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How to stop my Sphynx kitten biting
Kittens will play aggressively because that’s what comes naturally to them from birth all the way up to when they become those rascally teenagers. Many people get a sphynx kitten believing that they are sweet cuddly little pets until the little gremlins sink their teeth and claws into your hand or arm (ouch)! You have to remember that sphynx kittens have an instinct to play rough, you would see this if you watched them with their siblings from birth.
They are aggressive little devils when they are a mere week into this world! It is part of a normal kitten’s development to play aggressively because they are learning the predatory skills that a cat in the wild would need to know for survival. Most sphynx kittens grow out of the aggressive stage and grow into adorable, sweet little Sphynx kitty cats who would never hurt a fly, never mind hurt you! Also, kittens can become biters if you play rough with them or in some cases they were taken from mommy too early. First, I must say whatever route of disciplinary action you take, don’t give up and be persistent.
A kitten craves your attention and wants to play with you but you should try diverting his attention away from him biting your hands or arms or even feet by having a toy that is about his own size, like a teddy bear or something. Shake the toy or move it in an enticing manner. Encourage your kitten to wrestle with the toy that you are holding and not your arms or hands.
Withdraw from playing if things get really rough and the kitten begins to bite or scratch you. Just as a kitten learns from his siblings and mother, they will also learn from you. If he bites or scratches and becomes overly aggressive you simply end the game. Tell him in a stern voice ‘NO’ and with a loud clap of your hands walk away from the situation and ignore him. Hissing at them can also help correct bad behavior as that is often what their mothers do to correct them.
If the kitten catches you unaware and latches on to your arm or leg you might not have a toy ready for diversion. Try not to move too much, (this can be difficult when you are in acute agony and pain) because if you do, this will give him the impression you are participating in the game and it may instigate him to continue on biting and scratching you. As gently as possible unlatch the kittens’ teeth or claws from your body (easier said than done). Then tell him NO, scold him and walk away. Make it clear to the kitten that you will not be a party to these rough-house games. Remember generally these little Sphynx monsters will grow out of this, so be patient/consistent.
Kittens will play aggressively because that’s what comes naturally to them from birth all the way up to when they become those rascally teenagers. Many people get a sphynx kitten believing that they are sweet cuddly little pets until the little gremlins sink their teeth and claws into your hand or arm (ouch)! You have to remember that sphynx kittens have an instinct to play rough, you would see this if you watched them with their siblings from birth.
They are aggressive little devils when they are a mere week into this world! It is part of a normal kitten’s development to play aggressively because they are learning the predatory skills that a cat in the wild would need to know for survival. Most sphynx kittens grow out of the aggressive stage and grow into adorable, sweet little Sphynx kitty cats who would never hurt a fly, never mind hurt you! Also, kittens can become biters if you play rough with them or in some cases they were taken from mommy too early. First, I must say whatever route of disciplinary action you take, don’t give up and be persistent.
A kitten craves your attention and wants to play with you but you should try diverting his attention away from him biting your hands or arms or even feet by having a toy that is about his own size, like a teddy bear or something. Shake the toy or move it in an enticing manner. Encourage your kitten to wrestle with the toy that you are holding and not your arms or hands.
Withdraw from playing if things get really rough and the kitten begins to bite or scratch you. Just as a kitten learns from his siblings and mother, they will also learn from you. If he bites or scratches and becomes overly aggressive you simply end the game. Tell him in a stern voice ‘NO’ and with a loud clap of your hands walk away from the situation and ignore him. Hissing at them can also help correct bad behavior as that is often what their mothers do to correct them.
If the kitten catches you unaware and latches on to your arm or leg you might not have a toy ready for diversion. Try not to move too much, (this can be difficult when you are in acute agony and pain) because if you do, this will give him the impression you are participating in the game and it may instigate him to continue on biting and scratching you. As gently as possible unlatch the kittens’ teeth or claws from your body (easier said than done). Then tell him NO, scold him and walk away. Make it clear to the kitten that you will not be a party to these rough-house games. Remember generally these little Sphynx monsters will grow out of this, so be patient/consistent.
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