http://www.ecst.csuchico.edu/~ldpierce/index.html
-----Original Message-----
From: katseven@pcsia.com [SMTP:katseven@pcsia.com]
Sent: Monday, December 28, 1998 8:17 PM
To: felvtalk@MailingList.net
Subject: RE: biting cat
Lisa,
I'm currently dealing w/ some biting kitten/cats. I found this
passage from _Twisted Whiskers: Solving Your Cat's Behavior Problems_
(pp 87-88) helpful. The author, Pam Johnson, is a "Feline Behavior
Consultant"
(with a great sense of humor!) Susan
Begin Quote
Always use toys when it comes to playtime so your cat can scratch and
bite to his heart's content.
If your cat does accidently bite or scratch your hand in play
(or if you've been allowing him in the past), don't pull your hand away.
To pull away is to react the way prey would and that'll only cause your
cat to keep his hold on you. If you look at the way his claws and teeth
are shaped you'll see that pulling away will only do more damage to your
skin. Your first response should be to push toward your cat. This may
sound odd but it does work. First, it confuses the cat because he
expects you to pull away. Also, by pushing toward him you can easily
disengage his claws or teeth. I also add a verbal response whenever a
cat bites or scratches. Saying a key word in a higher pitch helps get
the cat's attention. I use a high-pitched "ouch" because that's the
easiest word to get out when the skin on my hand is getting pierced by
sharp teeth. If you use the high-pitched "ouch" every time then
eventually when he hears that sound he'll know to release his grip
immediately. Once he's learned this trigger word you can use it as he's
about to make contact and avoid damage to your skin.
Whenever I'm playing with a cat and he bites me, after
disengaging my hand I ignore the cat for a few minutes. I don't hit or
scream at him, I just ignore him. This sends the message to him that
whenever he bites or scratches someone's hand, playtime ends. After a
few minutes, I'll get the toy and resume playtime. This will show him
what is acceptable to bite. After all, you don't want to send the
message biting/scratching is totally forbidden. You want to send the
message that biting/scratching is forbidden on humans. Never hit a cat
for biting you. Never hit a cat for anything. All you'll accomplish is
to make the cat afraid of you. ENd Quote.