How to discipline a kitten
Discussion
Meet George
At the time of this picture he was just under 8 weeks old and we've now had him for a couple of weeks, he's settled in ok with his meal times etc. etc.
I've grown up with cats but it's been at least 20 years since I had a kitten.
We've got a nearly 3 year old little boy so I thought George would be a great companion for him growing up.
The "Problem" we have is that George is VERY boisterous and likes attacking hands and legs, my Son is understandably concerned at this and I wanted to see what the PH masses thoughts are.
I know he is still very young so should grow out of it but how should we be disciplining him? I normally go with a stern No followed by swiftly putting him on the floor, a couple of times I've scruffed him and held him down but that didn't really seem to achieve much apart from making him angry.
I can't allow him to claw/ bite my son as he'll grow up terrified of cats which I don't want at all.
If nothing else I just wanted reassurance that the "Ginger Assassin" will grow out of his boisterous behaviour. (He will be neutered when his time comes)
At the time of this picture he was just under 8 weeks old and we've now had him for a couple of weeks, he's settled in ok with his meal times etc. etc.
I've grown up with cats but it's been at least 20 years since I had a kitten.
We've got a nearly 3 year old little boy so I thought George would be a great companion for him growing up.
The "Problem" we have is that George is VERY boisterous and likes attacking hands and legs, my Son is understandably concerned at this and I wanted to see what the PH masses thoughts are.
I know he is still very young so should grow out of it but how should we be disciplining him? I normally go with a stern No followed by swiftly putting him on the floor, a couple of times I've scruffed him and held him down but that didn't really seem to achieve much apart from making him angry.
I can't allow him to claw/ bite my son as he'll grow up terrified of cats which I don't want at all.
If nothing else I just wanted reassurance that the "Ginger Assassin" will grow out of his boisterous behaviour. (He will be neutered when his time comes)
Thankfully our kitten simply grew out of it, but part of the biting/scratching is simply because they're bored. That's how kittens play, with teeth and claws!
More toys, more intense playing sessions. Laser pointers, fluffy snakes on strings, balls with bells inside them, whatever your one prefers. Anything to take the attention away and direct the aggression elsewhere. Tire the little sod out so he sleeps, they don't bite then
Personally, and I say this from experience, I'd simply get another kitten to keep him company. Two kittens are much less hassle than one, for some odd reason.
More toys, more intense playing sessions. Laser pointers, fluffy snakes on strings, balls with bells inside them, whatever your one prefers. Anything to take the attention away and direct the aggression elsewhere. Tire the little sod out so he sleeps, they don't bite then
Personally, and I say this from experience, I'd simply get another kitten to keep him company. Two kittens are much less hassle than one, for some odd reason.
If you fear your son will grow up scared of cats due to some scratching or biting, then your problem lies with your son, or you, not the kitten.
How about using it as an opportunity to teach your son how to treat animals, and how to learn when the cat wants to play and when it wants to be left alone.
Kittens will be kittens, you can't train them. Children will be children, and you can train those.
HTH
How about using it as an opportunity to teach your son how to treat animals, and how to learn when the cat wants to play and when it wants to be left alone.
Kittens will be kittens, you can't train them. Children will be children, and you can train those.
HTH
Doofus said:
If you fear your son will grow up scared of cats due to some scratching or biting, then your problem lies with your son, or you, not the kitten.
How about using it as an opportunity to teach your son how to treat animals, and how to learn when the cat wants to play and when it wants to be left alone.
Kittens will be kittens, you can't train them. Children will be children, and you can train those.
HTH
He's not the one playing with the kitten, it's the kitten running up to him clawing and biting that's concerning him, surely you can appreciate that for a 3 year old, a kitten running up to you and clawing and biting you when you're not even touching/ looking at him is a bit worrying. How about using it as an opportunity to teach your son how to treat animals, and how to learn when the cat wants to play and when it wants to be left alone.
Kittens will be kittens, you can't train them. Children will be children, and you can train those.
HTH
It will be hard for a kid but much like kids treat your pets firm but fair.
I've found that a firm no and a firm finger tap on the nose/between the eyes is normally enough. Sometimes they see this response as encouragement to latch on again but another firm no and a little bash on the nose again normally sorts it. Once they are down then return to normal play and fussing.
Your kitten doesn't sound any different to any other though.
I've found that a firm no and a firm finger tap on the nose/between the eyes is normally enough. Sometimes they see this response as encouragement to latch on again but another firm no and a little bash on the nose again normally sorts it. Once they are down then return to normal play and fussing.
Your kitten doesn't sound any different to any other though.
eybic said:
He's not the one playing with the kitten, it's the kitten running up to him clawing and biting that's concerning him, surely you can appreciate that for a 3 year old, a kitten running up to you and clawing and biting you when you're not even touching/ looking at him is a bit worrying.
Sorry, no, I can't. We had kittens when I was that age, and continually throught my childhood, due to a randy cat. Kittens like/need to play. They don't intend to cause harm (unless they are mistreated), and they quickly learn how much is too much.Young kittens don't have the ability to retract their claws, so they can be a bit scratchy, but if you tell them to stop, they will get the message.
They don't need to be 'held down'. They live in the moment, so they will have no idea why you're squashing them, and won't learn.
Tell the cat to stop, when it's doing something wrong, and it will learn. Don't beat it, pin it or bash it against the wall though
You don't 'discipline' cats. What you can do is reward good behaviour and don't encourage them to do bad stuff. When they're kittens they can learn quite quickly that toys are for play, hands are for receiving love. The thing is when they're tiny, it's fun to make them chase your fingers. Don't get them into that habit. Play with them using toys on strings or long sticks. That way you don't get caught by a claw. If you do, resist the urge to scream and shout, just say 'ow', slowly withdraw your hand and look upset. They are very empathic creatures and will quickly learn that if they catch you with a claw, you'll be upset and the game will end. Even now, my adult (still very playful) cats won't attempt to go after fingers and if they accidentally catch you will actually look genuinely upset on your behalf.
Doofus said:
eybic said:
He's not the one playing with the kitten, it's the kitten running up to him clawing and biting that's concerning him, surely you can appreciate that for a 3 year old, a kitten running up to you and clawing and biting you when you're not even touching/ looking at him is a bit worrying.
Sorry, no, I can't. We had kittens when I was that age, and continually throught my childhood, due to a randy cat. Kittens like/need to play. They don't intend to cause harm (unless they are mistreated), and they quickly learn how much is too much.Young kittens don't have the ability to retract their claws, so they can be a bit scratchy, but if you tell them to stop, they will get the message.
They don't need to be 'held down'. They live in the moment, so they will have no idea why you're squashing them, and won't learn.
Tell the cat to stop, when it's doing something wrong, and it will learn. Don't beat it, pin it or bash it against the wall though
Get another kitten as a playmate for your kitten.
As said already, 2 are easier than one.
I had Stan as a tiny kitten until 2 months. Lovable but a mare as his idea of playing was constant attacking.
Due to having to go away with work I gave him back to my kids and their mum who already had 4 cats. He soon settled down and over a year later he's a lovely cat who still seems to recognise me when I visit.
As said already, 2 are easier than one.
I had Stan as a tiny kitten until 2 months. Lovable but a mare as his idea of playing was constant attacking.
Due to having to go away with work I gave him back to my kids and their mum who already had 4 cats. He soon settled down and over a year later he's a lovely cat who still seems to recognise me when I visit.
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