How to Discipline a Cat for Biting

One of the cat’s behaviors that need to be corrected is biting. Because cats use their paw and mouth to explore the things around them, it is natural for them to bite on these things. But cats can learn to control their bites and use soft paws without releasing their claws. Your pet can still nibble and play with you with its soft paw without getting scratches.

Reasons Why Cats Bite

Kittens and cats bite for different reasons, and you must know the reasons why they are doing it before you could discipline them. Also, kittens bite due to socialization issues, while the adult cats do this for a different reason.

Kittens learned from other kittens and their mothers. Most of the time kittens go to the new homes before they could learn something from their mothers. Those who adopted them should teach them these vital lessons in life. Kittens are not aware that claws and teeth can hurt others unless another kitten or their mother tells them.

Start training your little pets as soon as you get them. A well-trained and socialized cat that is aware of the rules of cat play can teach the kittens the best lessons. Some kittens bite because they want something from you. They are also doing it to explore their surroundings or when they are teething.

For adult cats some of the reasons for biting include:

To assert dominance or to protect themselves from something. If the cat bites and won’t back down, this could be the reason.

These cats are biting to get rid of undesirable actions or behaviors of people or other animals. For instance, if they have bitten the person while trimming the nails and the trimming stopped. Your cat gets the idea that biting is an effective tool.

Some cats use it to communicate or get your attention. Rather than meowing, they bite. If your catnips you and tries to tell you something or want you to go somewhere, maybe your pet wants to play with you.

How to Discipline Cat to Stop Biting

Although you cannot completely stop your cat from biting, there are some techniques that you can apply to help discipline them. You need to consider the reasons why they are biting and respond accordingly to their needs.

Tip #1 Response Consistently

Response consistently and your family members and guests should do the same. If your cat gets a different response, it will be difficult for your cat to enact your training.

Tip #2 Do Not Use Your Hands To Play with Them

Do not play with your cats or kittens using your hands, toes, or fingers. They should be taught that toes and hands are not toys. If you allow them to play with your hands, you are encouraging a risky act.

Tip #3 Let It Bite on Toys

Give your cat something to bite on. Cats would love to bite on stuffed animals. Given your cat at least three different toys so it will not get bored. Toys that gives out treats are the best way to keep the surrounding enriched and encourage the proper play behavior by giving them the right objects.

Tip #4 Praise It For Using Soft Claws

If your cat always uses soft paws, praise him or just say good mouth or good paws. When your cat suddenly brings out its claws or started to bite, create noise, and aggressively pull your hand just like what other kittens or cats do if they want to stop the games. Create a distraction to stop such behavior, never punish your cat.

Tip #5 Grind and Push Toward the Bite

If your cat bites you and won’t let you go, grind your teeth and push your arm and hand toward the bite to release you. If you try to pull your hand away from the bite it will only bite you more. Also, you should treat your clothing as part of your skin and discipline your cat that it is off-limits. If you failed to do this your cat won’t be able to determine the difference between biting your jeans and clawing your bare legs.

Tip #6 Avoid Physical Punishment

Never punish your cat physically. This will make your cat more aroused and might fight back and protect themselves during rough play.

Conclusion

The most vital tip to remember in disciplining your cats is to spend time with them. You should engage more with them and praise them for behaving. Cats are independent creatures, but they still want to have a loving relationship with you.