I just got a 6 month old kitten, and she is a little devil.
I know that kittens can be evil by default, but do they usually grow out of it when they get older?
We give her lots of love (when she wants it)... if we try to pet her when she doesn't want us to, or take her out of a room she's not supposed to be in, she latches onto our hand/arm/closest-body-part and bites down and doesn't let go.
We do plan on getting her declawed once our dog learns not to mess with her, but will she ever stop biting and scratching us for no reason?
2007-10-03 12:05:54 · 8 answers · asked by trippystemny 4 in Pets ➔ Cats
We do correct the behavior by pushing on her nose when she does it, but I'm more experienced in training and correcting dogs than cats.. and I'm not about to put a choke collar on her xD
2007-10-03 12:07:20 · update #1
From your description, she seems rather feisty - and I've owned 4 in my lifetime! It seems like she might need a firm hand - you may be too sweet on her.
In some ways, cats are like dogs in that they are animals. I had one cat who was like that but not as bad. The way I got her to stop was by snapping my middle finger (like a rubber band) on her nose or head. She looked mystified the first time and ran off but the next time she was more hesitant to bite - but once she did, I did it again.
You want to correct it before she grows up and thinks it's okay and hurts someone (like your friends or family) with her grown-up teeth. Not very pretty. Now is the time to train her.
When she got to feeling feisty when i was rubbing her or what not, she would straighten up and almost start to bite but then you could tell she remembered and she would just walk away! hehe
Try it - some people think it's wrong but we're the boss of them and not the other way around. Plus, they learn! Hope this helps.
2007-10-03 12:09:11 · answer #1 · answered by jeristhin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh no! You don't want to declaw her. She needs a scratching post and some training. If she claws when you pick her up, do it as little as possible. Bribe her with treats to sit by you and get petted (let her go when she's done). Once she's spayed and gets a little older she'll mellow out some. If you want behavioral problems just wait till you get her declawed. Lots of cats take up biting and not using the litter box. Spend the time to properly train her and develop a relationship that will please you both.
http://declaw.lisaviolet.com/
Please read this site on declawing. It's not the answer.
2007-10-03 19:10:02 · answer #2 · answered by ♥Pretty♥ ♥Kitty♥ 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
The method of communicating no between cats is to tap them lightly on the forehead. Should a slightly more forceful approach be required, you can hold her gently by the scruff of the neck while giving her a firm no in a descending tone of voice, but you have to mean it or she'll think it's just another game. Most importantly, when you tell her no and mean it, you then walk away and leave her alone. Staying there and continuing to be available as her chewie tells her you're not serious about rough play.
2007-10-03 19:31:13 · answer #3 · answered by Leslie L 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
She will get better as she gets older. I agree with the others declawing is like removing our fingers, they need them for climbing and defence! My kitten is 5 months old and is learning that we don't play with her when she's mean. Like if she bites I put her on the floor and walk away. She'll get the hint!
2007-10-03 19:16:03 · answer #4 · answered by pharfly1 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
She will settle down when shes out of that crazy kitten stage. Just be patient. Please dont declaw her because that would be like you amputating the top knuckles of your fingers and its her only way of defense. My suggestion for correcting her is to get a spray bottle and when she misbehaves spray her in the face. Once she realizes what the bottle means she will quit her bad behavior.
2007-10-03 20:00:45 · answer #5 · answered by badkat423 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Declawing won't necessary solve the problem...
In fact, some cats tend to bite after they get declawed so it can result in her not stopping at all.
2007-10-03 19:11:43 · answer #6 · answered by Missy 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
UMM lets see. Alot of cats do this as they r younger most grow out of it though.Although it depends on the cat and is personality. Also i wouldnt suggest getting her declawed. When u do get a cat declawed it makes them iller and meaner than they were before or at least i have heard that. Srry idk that much about cats.
2007-10-03 19:15:02 · answer #7 · answered by anonymoushelper(: 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Ah! that is just part of her growing up process. She'll grow out of it as she gets older.
As far as getting her declawed. It will make her worthless as a ratter. Part of owning a cat is them earning their keep by taking care of the mouse, that invade your houses from time to time.
2007-10-03 19:13:24 · answer #8 · answered by JUAN FRAN$$$ 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋