Why does my kitten get so hyper, bite, and scratch me then sleep?

It sounds like you have your hands full! For better or for worse, this is typical kitten behavior. He will mellow out as he grows up, although he may always have a rambunctious personality. For right now, schedule some time every day to play with him using a laser pointer, balls, feathers on a string, or any other toys he loves. Aim for 10 minutes three times a day. Try your best not to scream and move quickly when he runs underfoot because he will think it's a game and do it more. If he's an only animal, instead of feeding him in a bowl a few times a day, hide kibble around your home for him to hunt - start really small with this to make sure he gets the idea. Try to enjoy his antics and reach out for a consultation if you need more ideas!

I see that Missy is 2 months old now. The activities that Missy is doing sound normal, but their teeth and nails are certainly sharp at that age. First, I would make sure to learn how to trim her nails and keep them short. I normally recommend trimming kittens' nails weekly because they grow so quickly. That will help quite a bit. Next, I would work on environmental enrichment for her to keep her mentally and physically busy. This website has a number of good ideas for that. https://indoorpet.osu.edu/cats One of my favorite things for cats is a no bowl feeding system like Doc & Phoebe ( https://docandphoebe.com/ ) that requires them to "hunt" for their food. You could also try a feeding ball. I also recommend using laser pointers and interactive cat toys like a Cat Dancer ( http://www.catdancer.com/ ) to get cats to play with you more appropriately. They key is to teach Missy new ways of playing with you that get her energy out, but do not hurt you! Good luck! I hope that was helpful and gives you some ideas. Thanks for using PetCoach.

She is playing. Usually kittens play hunt like that with their siblings or other cats, but since there are no other cats she picks the next best moving thing....you.. Get a fishing toy (stick with a string and a feather on it) or tie a crumpled up piece of paper on a string and play with her. Set aside at least 30 minutes/day for wild playing with your kitty. I am sure this will reduce the the pounce attacks, if not stop them completely. It is all about growing up and learning to be a predator. This has to be practiced (it is an instinct, not a bad habit) and you can support that. So instead of turning yourself into the prey, let the paper or feather serve as prey.

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!

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!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The opening or kneading of the claws when happy or being pet is normal in cats. It DOES hurt if their claws are on your leg. Keep the nails short. You probably are not going to be able to teach him not to do something that is instinctual. If he starts to bite you then stop petting him and watch for clues from him that he has had enough petting: ears turning back, turning to look at your hand, tail flicking and stop touching him before he goes to bite. Try not to yell no at him if that triggers biting. Kittens are full of energy and they grow out of it eventually. Provide lots of toys and play time. Soon enough he will be a sleepy adult cat and you'll miss the hyper kitten! Have a good day!

I don't have a simple answer for you, but since Kumo is so active, I think the key will be to tire him out more, so he is not as frantic in his play interactions. First, I would work on environmental enrichment for Kumo. This website has a number of good ideas for that. https://indoorpet.osu.edu/cats One of my favorite things for cats is a no bowl feeding system like Doc & Phoebe ( https://docandphoebe.com/ ) that requires them to "hunt" for their food. You could also try a feeding ball. The goals with having Kumo have to "hunt" for his food is that he will use more energy doing that than just eating out of a bowl. I also recommend using laser pointers and interactive cat toys like a Cat Dancer ( http://www.catdancer.com/ ) to get cats to play with you more appropriately. That will hopefully give them a way to play with you that does not involve biting and scratching you or your family. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and gives you some ideas. Thanks for using PetCoach.