November 3, 2006

Ask the Animal Behavorist

The biting cat

By Maureen Strenfel
Animal Behaviorist,
Humane Society Silicon Valley

Q: Help! We have an aggressive nine-month-old spayed male kitten. He bites our hands if we pet him too much or if we try to carry him when he's not sleepy. He attacks our ankles constantly. Also, if we put our faces within striking distance he sometimes lunges at us with claws bared. What should we do?

A: It sounds as if your kitten has an abundance of energy. First, stop all rough play using any part of your clothing or hands/ feet, etc. Make sure everyone else in the family discontinues any rough play as well.

Please make sure you are heavily exercising the kitten before attempting to pet or hold him. The kitten should have at least three exercise sessions per day. Really get him running and leaping for 20 minutes straight.

If he starts to bother you, drag a toy right in front of him to redirect him to an appropriate behavior. Do load up some treat dispensing toys as well so he has to work to get his food. Rotate toys into place every other day as well. You want to make toys and play with you much more fun and exciting than biting at you.

If the cat tries to bite, just immediately yell ouch and walk away. Don't even try to gently put the cat down if it is in your lap, just stand up and walk away. Do stay away from punishment (yelling at the cat, hitting, squirting, etc.) as this may accelerate your cat's playful and aggressive response toward you (and it actually may turn into an aggression problem).

Look for signs that the cat is becoming agitated, such as slight flattening of ears, sudden tail twitching, dilated pupils and stop petting and interacting immediately. Then pet and interact for shorter time periods and better yet, pet a few strokes and if he doesn't react, feed him a treat. A few more strokes and treat, etc. Gradually increase the number of strokes you give him before he gets a treat. But do remember to exercise him every day! With proper guidance, his energy level will decrease as he ages.

This cat may be a prime candidate for having an active playmate. If you do consider getting him a housemate then make sure you get one that is highly active as well, around the same age and make sure you do a proper, slow introduction so you don't have instant hate.

For more information on behavior issues visit: www.hssv.org/behavior_cats.html