Most of the time, kittens want to play and cuddle. But every once in a while, they sink their tiny teeth in for a taste. Don’t take it as a personal attack—kitten biting is a normal behavior that is part of a cat’s natural development, explains Dr. Tony Buffington, a professor of veterinary medicine at UC Davis. cat s insurance
“They’re trying to learn how and when to use their mouths and feet, both to hunt and to protect themselves,” he says. “We don’t want them to learn that we are either food or a threat that they need to use their weapons on!”
Whether you have an occasional nibbler or full-on chomper, follow these expert tips to stop kitten biting before it becomes a problem.
1. Intervene Early
At first, kitten nibbles can be cute and easy to ignore. But don’t delay stepping in, says Buffington. Early intervention will not only prevent more painful bites down the line, but you’ll create an opportunity to bond with your pet through training. While it’s possible your kitten will simply outgrow the biting habit, Buffington says it’s a much better idea to start addressing the behavior head-on. “Why take a chance when we can help both the owner and the kitten establish a better relationship?” he reasons.
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