How can I get my cat to stop biting and destroying things?

Question

I'm new to cat ownership, and I need a little help. I have an 8 month old cat, who likes to bite me and my roommates, and always attacks and chews up cords and papers. I've tried thumping her on her nose, but all that does is makes her bite more.

Answer 1

They don't mean to harm us, but sometimes they just get carried away when they play and they don't realise how much teeth and claws hurt.  Has anyone been using their hands to mock fight with her, as this encourages rough behaviour.  Thumping her on the nose is just making her more agitated because she thinks you're fighting back as part of the game.  This is why it's never a good idea to use your hands instead of toys, otherwise she'll think your flesh is fair game at any time.  

Being predators they love any games where they get to practise their hunting skills such as ambush, chasing and pouncing.  Toys that dangle off the end of a wand stick are ideal for this as you can play a variety of hunting style games.  It also means that she can be as rough as she likes with the toy, whilst your hands are at a safe distance from accidental injury.  If your cat bites you at any time, tell her "no" in a firm voice or hiss at her.  (Hissing reawakens memories of the mother cat's discipline and is enough to make most cats back off).  If she doesn't stop biting, then tell her "no" or hiss again, gently move her aside and walk away ignoring her completely.  This will teach her that rough behaviour isn't acceptable and that the fun stops if she doesn't behave.

Attacking and destroying cords and paper are just another way that she's practising her hunting skills.   It's often when cats are bored that they go looking for something to amuse themselves and that's when they tend to get into trouble by mistake.  Cover the wires with cable trunking and spend at least 30 minutes every day playing with her.

The web site below has a good article on ways to keep an indoor cat happy which has lots of games ideas and suggestions you may find helpful.

http://www.celiahaddon.co.uk/pet%20probl...

Cats respond best to positive reinforcement, so it's better to reward behaviour that you want to encourage with food treats and lots of praise.  Wherever possible, ignore bad behaviour.  They're pretty smart animals and are much more inclined to adopt certain behaviours if they think it benefits them in some way.  

Be patient with her.  She's still a young cat with a lot of life's lessons to learn.

Answer 2

You have to find a way to make her stop chewing cords or wrap them in something (at least the power cords) before she electrocutes herself or causes a fire.  Try squirting her with water.  Or put something nasty tasting or smelling on the cords.  There are usually several options available in pet stores or try an orange or vinegar.

If she's biting people out of aggression, don't hit back or she'll just do it more.  Try yelling NO.  If she's around new people and/or a new home she may be very scared and will calm down with time.  Don't forget to praise and pet her (if she's not scared of it) when she's being good.

If she's biting when she's playing you need to make sure that no one is playing rough with her and that they stop playing if she starts to bite.  And it may sound funny, but if you squeal when she does it she'll know she's hurting you.

Answer 3

Get a peice of string and play with him

Answer 4

ohhhh how sweet! when cats are young they will play very wild and we can't stop it dear!