Does your cat keep biting? Here's how to deal with it!-Catpedia
Your new kitten is irresistibly cute and snuggly. But come nighttime, they sometimes turn into a tiny whirlwind, pouncing on your hands and feet like a playful predator.
So, what can you do to curb this midnight nibbling? Thankfully, there are ways to stop your kitten from sinking their sharp little teeth into your ankles.
Here’s a guide to understanding why kittens bite—and what you can do to put an end to it.
Why Do Kittens Bite?
Kittens usually learn “bite inhibition” from their littermates; when one kitten bites too hard, the other bites back, teaching them to control the force of their bites. However, if your kitten was separated from their siblings too soon, they might not have learned this important lesson.
To address the biting, first try to understand the cause. Does your kitten bite when you touch certain areas, like their paws or tail? If so, gradually get them used to being touched in that spot.
Or maybe they’re biting because they see movement—like your hand waving in front of them or hidden under a blanket. In those moments, they may think your hand is a toy or a playful target.
To discourage this habit, avoid letting them bite you during play. Instead, redirect their energy by offering a toy, teaching them that playtime is for toys—not hands.
Choose the Right Toys
As mentioned earlier, avoid choosing cat toys that encourage your kitten to bite your hands. If you wear play gloves, they may struggle to understand why biting is acceptable with gloves on but not with bare hands.
Don't let them play with rings, shoelaces, bracelets, or anything else on your hands or feet. Consistency is key in showing them what is and isn’t appropriate to play with.
Keep in mind that kittens naturally enjoy biting during play, so provide them with suitable soft toys, like stuffed mice, that are large enough for them to grab and bite.
How to Stop a Bite in Progress
If you accidentally reach for a toy while your kitten is in full play mode, they may quickly latch onto your fingers with their teeth.
To reduce the impact of a bite, try something that may feel counterintuitive: Freeze.
Cats’ biting is often triggered by their prey drive, so pulling away or moving fast makes them grip even harder. Instead, stay still, calmly say “no,” and gently blow air in their face.
Most kittens will be caught off guard by this pause and will likely release and move away.
In time, biting is a habit most kittens grow out of, but it takes a firm and consistent approach from you to help them mature into a gentle adult cat.
Have you had to teach a kitten not to bite? Share your tips in the comments below!
