Rough kitten play...need some input?

Question

My 8 week old Rocky has become buds with 9 month old Peanut. I know cats play roughly but I'm getting a bit worried here. These two are wrestling and biting very hard. Rocky is holding his own (and even instigating) but I don't like how Peanut puts his whole head in his mouth and bites on his neck. This friendship just developed since last night and I don't want to ruin their fun but Peanut is 3 times bigger and I don't want a maimed kitten on my hands. Suggestions?

Answer 1

If one of them goes too far, the other will probably yowl, then the cat will back off, if not you should be there to separate them.

Answer 2

I think that if little Rocky is still instigating, then he possibly feels comfortable with this rough play and trusts your Peanut.

Peanut letting go when Rocky cries is of course a good sign, as you know. Maybe Peanut will learn not to be so rough when he realises that certain things he does makes Rocky yowl.

Of course you will still be abit worried since Peanut is alot bigger, so maybe you can keep an eye on them and when you see Peanut go abit too far, gently prize him off and give him a good firm no. Peanut just seems to be abit excited about his new play mate, and probably wants to 'toughen him up'. I think he will be able to learn when too far is too far for this little Rocky, from either you intervening or from Rocky making a fuss about it.

It's always lovely when two pets form a bond, but sometimes they take it abit far too. Like two brothers who wrestle:- It can end in tears.

I'm sure that no harm will come to Rocky, and it's just a case of calming Peanut down when you're there, and Rocky keeping up his crying.

Good luck, and I hope it gets to a point where you feel more comfortable with how they play!

Answer 3

Rocky will make a nasty yowl or scream if it goes too far.  If he seems to be going along with it, it's probably fine. Sometimes it looks rougher than it is.

If Peanut backs off, then it's play.

Answer 4

well, i work at a cat adoption center, and we have MANY, MANY litters of kittens and young cats. (also adults!) and they play rough. try to pull them apart and show them its bad. say, "no. bad (boy/girl)". hope i helped, good luck!

Answer 5

If Rocky is asking for trouble and starting the play time, then he is not getting hurt. If Peanut is starting it and "attacking" Rock then well you need to keep them separated for part of the day so that the little guy can get some rest. Only keep them together when someone is home. Also if these cats are not fixed it could be some domination going on. Get them fixed and it will get better. Look at it from Peanut's point of view he was the cute cuddly kitty now he has competition. I think that I would bite my opponent too.  

Answer 6

you know, my kitty does the same thing to Sasha, who is much smaller than him.

thye get along most of the time, but i really dont know how to stop it.

maybe a territorial thing?

but if you find an answer please let me know!!!!

Answer 7

try spraying the with a water gun or a water bottle when they get rough.

Answer 8

They should be okay. My two boys beat on each other like that and wake me up with they're crying and carrying on. I know it looks bad, but I doubt they'll harm each other. If you're worried, I'd just watch their interactions when you can and keep them seperate at other times.

Answer 9

Sounds fairly normal.  The older cat is just showing the kitten the ropes.

If you are worried:  

I suggest playing together with them.  

I would only regulate their play when Peanut chooses not to let go when Rocky cries.  Don't yell at them, all you need to do is interrupt the moment with a touch or strange sound.

Then tell Peanut to "back off a little"  or "be nicer" "be more gentle"  "careful, careful - Peanut.  Make sure to use Peanuts name so they know who you are talking to.

Rocky is good strong name -- its not the size of the body, but the heart that lies within.