How to Train Your Cat Not to Bite
Although cats bite instinctively, you can curb this tendency by appropriate training.
Up next in How to Train Your Cat (9 videos)
Got a new kitten -- or a cat that's behaving badly? Learn some cat training tricks in this video series from Howcast.
You Will Need
- Play-fighting
- Spray bottle (optional)
Steps
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Step 1
Engage the cat
Engage the cat or kitten in a game of play fighting. This will arouse the cat's natural tendency to bite.
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Step 2
Stop the game
Stop the game as soon as you see the cat begin to expose its claws or teeth. Wait for the cat to calm down, and then resume the game.
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Step 3
Continue playing
Continue playing with the cat. If the cat bites or scratches you, let out a scream. Stop playing and ignore the cat.
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Consider spraying the cat with a spray bottle filled with water if the cat continues to bite you. A small spritz in the area of the cat's face is enough, but be careful not to spray the cat's ears.
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Step 4
Use the touch method
Observe the areas on the cat's body that are most sensitive to contact -- typically the mouth, paws, ears, and tail. When sensitive areas are touched, there is a tendency for the cat to start biting.
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Step 5
Touch a sensitive area
Touch one of the sensitive areas on the cat's body for a second. Then give the cat a treat.
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Step 6
Increase the contact time
Gradually increase the amount of time that you are in contact with the sensitive area. Do this until the cat learns to tolerate increasing levels of contact there.
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Step 7
Repeat with other sensitive areas
Repeat this procedure with other sensitive areas that provoke biting. Now you should have a cat whose meow is worse than its bite.
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Cats have two sets of teeth -- a first set that is lost when they are young, and a permanent set.
