How do you stop a cat from biting your toddler?

Question

I think the cat became scared of the baby when he was little and less able to control how hard/soft he touched the cat. Now he is older, and when he pets the cat, appropriately, the cat bits him! Anyone have any helpful ideas of how to get these two co-habitating peacefully?

Answer 1

spray the cat with water. They hate water and it is a good training act. I do that with my cats and dogs and they learn fast :) and it does not hurt the cat or anything which is good.

Answer 2

Unfortunately, I honestly don't believe that there is a good way to "train" a cat. You may need to find a better home for your pet.

One idea we were given when we encountered a similar problem was to use a spray bottle as negative reinforcement... the problem with that, however, is that the cat still associates the child with negative consequence AND you have to give him or her the opportunity to bite to get the message across.

You could try having your child feed the cat treats. Also, the cat should never be backed into a corner or against a wall. Under close supervision, take them out in the open, have your child stand or sit a good 4 feet from the cat and extend their hand. Then let the cat investigate.

But remember, a cat bite can be quite serious. It may be that finding a new home for your kitty is the only alternative. DON'T FEEL GUILTY. If your cat feels threatened by your baby, it would probably be happier elsewhere anyway. Good luck to you!

Answer 3

The answer to this is simple. Your toddler needs to leave the cat alone, as it is apparent that the cat does not like the attention it is getting from your child. You can try letting the child pet the cat for very short periods, always with you present, but if the cat is uncomfortable around the child, it is important to give the cat the option of being left alone. In time, the cat may learn that your toddler is no longer a threat. The important thing is to use patience, and never force the cat to be petted.

Answer 4

I agree with the previous answer about the water. You fill a spray bottle with water and every time your cat goes to bite, spray him. He will soon get the idea.
Ideally you should have kept the baby away from the cat until he was old enough to control his hands. He probably hurt the cat many times and that is why your cat is reacting that way. Don't worry though, with some time and patience they will become the best of friends.
Good luck.

Answer 5

Finding the cat a good home with no toddlers is probably the safest for your Baby. That will definitely stop the cat from biting him. Cat v Baby? No Contest

Answer 6

You didn't say how old that your toddler is. I would supervise the two of them, and try to teach your child that the kitty just doesn't like to be bothered all of the time. Maybe eventually the cat will realize that your child will not hurt him(with your supervision ) and they can become friends. Don't give up , but carefully supervise the situation for a while, and GOOD LUCK---it should work out eventually.

Answer 7

Try putting the cat in your lap and have your
child to put his hand gently on the cat. If the
cat tries to bite, hold the cats head so he/she
can't bite. Keep trying that and maybe the cat
will see that your child means no harm. Also
while doing this watch the cats tail. That's his/her
baromoter. If it's tail starts moving really fast
back and forth that's a sign that he/she is
becoming agitated.

Answer 8

Dont let the cat be around your toddler. Cats can carry diseases and can hurt your toddler pretty bad if it wants. Most cats dont enjoy being pet by children because they are too rough or two demanding. I dont know how to make the cat like the kid, maybe let the kid feed it? Or give it water? Treats, catnip, things like that. To make the cat less fearful of him.

I've never had this problem with our cats biting. Its kind of odd.

Answer 9

Does it make any sense to jeopardize the health and safety of your little toddler for the sake of a cat?! As a parent your first and most important responsibility is to safeguard your child. Your little toddler has to depend on you to protect them from harm. Find a new, loving home for your cat. The cat will adjust and thrive and your little one will be much safer.

Answer 10

works every time ...

Stick its head in a bucket of water 3 times and pullit out twice.

Sorry to say this, but you will have to choose between your cat and your toddler. The cat will not stay with a little one in the house.

- Give it to an elderly person witout grandkids that visit
- Put it to sleep
-DO NOT release it in the wild. It will turn ferel and kill off all smaller species in the area (we have that problem with cats in Australia)