Biting Kitten

[Miss-taken]

I really need some advice on my kitten. He's 5 months old and has always been very affectionate. For the last month or so he's become really really bitey! He'll literally run in the room jump on your lap purring and then sink his teeth into the nearest body part. If you stroke him he'll purr for a few minutes then when you least expect it he'll turn round and bite your hand! Often he just jumps up, bites you and then runs off. We have run out of ways to try and teach him not to do this (mainly 'cos it hurts!)

Can anyone help? As cute as he is I'm still beginning to dislike him as he hurts me so much!

Thanks in advance!

[Eve]

Gentle but firm voice commands.

He either doesn't like too much petting, in which case, let him come to you and watch his body language, when his changes, move your hand.

Or he sees it as playing. In which case, play with him more and praise him while you do but gently but firmly tell him no when he goes to bite you.

You can also take less notice of him when he is doing that so he learns it's not a good way of getting attention, don't be tempted to move him round in case he thinks it's a game and does it to prompt play and attention.

It might take a bit of time and patience.

[DaisyMae]

Is he neutred? If not then maybe it would be a good idea to get him done, the biting could be a hormonal/instinctive thing. Neutring will quieten him down.

[Miss-taken]

Thanks Jenna and Daisy! I think he sees it as playing sadly - like a never ending game!
He is due to be neutered - in fact I may book him in right now.............

[Velvetee]

What about biting him back, not hard, but enough to shock him or shaking him at the scruff of his neck, as his mother would have done. I remember this was done in the old days, not sure if it's ethical anymore though.