Argh! 4.5 month old kitten just started to attack me, like, ALL the time. Help!?

Question

I've a 4.5 month old kitten, usually fairly well trained - not biting unexpectedly and obeying the 'no' and, worst case scenario, the water squirt. He's also very loving. But over the last week he's having increasingly mental bursts, and at ME which is not something he's ever done. He's never been one to go for my hands or ankles as I've never allowed it. He's just going mad!

In the UK vets won't neuter till 6 months unless it's absolutely necessary. He's not spraying and is still a teeny for his age (1.3kg/3 lbs) so I don't want to go to the vet if there's any other option.

At the minute I've had to scruff him (again!) and take him biting and snapping to the kitchen to give him time out. I hate doing this - I hate what feels like our lovely normally calm relationship being upset by this. Is he going to end up hating me for the cuffing and the time out? There's no way I'd hit him - has anyone any other suggestions to sort this out? It's bad! (First time cat owner btw)

Answer 1

You never beat a cat.

You need to teach like a mother cat; hiss, hold by neck on surface until he relaxes (all gently but firm). Hope helps.

Answer 2

get some cat toys like a feather or something on an end of a pole. play with him.. play with him alot. it is just a phase he is going through

Answer 3

its normail and my kitten was like that up until about 1 yr old (he was also neutered and i thought that would calm him down but it didnt) he's just young and will everntually grow out of it. i would just keep telling him NO when he does something wrong.. he WILL grow out of it.. he's a kitten

Answer 4

This is normal cat play. Get toys that don't let him get close. He is using you as his favorite toy and you have to stop that.  I have a fish pole with a fake mouse on the end and I cat fish. Play with him at arms  lenght and don't try to snuggle until he is to tired to grab you. If he does grab you yell ouch until he lets go. He won't like the noise and when he lets go give him a toy to maul. I use pound puppies because they a the right size for a good mauling session. Never ever use you hands as toys any more he will learn not to chew on you or yours.

Answer 5

putting him in a "time out" isnt going to do much

if ur giving him treats... stop!! thats rewarding the cat for something you dont want

dont worry cats and dogs live in the moment

just ignore the cat. if he attacks you pick him up and put him back down on the floor

i wouldnt choose hitting ur cat

hope i helped ^-^

Answer 6

Aggression During Play...Your unsuspecting ankles are usually the victims of this. You walk by the bed , and suddenly your feet are ambushed by a set of teeth and razor sharp claws. This type of aggression is the result of a cat who isn't getting enough playtime , so he has to go for whatever moving targets he can find. Your feet are usually the most tempting. To correct this behavior, use interactive toys and play with your kitty at least two or three times a day for a minimum of fifteen minutes each.You'll help him get all that energy out and also be teaching him what are acceptable objects to bite (the toys) and what aren't (your feet) . Rotate his regular toys as well to prevent boredom. Remember to never let your cat bite your fingers during play. If you allow your fingers to be toys, then he'll assume that approval applies to toes as well.

Answer 7

You have done most of the things I would have suggested.  Seems like an energy burst and a play mode, but you are not another cat that would give immediate feedback and pushback.

For a time out, I would put him in a place that he would not consider pleasant, like a small closet, or even into a pet carrier.  And the time outs of course are short.

Another approach would be a gentle bop on the nose along with the word NO!  Another approach is to gently grab his jaw and hold it shut when he tries to bite, and say NO!  Of course, at that he might counter with his claws.

Answer 8

hes playing. kittens have tons of energy and need to let it out

Answer 9

Sounds like maybe he is growing up and getting aggressive but then again he might just be being a kitten. Try playing with him more. Try one of the "fishing pole" type toys so that he can really run and jump for it and tire himself out.  He won't hate you for the cuffing because it's what his mama would do too when he misbehaved. If it continues to be a problem you may need to consult with your vet and see if he/she thinks maybe it's time for neutering after all. Be patient you loving baby will be back.

Answer 10

It sounds like he is playing with you, not trying to hurt you, and should not be punished for it.  Cats love to hunt and "attack", and if there are no other pets for him to use this energy on, you will be his target.  My cat use to run up, pounce and grab hold of my leg while I was walking.  As he gets older, this behavior will stop.  Until then, try spending more time playing with him.

Answer 11

It sounds to me like he's just going through a phase.  If he was growing up with several different kittens, he would be rolling around and playing with them.  Instead, it sounds like he's chosen you to be his little playmate.  However, cats are very painful when they play. :(  I think you should get him some catnip toys or a special string that he can play with to expend all of his energy.  We used to have a cat that would jump out at our feet and try to claw his way up our leg, which was not pleasant.  Well, good luck with this!  :)