My cat keeps biting my sweater and meowing. Should I be concerned?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is an attention seeking behavior. The best way to avoid this behavior is to discourage it by firmly saying no, and most importantly praise her when this behavior is not observed. For example, when she is begging you pet her, you firmly avoid doing it if you do not desire to do so. If there is any biting, you firmly say no. You then praise her when this behavior is not observed and pet her at those times. This is basically sending a message that you will pet her when you would like to do so. Consider using treats for rewarding her when a positive behavior is observed (such as not begging/biting). Good luck!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Coco is adorable! Coco is just a kitten. Puppies and kittens sadly bite a lot. I would discourage play with your hands and only use toys. Also if she is sitting on your lap and you are petting her watch for signs that she is becoming annoyed with what you are doing (tail starts to flick, ears turning, turning her head towards your hand) and stop petting her. Most cats only like to be scratched or pet on their head and not past their shoulder blades. When she allows you to pet her without biting offer her treats. Refrain from chasing her, picking her up suddenly, rough housing with her as that can agitate cats then they become anticipatory for only negative interactions with you. When she is around you and not biting offer treats. Again she is very young and will likely grow out of a significant amount of this biting behavior. I wish you all the best!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This can be normal for long-haired kittens. As she grows and gets her adult coat, it will start looking less silly. Playful biting is also normal for kittens. I recommend getting her a toy or two that is appropriate for her to bite and claw at. This will decrease anxiety, decrease biting at you, and strengthen your bond with each other. Best of luck to you and Jandi!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is likely just a way of getting your attention. However, this is certainly dangerous and could result in an injury to you. I would recommend you consider keeping him separate in a different room or just in a crate while you sleep to avoid this. Hopefully, this behavior will improve on its own. Good luck!

Moon is adorable! I would make sure Moon has enough toys and enough play time. Kittens need to get their energy out. I would make sure that you do not play with him with your hands. Always make sure it is a toy. Here are a few different toy options. The interactive laser is a great option. https://www.chewy.com/bergan-turbo-scratcher-cat-toy-color/dp/49192 https://www.chewy.com/catit-design-senses-circuit-cat-toy/dp/49908 https://www.chewy.com/petsafe-bolt-interactive-laser-pet/dp/55754 The meowing can be normal for kittens. Thank you for using PetCoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I wouldn’t be worried, it sounds like Coco is showing behaviors of being happy! Sometimes cats are doing these to self soothe and relax. She sounds like a happy kitten! Kisses to Coco!

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Kittens are very rambunctious creatures and require A LOT of stimulation to keep them entertained and tire them out. I recommend playing with toys that you can dangle from a distance from Woozy so he can't scratch or bite you. You can also shine a laser pointer around a room and he probably won't be able to resist chasing it. It is also very normal for kittens (and even adult cats) to "suckle" or "make biscuits" as some call it. This is when they bite and suckle on something like a blanket and knead with their paws. There are different theories as to why cats do this. Some think it is because they were weaned too soon. But another, more commonly accepted theory, is that this behavior is very comforting to cats, since it mimics them nursing on their mother. If he wants to suckle on your or your clothing, I recommend just giving him a blanket instead. I hope this is helpful!