How to stop kittens biting?

Kittens often bite as part of their play behaviour or due to teething. Here's how you can help stop this behaviour:

1. Provide Appropriate Toys

• Redirect their energy: Offer toys like soft balls, plush toys, laser pen or wand toys to focus their biting behavior on objects, not your hands or feet.
• Rotate toys: Keep things interesting by rotating different toys to prevent boredom. Brilliant set of toys with cat tunnel. (paid ad)

2. Discourage Hand-Play

• Avoid using your hands as toys: If you play with your kitten using your hands, they may see them as something to bite. Always stick to toys.
• If low on space this is great for walls. (paid ad)

3. Use Positive Reinforcement

• Praise and treat when they stop biting: Reward them when they play gently or stop biting when told.

4. Stop Play When Biting Occurs

• If your kitten bites, stop interacting immediately. Withdraw attention for a few seconds. This teaches them that biting results in the end of fun.

5. Provide Chew Toys for Teething

• Kittens often bite due to teething discomfort. Offer soft, rubbery chew toys to relieve that discomfort.

6. Use a Firm "No"

• When your kitten bites, say “No” in a firm but calm voice. Avoid yelling, as it could scare them, but make it clear that the behavior is unwanted.

7. Teach Gentle Play Early

• Consistently reward gentle play from an early age, so your kitten learns what’s acceptable.

8. Avoid Physical Punishment

• Physical punishment can lead to fear or aggression. It's better to use redirection and reward-based techniques.

Over time, with consistent boundaries and reinforcement, your kitten will learn to control its biting behaviour.

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