Is It Normal For Kittens To Bite When Playing
The play mimics how cats will later pounce on grab and bite prey.
Is it normal for kittens to bite when playing. This is the time when each kitten learns how to use an inhibited bite so as not to. Age according to uc davis school of veterinary medicine kittens begin playing in earnest with their littermates when they re around 1 month old or slightly older. Because cats mouth and paw objects to explore their world it s natural for them to bite. This is a type of social play that the cat usually does to other cat as well as people that owned them.
For cats playing consist of biting scratching punching and many other action that seems aggressive for human but actually normal in feline world. This is how they play with their littermates and their mother. Biting and mouthing is a normal behavior in kittens. However if you notice one cat biting the other in order to cause harm then your cats are probably fighting instead of playing.
Consistency is key when you want to curb kitten biting. When littermates are playing they teach each other how to use their teeth gently reigning in their bite. It turns out that kitten biting is part of the play behavior kittens learn when they are with their littermates. Kittens look so cute when they re cuddled up together but they can appear fierce during playtime.
However from surprise ambush attacks to biting clutching and chasing rough play is an important part of a kitten s healthy social development. Rough play is normal in kittens and cats up to about 2 years old and that includes biting each other under the neck. This behavior is natural to kittens and is not a sign of hostility or fear most of the time but if left unchecked it can become a serious problem. Stick to your guns.
This is a quick way to kill prey so your cat is likely keeping his hunting skills sharp. Biting and bunny kicking are normal play behaviors for kittens. But kitties can learn to inhibit the force of their bites and to use soft paws without claws. But don t pet or snuggle her at this time because when a kitten is in play prey mode anything that comes her way is fair game to be pounced on and bitten if she does try to bite again simply repeat the procedure.
If that kitten teething does lead to a bite say ow in a high pitched but not overly loud voice and put her on the floor. When cats play together and the play gets too rough the victim will.