Play helps prepare kittens to become great hunters and develops their social skills with other cats. But this behavoir is not fun when the pet treats people like big mice or when a playful pounce punctures skin. Although play bites are usually inhibited and swatting is often done with retracted claws, sharp teeth and nails can damage clothing or cause injury. The risk of injury increases when the behavior is directed torward the face, a person with fragile skin, or someone with an immune deficiency disorder.
Cat play is typically seen in young, active cats and involves elements of hunting, including stalking, chasing, attacking, and biting. The attacks escalate when people encourage the behavior because they think it's cute. Most kittens play with other kittens in a rough-and-tumble way. When a feline playmate is not available, a family member may become the next best target. However, while you may be an appealing target for your cats play, you don't have the fur, mobility, or defensive skills of a cat, which increases the likelihood of injuries.
Teasing a small kitten wih your fingers and toes may seem like fun, but this can escalate to harder bites as your pet grows up. If you want to be more to your cat than a big toy, never encourage this behavior. While some of these little guys can seem quite bloodthirsty and relentless, their behavior can usually be controlled.
Controlling The Little Beast
Since play is normal, you will first need to focus on engaging your cat in acceptable ways to play. Providing a feline playmate of the same age and temperment will usually draw the play attacks away from you and toward the new buddy. Consider thi option onl yif you are prepared to care for two cats, however. Discuss with your veteranarian whether another cat seems right for your home and how to introduce the new cat. If adding a cat is out of the question , then you must take the responsibility for providing the proper type of play and shaping your pet's behavior.
Always maintain control at playtime. Play that is initiated by the cat should be ignored or interrupted. If you can use a few commands such as "Playtime," before each play session and "come" and "sit" for food and treats. you may be able to interrupt the cat and change his focus with a command before play attacks begin. (See also our "Basic Training" brochure for dogs for some tips that will also work for most cats to teach them to come and sit on command.) Play interaction with the cat should involve tossing or dangling toys for him to chase and catch to direct the play away from you. The more vigorous the interaction with toys, the better. Keep your kitten so busy and wore out that he doesn't even think about going out of you. Stock up on all types of fun, keeping toys for your cat to chase, pounce upon, and even sink his teeth into. Use toys that are the size and texture that your cat would most likely want to hunt. A short wand or fishing rod can be used to dangle small plastic, leather, or feather toys in front of your cat. Coating or even stuffing a toy with food or catnip can increase it's appeal. Consider feeding multiple smaller meals. Placing your cats food inside toys that require manipulation such as batting, rolling, or chewing to dispense the food can provide a good alternative to hunting. Motion activated toys can amuse your cat when you are not around. Or give your cat Ping-Pong balls or unshelled walnuts for swatting. Also provide objects for exploration (e.g., cardboard boxes, paper bags, kitty condos) and perching (e.g.,on windowsills).
To Swat Or Not To Swat
Avoid all physical punishment, such as swatting your pet or thumping him on the nose to stop rough play. It may cause your cat to fear you, become aggressive, or even play more roughly. A blast of air from a compressed air can (obtained from a photography store) and a squirt from a water gun are safe ways to discourage the behavior. This approach is likely to work only when you can anticipate an attack and are prepared to interrupt your kitten as he begins the assault. However, this is not always easy since attacks are most likely to occur when you are busy or unprepared. Vigilance is a necessary ingredient for being consistent in teaching your kitten not to attack, and a bell on the collar may help to keep track of his whereabouts. Do not use these techniques if they are not immediately effective or if they cause fear.
Up All Night
Nighttime attacks are more difficult to handle and, in most cases, the simple solution is to keep the cat out of the bedroom when you sleep. Often this behavior will decrease and finally stop as the pet grows older. If the kitten has the annoying habit of waking you up by sucking on earlobes or elbows, try applying a light coat of underarm deodorant to those areas to discourage him. Or keep a can of compressed air close by to discourage those suprise attacks. Increasing daytime play should also help to decrease nighttime activity.
Family Feuds
Problems with other cats in the home can occur when the play target is another cat that is weak, fearful, or old and cannot tolerate the young cat's playful behavior. The pets should be kept seperate unless supervised. before play gets too rough, use a command to encourage the rambunctious cat to come and take a treat or play with his toys. you can also discourage this behavior with a water gun. Do not yell at the kitten during play attacks because this can make both cats more nervous. Sometimes the cat being attacked can become so stressed that veterinary counseling should be sought regarding the possible use of pheromones or medication.
Nail Trimming- An Ounce Of Prevention
Since young kittens tend to use their paws in play, its a good idea to keep those nails trimmed to prevent them from snagging sensitive skin. It's easy to condition your cat to accept nail trimming, but you must have patience and pick the right time. The worst time to attempt nail trimming is when a pet is alert and active. All kittens occasionally nap, so take advantage of downtime to trim nails. Handle the paw very gently, use a sharp pair of trimmers, and quickly take off the tip of one nail. If the pet continues to snooze, take the tip off another nail or two. If your cat stirs, give him a small treat. Never force the pet to hold still for a nail trim, and always cease before he squirms and resists.
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