Question for experienced cat owners

bearcat16

Something to watch out for is when kids play with a kitten, the kitten scratches or bites, and then gets shouted at, told off or (heaven forbid) spanked!

This will confuse the cat no end, and will probably result in aggressive and anti-social behaviours.

Some people actually "spank" their cats when they do something considered naughty. It's a terrible idea! In my opinion, cats do not understand the concept of physical punishment.

Instead they will (quite reasonably) treat it as an attack, and either run and hide, or defend themselves with claws and teeth.

Elisecas

The first thing is to train the kids. (I'm serious!) Teach them that if the cat starts rough and tumbling, they stop playing with it immediately. It's so easy to keep playing when they are kittens as they can't do much damage but they don't learn anything: kittens use rough play as part of their growing up activity with each other. You need to teach the human children to stop and the cat will soon get the message. Also, find the trigger points and teach them to avoid them: for example my cat will play fight if I rub his belly, so I avoid that.

There are some scary stories on the thread about needing to go to the doctor if the cat breaks the skin. I've had cats my whole life and never had an issue. I will say this: if a CAT gets a cat bite you will need to take it to the vet as they almost always get infected. If a human gets one do what you'd do with any other minor wound: wash it thoroughly and keep an eye on it. I've never had an issue but if you see one then act - but don't be overly worried.

GwylimT

As kitten has left mum too early they have missed the key time for socialisation which would have reduced biting and scratching. Mum would have bitten back and possibly made a squealing noise, obviously only one of those is an option! Always have a kicker you can give the kitten when it looks like any bitey/scratchy behaviour is going to statt.

When we have a new kitten we don't let our children play with them at all for a few months, just gentle strokes etc if the kitten approaches them.

FreeBear

GwylimT wrote: »

Always have a kicker you can give the kitten when it looks like any bitey/scratchy behaviour is going to statt.

I hope that was a typo and you meant a clicker.

Having a kicker would certainly give the poor kitten a shock :eek:

GwylimT

FreeBear wrote: »

I hope that was a typo and you meant a clicker.

Having a kicker would certainly give the poor kitten a shock :eek:

Why would a cat toy shock a kitten?