How do i train a very headstrong kitten?

Question

My 3 month old kitten is extremely headstrong (was raised by hand and dosnt respond to a lot of motherly actions that the vet recommended). She uses her claws for most everything she does. I have tried training her using a waterbottle and treats for when she does bad, or good things. I have even gone as far as bopping her on the nose to find out she finds that as a personal insult and starts playing harder.

However, she dosnt mind the waterbottle at all, and it dosnt deter her from biting and clawing when she plays (and sometimes, may likewise encourage her). Treats when she is properly playing causes her to actually become extremely excited and can start her clawing.

She may be becoming anti-social as well, since I dont let people play with her much, due to the fact that she leaves some pretty nasty scratches. Anyone have any advice on this perplexing situation?

Answer 1

You're right, she doesn't seem phased by the normal disciplinary methods. My advice to you would be to say STOP when she gets too aggressive, and stop playing with her.

Some hyperactive aggression from kittens is to be expected, but you have to nip the problem in the bud now, before she gets big enough to inflict real damage (plus, who likes having their arms scratched up?). Stop playing when she gets rough, and it will teach her that when she uses her claws or teeth, the fun stops. Cats are smart, she'll figure it out.

Get some sort of toy on the end of a stick to get her to work out her energy. A laser pointer is great, too. Hopefully, she will have calmed down enough that when you pet her with your hand, she will not scratch too much. Play with her often and a lot, and do not forbid others from playing with her (just make sure they understand the rules of the game).

She will calm as she grows up, too, of course.

Answer 2

It looks like number one on the list, is trim the claws. Carfully! Getting the claws trimmed will help you manage his or hers rough housing. Another thing, might be to invest in more active toys. Something with a battery that goes round and round. Things that move, or swing. There are alot of affordable toys that will help wear her down. Don't be afraid to wake her up allot when shes trying to sleep. Keep her wore down as much as possible, and time will fix all. Good luck, you may just need it.

Answer 3

My cats love water, so the water bottle didn't work for me either. A rolled newspaper works wonders. Don't roll it tight enough to hurt, and if hitting her doesn't work hit something beside her. It's the loud popping noise that works, not the hit.
For clawing I suggest trimming the claws. If you keep them short, she will get used to not having them and stop using them. You can use a pair of nail clippers to cut them. Mess with her feet often so that she doesn't freak out every time, and wrap her in a towel the first few times you clip them.
She may still be getting used to drawing them in. Kittens can't detract their claws when they are first born, and the age that they finally can varies with breed. Keeping them short is the best way to go.

Answer 4

Consider adding a little bit of tabasco sauce, lemon juice, or onion juice to the water bottle. As long as it's very dilute (and you don't spray her in the face!) the formula should be harmless, but the pungent smell may make her associate the water bottle with punishment.

When she plays with things she shouldn't, pick her up and say "No" very firmly (don't shout, just be firm) and then take her to one of her toys or outside where she can play. If she goes bck to the forbidden object, repeat in the same way with the same calm level of firmness. It might take several times the first few weeks before she gets the message.

As for the anti-socialness, that's normal for some cats. My boy cat absolutely hates company (yowls at them when they visit) but he's very tender and loving towards me. My girl cat couldn't care less about company, but neither does she like me to hold her. I think it's just a personality thing. Good luck.

Answer 5

frequently, there is not a lot trailing neccessary. each and every cat i have ever had took to the container on their own....my men even "sprayed" interior the clutter container at the same time as they to that age (to my marvel and relief). basically confirm the kitten is conscious the position to locate the container....except that, you would possibly want to leave the kitten in a small room (like a bathroom, or a large cardboard container) for various sessions of time with the clutter container untill they confirm it out....except that...in case you do capture it going to the lavatory, on the instantaneous position it interior the clutter container. countless the time, even kittens will scratch around the realm they opt for to bypass previously they bypass, so hear for the scratching. solid success!

Answer 6

In Addition to all the intersting suggestions, one of my kittens used to be the same way and nothing worked. One day she dug real deep and I yelled.....a bit louder than I intended and she took off. After that point any time she was misbehaving I would just yell her name kind of like you might with a kid.

Answer 7

She is only three months. Hyper activity is to be expected. The best thing to do is handle her often. Even if you have to wear gloves. Just make sure you handle her and play a lot.

Answer 8

she;s a kitten and they all play hard and scratch ahen they are that young;it;s what kittens do,,, when she get a little older she will not do all her kitten behavior,,,they grow out of it.you should not be hitting her nose for doing things;as it will make her afraid of you and others,,..let her grow into a nice cat that will listen ti you,,

Answer 9

:)) anti-social cat...
umm i love cats but if i were u, i'd get rid of this one!