Why is my cat suddenly scratching my child? How can I stop it?

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!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You are likely describing teething which is basically a normal type of behavior when kittens are growing up and it is secondary to mouth discomfort as teeth are growing. I recommend that you get Callie teething type toys which you can get at your local pet store or online. Anytime that she tries to nibble at you, you say no and give her the toy. This is likely going to resolve the issue. Good luck and have a great day!

I can picture your devil kitty!!! She has decided you are her plaything!! You must teach her that you will not play with her that way! While she is learning you have to be very clear what is acceptable and what is not and be very consistent. Cats do not respond well to force - so don't tap her on the nose or swat her. I recommend having lots of fun toys around and using one to entice her to play from afar. If she gets rough with you when you are petting her, immediately redirect her to a toy and then ignore her completely for several minutes or more. She is young and should learn quickly!! Good luck and thanks for using pet coach!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If he is attacking you and not trying to play then he should be confined, you should always keep him up to date on Rabies, and you should discuss behavior modification drugs with your Vet, like prozac. I would get it in a liquid form you can put in his food. I would purchase feliway diffusers for around the house, one should go in his room. You can play with him but as soon as he gets over stimulated you need to stop and walk away. If he starts to get aggressive and is coming towards you squirt him with a water bottle. It is inappropriate behavior for a cat to attack you and injury you that badly. You need to strongly consider if this is the kind of relationship you want from a pet. This may not be an easy thing to break him of. I hope this helps and i wish you the very best!

Hello, sorry to hear about your cat. She is very young still, so managing her scratching and biting will be crucial in this stages of life before she gets bigger and her scratching could become more damaging. Here are some tips you can follow to decrease the incidence of scratching. Hope this helps and best of luck. Why do cats scratch? Scratching is a normal behavior that aids cats in the marking of their territories in the form of scratch marks. Scent glands in their paws leave olfactory clues for other cats to alert them to their presence. Cats also find it pleasurable as a means of exercise and stretching. Scratching also allows cats to keep their claws healthy and shortened. Unlike dogs, a cats’ claws do not exfoliate evenly from the end; rather they peel off in layers like an onion. What is inappropriate scratching? Inappropriate scratching is ultimately determined by the owner, but is generally directed at furniture, screens, carpets and rugs and other items that the cats finds suitable. What can I do to prevent this? The easiest way to prevent severe damage is to trim your cats nails every 2-4 weeks. It is best to begin this process when the cat is very young, as they will become more accustomed to this procedure. However, older cats can learn to tolerate it as well. Another excellent method is to provide them with a suitable scratching substrate. As with nail trimming, this is also best started at an early age before the scratching behavior begins, but older cats will also generally accept such items as carpet or sisal fiber scratching posts or corrugated cardboard. For more options, you can visit your local pet store or make your own from their preferred scratching material and a supporting board of wood. My cat is ignoring the scratching post. How do I get him/her to use it? Place the item in the areas that your cat(s) enjoys scratching. You can entice the cat to use the item by rubbing or sprinkling with catnip. If your cat insists on using the wrong scratching surface, guide your cat to the correct site. Once at the post, you can start petting and scratching your cat while placing their feet on the surface for encouragement and stimulation of the natural kneading motion. Remember to reward your cat for its good behavior!

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!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! That is not something that you can necessarily teach her. She will eventually use it. The one thing you can do though is to keep taking her to it and perhaps show her how to play by simulating playing with it. She may pick up on it but otherwise it will happen with time. Best of luck!