Biting Kitten

[mirmir]

I have a 3 months old orphaned kitten, he has came to me when he was just 3 weeks old. He is biting a lot. I know this is normal kitten behavior, that he wants to play with me like I'm a cat, but he has taken it really far. Ever since he first started biting me, I always tried not to let him. At first I was simply leaving him where he stood, offering him new toys or telling him No with a firm voice. When these stopped working, I started squirting him water. This worked at first, but now he wont stop even when he is dripping wet. Now there is no stopping him. He especially bites me when I'm in bed. We don't have rooms or doors in the house so it's not possible for me to get away from him when sleeping. I can't get no proper sleep. And worst of all he bites my face. He just comes from nowhere, flew into my face and bites my nose and he doesnt't get off. These all was annoying but still manageable, but this morning he bit my eye. I now have a puncture wound just beneath my bottom eyelash. If he had bitten just an inch above, I could have lost my eye. So understandably I'm kind of frighten now. And this is completely play. He is not agressive at all. He cuddles with me all the time when he's not in play mood. Do you have any suggestions ? I thought about adopting another kitten but I can't afford it now. I already have an adult cat who cannot stand the kitten. She is almost never home ever since he came to us. I never even once hit him of course ( even though I wanted sometimes) and never ever will hit him. I tried hissing and growling him which both worked at first. Not anymore. I tried biting him as a mother cat would, he didnt like it at all and bit me even more so I dont anymore. What can I do ?

 

[madzoya]

A big dog crate where you can put his litter, food, water and a bed, could solve your night problems while he's growing up and not yet managing his social skills yet.

And you need to continue working with him during the day and playing a lot, so he learns what is appropriate or not.

As you might have read here, cats that are taken too early from their litters have a harder time controling their bite urges, so you need to be patient and consistent.

 

[danteshuman]

I had a problem biter. I tried gentle shoving my finger down his throat when he bit my fingers, toys not hands, OW OW OW then ignoring him (which kinda worked) and re-directing to LOTS of toys. I think he was just taken to young. I did neuter him and he still persisted. Finally having enough one day I picked him up belly up holding him by both sets of legs & pretended to bite his belly with my lips. He gave me a "you can do that look!?!!?!?" and after that was a bit more respectful. Obviously I don't recommend the kitten/teenager kitty taco method but patience plus gentle scuffing should pay off

 

[Burlews]

Here is a site I found that may help you.. I also would make sure to have 2-3 play times you can use to tire him out.. Cat toys are necessity, you he can "wrestle" with like he would his littermate (and that's not your hand), his own cat space (where he can run, hide, etc alone.. And helpful if radio/tv on low for "white noise" for comfort/distraction.. Has he been checked by vet also to neuter, update shots, etc? (Shelters usually offer free first visit with adoption- or vets will offer free office exam for new furry children) or shelters have clinic available for lower cost and some based on area you live, kitten "seasons", income, etc.. I also read you cant afford another pet at this time, but wondering (mainly question for others that are experienced with kitten taken from mother and litter too early) if a foster-type cat mother or foster kitten/cat would be helpful in this situation?? (Teach proper manners, socialize..) Also using aromatherapy with natural oils that can be plugged in to outlet (away from young child's reach) or battery-operated, and natural alternatives for cats as treats or mixed with food to help minimize anxiety/arousal/negative behaviors.. (Although kitten behavior is mainly learned from mother and littermate so not really "negative" normally if in that environment).. My heart goes out to you for giving him love and a home, and hoping all of our suggestions will help.. (There are also "animal behavior specialists" that you can write or call that may offer more assistance (free or low-cost) and books available/videos to learn proper techniques and other ideas.. For sure separate kitten from yourself & your family when not supervised, sleeping, shower, before any known "trigger" times, etc.. or Teach Your Kitten How to Play Nice : The Humane Society of the United States.

 

[mirmir]

Thank you so much for the suggestions The kitten is 6 months old now and mostly got past his biting and driving-me-crazy stage. We moved in with my mother two months ago and she has four cats, one of them has adopted Asuka (the kitten) somewhat educated him too. Now he released me but still bites and plays rough (no aggression, he just doesn't know how to play softly) with her all the time, she tolerates him like a champ. I'm hoping he will stop eventually when he becomes an adult.