{"id":2169,"date":"2022-04-04T12:52:21","date_gmt":"2022-04-04T19:52:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rocklinranchvet.com\/blog\/?p=2169"},"modified":"2024-07-25T06:10:05","modified_gmt":"2024-07-25T13:10:05","slug":"is-training-a-kitten-not-to-bite-or-scratch-even-possible","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rocklinranchvet.com\/blog\/is-training-a-kitten-not-to-bite-or-scratch-even-possible\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Training a Kitten Not to Bite or Scratch Even Possible?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Kittens<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Kittens love to play, but the predatory instincts that guide them can cause accidental harm to their partner. Additionally, owners can inadvertently reinforce bad behaviors by using their hands and fingers to entice their kitten to play. Training a kitten your rules for play isn\u2019t hard, but it requires consistency and patience. With our tips, you\u2019ll be playing without blood in no time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Hands Are Not Toys<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Owners of kittens<\/a> commonly make the mistake of using their hands as part of play. If you can avoid this from the beginning, it may save you time (and band-aids) in the long run. It\u2019s worth noting that your kitten isn\u2019t trying to hurt you, they just don\u2019t yet have the skills or experience to understand their effect. Watch for batting, chasing, pouncing, stalking, ambushing, and biting. These actions tune them into their instincts and are important aspects to their mental and physical development. Keeping them active is an essential part of responsible cat ownership<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interpreting Body Language<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you play with your kitten<\/a>, take special notice of their body language.<\/a> Their tails and ears are great indicators of aggression. They may also hiss, vocalize, or puff up their fur. Dilated pupils, crouched legs, frozen stance, and sudden movements are signs that indicate they need space. If you keep playing the same way, they may bite or scratch you in retaliation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Play Gets Rough<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Play time can take on facets of aggression, but it\u2019s not to be confused with true feline aggression. A kitten that bites or scratches you will benefit from some guidance from their owner such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n