Cat Lovers Community Group
For all those people who are slaves to their cats!
I have owned cats for over 22 yrs. and may people remark on how friendly my cats are, that they don't bite/scratch when playing. A few things I have done toward influencing their good behavior.
Since kittens are often removed from their sibling before they really learn to play nice, they often try scratching or biting during play. First, don't let people play rough with a kitten- no rolling on back, play boxing, or anything that knocks the kitten over or makes them feel vulnerable. If you are playing with your kitten and they go to scratch, stop play, tell them in a stern voice "no claws" and walk away. It will take some time but eventually they will learn to respond to the 'no claws" command.
If your kitten goes to bite during play, the easiest way to stop the behavior is teaching them we have teeth too and biting is not fun. Soon as they bite, take one of their ears and either pinch or lightly bite their ear. Point is to just have it hurt a little- not draw blood or leave a mark. Their littermates would have returned a bite with a bite, so this is very natural learning for them. Most kittens will not try it again. Some people may find this a little extreme but it isn't. If they were playing with another cat, they would have gotten a real bite. An a cat that becomes a chronic biter has little chance at a happy home.
Since kittens are often removed from their sibling before they really learn to play nice, they often try scratching or biting during play. First, don't let people play rough with a kitten- no rolling on back, play boxing, or anything that knocks the kitten over or makes them feel vulnerable. If you are playing with your kitten and they go to scratch, stop play, tell them in a stern voice "no claws" and walk away. It will take some time but eventually they will learn to respond to the 'no claws" command.
If your kitten goes to bite during play, the easiest way to stop the behavior is teaching them we have teeth too and biting is not fun. Soon as they bite, take one of their ears and either pinch or lightly bite their ear. Point is to just have it hurt a little- not draw blood or leave a mark. Their littermates would have returned a bite with a bite, so this is very natural learning for them. Most kittens will not try it again. Some people may find this a little extreme but it isn't. If they were playing with another cat, they would have gotten a real bite. An a cat that becomes a chronic biter has little chance at a happy home.
Cat's have personalities just like people. I was thinking about getting another kitten and my grandson and I went to the shelter and took 3 or 4 into a play room (one at a time). One kitten we noticed after a few minutes would bite hard if it thought you were taking a toy away. It was a born bully. I don't think anyone would have much success changing that behavior as the kitten was a strong, healthy, 10 wk old cat. We decided not to get it because we want a kitten that loves to cuddle and play and didn't want a cat that would beat up on the one we had at home.
I've learned over the years that I made the mistake on playing the hand game with kittens. That is when you use your hand to rough house with them. Once they start on that it's hard to break them of it.
Cats are either tree or bush dwellers. If you find out which one your cat is and provide a safe place for them in those spaces, you will have a happy cat without much effort.
I also have a friend that had no choice than to put her cat to sleep because of biting and scratching. She was devastated by it but the cat was to the point of attacking her in her sleep, in the shower, or anytime she didn't notice him sneaking up. He had bit and scratch he brother to the point he had to get stitches. She got a notice from animal control that another incident and they would be taking the cat. She stopped having people over and if she had to, she locked him in a bedroom. This cat even bit me once. She wouldn't try training him and it turned out very bad. I feel bad that the cat had to be put down. That is why I rather risk a momentary bit of pain than the 9yrs of trying to deal with the behavior and finally having put the cat down.
Despite what you may have heard all these years, cats don't misbehave. Do you find that shocking? Unfortunately, we tend to label feline behaviors we don't find acceptable as "misbehaving." We even go so far as to assume it's deliberate or spiteful.
Every behavior, regardless of whether you think it's good or bad, has a purpose. Cats are smart. Animals don't repeat behaviors unless there's a pay-off. Even if you don't understand it, it must be serving a function.
So what's the key to correcting so-called misbehaviors? Figure out what your cat is truly trying to accomplish (i.e. the pay-off), provide an alternate behavior of equal or increased value, and reward kitty when he gets it right.
Pam Johnson-Bennett, CABC, is a certified cat behavior consultant and author of seven best-selling books. Her website is www.catbehaviorassociates.com.
Have you ever watched the show on Animal Planet called "My cat from hell"? I have a lot fun watching Cat behaviorist Jackson Galaxy. I learn a lot watching that show.
I don't have cable, I have digital box. But, if I did I would love to watch Animal Planet.
When Sebastian first started coming in the house, the tv frightened him so much, I kept it turned off . The AC, refrig., phone and microwave used to scare him too. He would cower and run for the door. He still jumps when the toaster pops, but all else he accepts.
I sure do love my Kitty!! Have a great day, isn't the weather wonderful!!
I think you can watch Animal Planet online.