So let's come back and talk about hands versus fingers.
Fingers can also look a little like five mice. This can evoke a sense of prey. Should you find Kato or a kitten striking at your hand, try to approach with a fist, then open your fingers as you get close to pet them.
Do not let anyone work their fingers like on a keyboard. This will basically teach a cat to strike. Do not use your hands as toys in play. Being a human male, I know the strong desire to see just how fast their paws can go. We are simply fascinated by that speed, and of course know we must compete with them. So make sure everyone understands and fully adheres to the saying below.
Make a very conscious effort to let them understand.
"Toys are for playing. Hands are for loving."
How kittens teach each other not to play too rough.
They make a high pitched very loud meow, sounding almost like NO (or Me OW!).
Should one of the cats, strike at your hand, or bite at it, close your fingers into a fist as you make that loud high pitched Me OW.
Continue to teach the cats that it is OK to eat from your fingers. Fold the two outside fingers into your palm. Use your thumb on top of the two next fingers to offer the food. Let them take the food, then slowly retract your hand for a refill.
Know that some cats have a strong dislike for the smell of latex gloves.
Fingers can also look a little like five mice. This can evoke a sense of prey. Should you find Kato or a kitten striking at your hand, try to approach with a fist, then open your fingers as you get close to pet them.
Do not let anyone work their fingers like on a keyboard. This will basically teach a cat to strike. Do not use your hands as toys in play. Being a human male, I know the strong desire to see just how fast their paws can go. We are simply fascinated by that speed, and of course know we must compete with them. So make sure everyone understands and fully adheres to the saying below.
Make a very conscious effort to let them understand.
"Toys are for playing. Hands are for loving."
How kittens teach each other not to play too rough.
They make a high pitched very loud meow, sounding almost like NO (or Me OW!).
Should one of the cats, strike at your hand, or bite at it, close your fingers into a fist as you make that loud high pitched Me OW.
Continue to teach the cats that it is OK to eat from your fingers. Fold the two outside fingers into your palm. Use your thumb on top of the two next fingers to offer the food. Let them take the food, then slowly retract your hand for a refill.
Know that some cats have a strong dislike for the smell of latex gloves.
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