Train your aggressive, biting kitten

From The Daily Cat

more>>

Emergency medical cat care at your fingertips

In recent years, veterinarians have stepped in to provide a quick, cost-effective place on the Internet for owners to have their questions answered and get solid advice no matter the time of the day.

The 5 easiest ways to keep your cat healthy

To ensure that your cat lives a long and healthy life (or nine), check out these five easy steps promoting feline wellness.

Help your cat with separation anxiety

Cats can quickly become very attached to you, which may lead to separation anxiety.

Are cats and dogs that different?

Who says dogs have all the fun? Cats can be just as smart, fun and full of personality.

Two cats are better than one

Thinking about adopting a cat? Here are five reasons why you should think about bringing home a pair instead of just one furry feline.

Writers who love their cats

Writers from mystery novelist P.D. James to science-fiction icon Ray Bradbury and numerous others have at least one thing in common: They all love cats.

How to take great photos of your cat

With time and patience even the most camera-shy cat will eventually be ready for a close-up.

Brain exercises for your cat

Exercise for the brain is just as beneficial as exercise for the body. Give your cat both for a long and happy life.

Pregnancy and cats

Along with the admonitions about caffeine, lunch meat and wine, many pregnant women are told they should get rid of their cats because of health risks.

Cat love and friendship

Do cats experience love? One expert weighs in.

By The Daily Cat Experts

The ankle-nipping problem is probably familiar to many kitten owners, including me.

Kittens begin life playing with their mother and siblings, and it is during that time that they learn how to play nice. If a kitten is separated from its mother too early, it doesn't learn this valuable skill and can act out later, even into adulthood.

According to The Humane Society of the United States, you can discourage ankle-nipping and other overly aggressive kitten behavior by doing the following:

1. Drag a fishing pole–type toy on the floor when your kitten wants to pounce. You can also try throwing a toy that will require her to chase it. The point is to redirect her attention away from you and to the toy.

2. Encourage play with a toy your kitten can wrestle with, such as a tiny stuffed animal, which you can gently rub on her tummy. She can then grab the toy instead of you.

3. Don't yell or otherwise punish your kitten when she pounces. She won't understand your anger. Cats have a remarkable ability to understand rewards, but not punishment. Reward her good behavior instead.

4. If you do want to say something when a kitten nips at your ankles, try a sharp, "Uh-uh," and then offer her an acceptable toy. Don't present the toy when she is still focused on you, or else she will consider it to be a reward.

5. Set aside time each day to play with your kitten. She wants to play with you, and not just be left alone with toys, so your quality time with her will help to use up some of that explosive kitten energy.

*DISCLAIMER*: The information contained in or provided through this site section is intended for general consumer understanding and education only and is not intended to be and is not a substitute for professional advice. Use of this site section and any information contained on or provided through this site section is at your own risk and any information contained on or provided through this site section is provided on an "as is" basis without any representations or warranties.