Dog
and cat pet tips - on Pets.ca
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Tip - 33 - Playing
with kittens - biting kittens
There is no debating that new kittens are amongst the most
fun creatures that you can play with. They jump, they're cuddly,
frisky and love to nip at your hands. When kittens nip at
you it's cute and it doesn't hurt...but they don't stay kittens
for long.
Cat owners often make
the mistake of using their hands and fingers as cat toys.They
drag their hands along the floor pretending it's a spider or
some other chase toy. Kitty pounces, nips and it's a cute game.
This is a huge mistake because what ends up happening is that
the kitten now associates your hands with the hunting and biting
game. This is a hard instinct for the cat to break so never reinforce
it by playing in this way at any time. NEVER use your hands
as toys when playing with kittens.
Always
use cat toys to actively play with your cat. Bendable plastic
poles with strings or feathers attached are great. Any toy that
dangles and moves somewhat like prey should entice your kitten
when you are at the other end moving it slowly. Bring these toys
out whenever you are ready to play. Have different toys out already
so that kitty can play when you are not there.
If your
kitten or cat does bite or nip at you, don't scold it. Instead,
redirect its attention away from your hands with a cat toy. That
way the cat will associate biting and play with a toy that is
not you.
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other pet tips here:
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