Cats

  1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Cats

How can I keep my kitten from biting?

By Franny Syufy, About.com

Question: How can I keep my kitten from biting?

Answer: This is very natural behavior at this age. A breeder I know always socializes her kittens by playing with them with plastic drinking straws. The kittens get the teething they need and at the same time they learn that straws are for biting; fingers and ankles are not. Ideally, this socialization would start at four or five weeks, but it may not be too late for your kitten, at six months.

In the meantime, if your kitten attempts to bite your hand when you are petting her, don't jerk your hand away. You're just buying into her game of predator and prey. Gently remove your hand and give her some "time out." Kittens are very much like children, and we adults need to set the limits.

More Cats Q&A

Explore Cats

About.com Special Features

Green Your Clean

Rid your home of grime and harsh chemicals by cleaning with these natural items. More >

Basic Cleaning Supplies

Every home is different, but this basic cleaning supply list is a good starting point. More >

Cats

  1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Cats

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.