NHSPCA: Events

Does your cat play too rough? Sometimes it can be difficult to distinguish between playfulness and aggression. What the cat is actually doing is engaging in a type of behavior, which is a combination of both - - predatory play or "sneak attacks" are expressions of a cat's instinctive hunting skills at work on you! While it can be flattering to know that you have been selected as a playmate, you are not alone if you do not particularly enjoy all the scratching and biting.

Studies carried out by the University of Pennsylvania and the Animal Medical Center in NYC indicate that the primary trigger for these roughhouse antics is routinely leaving a cat alone for extended periods of time with no opportunity for interaction and feedback.

If you live with a cat and are away from home all day (i.e. at work) you must make a concerted effort to redirect the play/aggression to something other than you and then get the cat to play with these objects when you are not present.

One of the best methods to encourage play with toys when you are not there is to use the same object in play when you are there. Leave your scent on the toy by rubbing it between your palms. Tie it to a string and drag it or throw it and let the cat chase, stalk or fetch it. Many times when a toy is pleasantly associated with you and the good times you shared with your cat, it will also become the focus of attention when you are not home.

Rolling or dangling (mobile) toys that can be batted about, large stuffed catnip toys that can be wrestled with and "mauled" are excellent substitutes. Select the toys carefully; do remember that during rough play toys can be chewed and torn into bite-size pieces and bells, squeakers or ornamentation can be pulled off and swallowed.

Cats that are left alone for extended periods of time can also become over-stimulated and excitable during petting. If petting and stroking are met with biting and scratching, keep the sessions short. Take note as to how long you can pat your cat before it begins to bite and scratch. Keep the sessions shorter than that. Many cats do not enjoy being scratched and petted on the belly or hips, so if your cat doesn't like it, don't do it!

New cats that have been recently introduced into your household can be quite nervous about touching the first few days or weeks. When bringing a new cat into your home. Leave it alone! Handling a new cat in the first few hours can be too much. If you have to or feel the cat is ready offer a pointed finger first. If the cat sniffs and moves in toward you, lightly pet it around the head and shoulders only.

Short frequent petting sessions are key. Do not reach for, or restrain, a cat that is not actively soliciting you; the gesture can be perceived as an aggressive move. Watch the cat carefully for signs of intolerance or over-stimulation. Stop handling before the cat begins to bite or claw you. Stop petting at once; leave the scene if you have to. Unacceptable behavior should never be rewarded with positive attention.

Finally, never dangle your fingers, scuff your feet or wiggle your toes while engaging in play with your cat. Body parts are not toys; if you permit biting/clawing sometimes but not others, you are giving the cat mixed messages.

Consistency and timing are everything in training. This approach will help to minimize and ultimately correct biting and scratching problems while allowing the cat to develop a healthy relationship with you.

Cats: Biting and Scratching