My Bully Kitten

Hey everyone

I recently (last week) brought a kitten home. He’s adorable and energetic, pretty talkative, and also a little destructive. None of which I mind! He’s just doing how a kitten do.

The problem is that he’s also attacking us constantly. When I’m asleep he’ll scratch at my scalp and bite my ears. When I’m awake he’ll leap onto my arms or legs and latch on with claw and tooth. Whenever my hand moves he attacks it. If I try to pet him he bites me. Really, anytime anyone is doing anything he is provoked to bite.

We play pretty constantly with the exception being when we sleep, and even then he has automatic toys that I know he plays with in the living room.

I’m just wondering if you have any advise. Even just a “they usually grow out of it” would be super super appreciated because I’m feeling so darn defeated.

Pictures of his cuteness

"They usually grow out of it!" . That's typical kitten behavior. Make sure you don't use your hands to play with him, but a toy like a stuffed animal, kickeroo, or wand toy, and "hissing" when he 's misbehaving should help. You might have to keep him out of the bedroom for the next few months if he's attacking you when you sleep.

He's absolutely adorable!

He is so cute.

How old is he? Usually there will be behavior problems when kitties are taken too early from the mom. Try to tire him out before bed time, and feed him, too, so there is high chance he would sleep most of the night. But he is only a kitten, and kittens have unlimited energy.

Maria Bayote said:

He is so cute.

How old is he? Usually there will be behavior problems when kitties are taken too early from the mom. Try to tire him out before bed time, and feed him, too, so there is high chance he would sleep most of the night. But he is only a kitten, and kittens have unlimited energy.

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According to the woman My boyfriend got him from he was 8 weeks on the day We got him. Based on videos I’ve watched on kitten development I’m not entirely convinced that’s true. He has a few behaviors that I think are very similar to him trying to nurse.

I have an incredibly well behaved and sweet 5 year old male cat. Is there any chance that after they are put together the kitten will learn manners from him?

SerenaRae said:

According to the woman My boyfriend got him from he was 8 weeks on the day We got him. Based on videos I’ve watched on kitten development I’m not entirely convinced that’s true. He has a few behaviors that I think are very similar to him trying to nurse.

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Although kittens usually start to wean at the age of 4 weeks, ideally kittens must be separated from their momma when they are at 12 weeks of age, so they can be properly socialized. Otherwise, aside from probable health issues, kittens that are separated early from the momma cat may have trouble grooming themselves, tend to rough play, or have behavior problems.

SerenaRae said:

I have an incredibly well behaved and sweet 5 year old male cat. Is there any chance that after they are put together the kitten will learn manners from him?

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I actually had a foster kitten before that was too young to be away from the mama, and my Barley acted as her "parent". However, it will depend on how your adult male cat will accept the kitten.

A lot of this is a reflection of his age, but since he doesn't have mom or siblings to teach him, you'll have to let him know when he's being too rough.

Older cats often take on a parental role with kittens, teaching them "how to cat," which includes letting them know when they're playing too rough. But obviously the introduction process should be slow.

How often is the kitten eating, and what is he eating?

Also, are you hissing at him when he gets too rough?

He was separated from his mom too early (it's a common misconception that 8 weeks is enough, it's not) but you, and especially your older cat, can still fix some of his undesirable behaviours. He is so young that the introduction should be easier to your adult cat than with another adult. Did they see/smell each other already? Even if the older cat will not act as a parent, he surely will teach him some play limits - the little one will annoy him for sure at times and the older will show him in a cat language how to behave.

I agree that maybe this is the time to let him socialize with your older cat. For one thing, he can wear himself out playing with the older cat, and probably that cat will teach him some manners.

He is adorable, and he really will grow out of it!

I feel terrible that I was following faulty information. Even my vet said that at 8 weeks he was fine being brought home.

We have been doing a slow introduction. They are together for a few super supervised hours a day but are separated anytime we aren’t home.

Benny is honestly the best cat ever and is very patient thus far with his new little brother, and does seem to do some gentle reminding when play gets too rough.

(Benny stole the kittens bed even though he doesn’t really fit)

As far as food goes he has constant access to dry Nulo cat and kitten food and every 8 hours he gets half a 3oz can of Wellness Chicken Pate - Kitten. I’m open to other suggestions and recommendations though!!

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You're doing a fine job of introducing them, so just keep on doing it. Benny is being a fine daddy. You have two lovely kitties!

SerenaRae said:

I feel terrible that I was following faulty information. Even my vet said that at 8 weeks he was fine being brought home.

We have been doing a slow introduction. They are together for a few super supervised hours a day but are separated anytime we aren’t home.

Benny is honestly the best cat ever and is very patient thus far with his new little brother, and does seem to do some gentle reminding when play gets too rough.

View attachment 282293 (Benny stole the kittens bed even though he doesn’t really fit)

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Don't feel bad, you're a great cat mom (or dad..) that cares about the little one a lot. I'd totally continue their meetings anytime you're home with them and slowly let them be together longer if there are no signs of stress from any of them. Ben will help you socialize a little one a lot.

There are some tips you can try when he attacks: never use your hands when playing with your kitten. Hiss at him anytime he attacks any part of your body. Say a firm "No", give exaggerated Oww sound. the little guy needs to learn that he's hurting you. Give him a soft toy or kickeroo for him to kick and wrestle. Or just get another kitten for him to play rough with