Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK

Cat Health & Behaviour => Health & Behaviour General => Topic started by: Horizon on January 20, 2008, 18:40:48 PM

Title: Naughty behaviour
Post by: Horizon on January 20, 2008, 18:40:48 PM: Hi

I am a new cat owner. I got my 6 month old from a rescue centre about 1 month ago. He has settled in really well - eating fine and seems really happy. Only problem is that every now and then for no apparent explanation he decides to launch himself onto our arms or legs, wrapping both paws round and latching on with his teeth. Although he does not break the skin, this is not really behaviour that we want to encourage. We would welcome any suggestions that people have about why he might be doing this and what we can do to discourage it.

Thanks
Title: Re: Naughty behaviour
Post by: Christine (Blip) on January 20, 2008, 18:46:32 PM: :welcome: to Purrs, Horizon

The behaviour you describe is exactly what your little one (what is his name?) would be doing, playing, with his siblings and is totally normal. He will do this all his life if he trusts you (with withdrawed claws) and it is to be enjoyed, I suggest ;)

He is having fun with you!
Title: Re: Naughty behaviour
Post by: blackcat on January 20, 2008, 19:47:04 PM: If he is hurting you then go 'ouch' when he does it. strangely enough they respond to this and withdraw their claws. Use a hurt (as in feelings) whimpering tone.
Title: Re: Naughty behaviour
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on January 20, 2008, 19:47:48 PM: :welcome: to Purrs ;D

Whats the kittens name, he sounds pretty normal to me ;D
Title: Re: Naughty behaviour
Post by: Rosella moggy on January 20, 2008, 20:03:32 PM: Hi Horizon an welcome

You may find this link of interest. In essence it is suggesting ignoring this behaviour (i.e. not rewarding it by reacting) and providing alternative stimualtion e.g. playing with fishing rod type toys etc

http://www.fabcats.org/behaviour/understanding/kitten.html
Title: Re: Naughty behaviour
Post by: Horizon on January 20, 2008, 21:22:49 PM: Thank you for your replies and helpful suggestions. His name is Alfie btw
Title: Re: Naughty behaviour
Post by: blackcat on January 20, 2008, 21:24:49 PM: do we get to see pictures of the lovable alfie??!! ;D
Title: Re: Naughty behaviour
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on January 20, 2008, 23:27:56 PM: As Rosella says, the main thing is not to 'reward' him by pulling away or shouting as he will see it as part of the game. What I found really effective with my kittens when they started to use their teeth or claws, was blowing in their face (quite hard) as is startles them so they stop what they are doing. I still 'playfight' them but they are angels and never use their armoury :)
Title: Re: Naughty behaviour
Post by: Susanne (urbantigers) on January 20, 2008, 23:32:51 PM: :welcome: Horizon!

It sounds like play behaviour to me too, esp given his age. If he hurts you try hissing at him to give him the message that he's gone too far. Otherwise I agree with the ignoring him advice.

You might find this article useful as it discusses different types of aggression and how to deal with it.

http://messybeast.com/nervous.htm
Title: Re: Naughty behaviour
Post by: Millys Mum on January 21, 2008, 19:54:31 PM: Hes playing but best to nip it in the bud before hes fully grown. My childhood "pet" used to do that and its not funny when 5kg of cat is sinking its teeth in your ankle!
If i ever got him off he would just return for more :(

Blowing in his face or a small water pistol will deter him. You dont need to shoot him just near him :briggin:
Title: Re: Naughty behaviour
Post by: sheryl on January 22, 2008, 14:34:34 PM: My OH thought it was funny when the Bengals did this when they were tiny - now they are growing its not such a laugh and his arms look like pin cushions. They dont do it to me anymore :rofl:
Title: Re: Naughty behaviour
Post by: Horizon on January 22, 2008, 14:58:32 PM: Quote from: Millys Mum on January 21, 2008, 19:54:31 PM
Hes playing but best to nip it in the bud before hes fully grown. My childhood "pet" used to do that and its not funny when 5kg of cat is sinking its teeth in your ankle!
If i ever got him off he would just return for more :(

Blowing in his face or a small water pistol will deter him. You dont need to shoot him just near him :briggin:

If I blow in his face he just seems to come back with more vengence and lauches himself through mid air to attack my body!
Title: Re: Naughty behaviour
Post by: dolcetta46 on January 22, 2008, 15:53:57 PM: Oliver, now nearing 6kg at 8,5months, is learning ever so slowly to keep the claws in and to just nip it lightly not to really sink his teeth in when we play fight when he remembers.
The only problem is he is usually totally carried away while playing and never remembers those precaution at that crucial moment!! :Crazy: :Crazy:
Title: Re: Naughty behaviour
Post by: Den on January 22, 2008, 16:04:58 PM: Memphis does this type of play a lot. He learnt very early on to not use his claws on people as for biting he couldn't hurt a fly as he's soooooooooooo gentle.

A firm 'NO' stopped him when he was younger (he's getting close to 6months now). He would stop biting. Now if he's biting (which really does not hurt at all) I say no and he switches to licking along with a :Luv: face from him. He will often then suck my thumb/finger ... tis cute.
Title: Re: Naughty behaviour
Post by: Hippykitty on January 23, 2008, 10:30:32 AM: Fold your arms and ignore him, look away from him (watch the telly etc) for a few mins. Only fuss him when he's being good. :Luv: