell him no, but never hurt him in any way. He doesn't realize he is hurting you, and he probably thinks you want to play too. Don't give him mixed signals... I usually let cats bite me and have fun, but then if I tell them no later, they don't understand.

Answer 8

Get a spray bottle and fill it with water. When he starts to bite or scratch, give him a squirt with the spray bottle. He'll soon get the message. Good luck.

Answer 9

Hold him so he can't bite or scratch, and massage him on the head next to the mouth and the feet.

If that doesn't work take him to the Animal shelter.

Answer 10

He is a kitten, he is going to do this. buy toys for him to attack, and if he keeps biting you, smack him on the face and say no. Or put him back in the driveway. Your choice.