Question:
I read in one of your recent columns about the woman in Jupiter, Fla., who adopted a kitten that bites. I have had two kittens with the same problem, both at varying times. I suggest buying thinly sliced, low-sodium turkey. Feeding this to our kittens stopped the biting.
H.Z., Trumbull, CT Nov 22, 2009
Answer:
I always welcome readers' advice and insights and am glad that you found a way to remotivate your kittens and to stop them from biting you.
My first concern, however, is that kittens often bite and scratch not when they want food, but when they want attention and to play. My book "Cat Body, Cat Mind" will help cat owners better understand feline communication and how and when to play, even to roughhouse, with them.
My second concern is that giving a kitten a treat every time he/she attacks could actually reward and encourage such behavior.
Thirdly, you could end up with one fat cat who still would like to play. When a young cat attacks playfully, the appropriate response is to play with the cats. There are many interactive toys you can use from gloves with puppet fingers to twirly wands and lures for chasing and killing.
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