Full range of
pet care and emergency services

Cats
Dogs
Avian and
Exotic pets

Serving the
Los Angeles
Community
Since 1969


10737 Venice Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90034
 (310) 559-3770

Services
Clinics
About Our Staff
Ask Dr. Baum
Pet Care Articles
Pre-Op FAQ's
Post-Op FAQ's
Save on Vet Bills
New! Pet Eulogies
Client Testimonials
Center-Sinai Animal Hospital  
Serving the Los Angeles Community since 1969

10737 Venice Blvd.  
Los Angeles, CA 90034 
 
(310) 559-3770 

Full range of pet care and emergency  veterinary services available
 

 
   


Read a question and answer from our archives here, and scroll down to ask me a question you and your pet have been pondering!  Check questions others have asked at the archives button, and check our pet care articles and stories, too. Please note: if you believe your pet's situation is critical, Dr. Baum urges you to contact your vet ASAP.

 


 
 

       

 
 



My 2 month old
kitten is using humans for teething rings!
 
 

Dear Dr. Baum --

Hi Dr. Baum! My cats have been going to you for years, and now I have a new kitten. He's almost 2 months old and EXTREMELY hyper (even for a kitten). He's a sweetheart but he bites people (including me) CONSTANTLY. I can tell he's playing, and perhaps teething, but he doesn't realize that it's beginning to hurt! He doesn't understand "no" and doesn't respond to the spray bottle. How do I get him to stop biting? Will this come naturally, once he's older and neutered, or am I possibly looking at having an aggressive adult cat?

Thank you, You're the best vet there is!

Brittany,
Los Angeles, CA


Hi, Brittany  --

If your kitty is truly "play biting" the solution is for you not to use your hands as toys.  It is easier to shift the focus of the kitten's actions rather than to try to stop them entirely. You do this by using "toys" as extensions of your hands to direct the biting and scratching to these objects rather than directing the "attack" to your hands. Kittens are attracted to movement, so when you lead with your hands and then try to withdraw them abruptly, your hands become an irresistible target. Although it may seem unnatural, you should condition yourself not to abruptly withdraw your hands when the cat pounces, because a still, relaxed hand offers very little excitement for the kitten. Utilizing this technique has saved me from severe scratches and bites to my hands in the course of examinations over the years.  Cats are naturally curious, so rotating the types of toys will keep them interested and attracted to them. 

On the other hand, if the kitty bites and stalks with bad intentions,  the above suggestions combined with anti anxiety medications or hormonal treatments may be appropriate.

Good luck,
Dr. B

Do you have a question for Dr. B? Submit it here! Dr. Baum will answer as many of your questions online as possible!

 
 

Your Question

Your Name


Subject: Your E-Mail Address (required)
 
     

Your Phone Number (optional)

Your City and State, Country

May we post your comments and/or quote you?
Yes  No

 
 

Privacy information: Please note your permission to post your question allows us to share the information with other pets and their owners who may have the same issues to consider. We also reserve the right to publish questions and answers in other media. We never sell your email address or other information to third parties. Please check our privacy policy for details.

 
 
  Ask us about
Pet Well Care, our own preventative health care plan

     

Story Time w/ Dr. B
Pet Sitting Plus
View/Post Pet Photos
Adopt a Pet!
Pet Rescue Groups

CSAH Doctors' Hours
Monday - Friday:
8:00 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sat.: 8:00 am-4 pm
Sun.: 10 am-4 pm

Drop-Off's, Pet Pick Ups, Medicine/Food Pickups
Not Requiring Doctors' Attention

Monday-Friday:
7:30 am - 9 pm
Sat.
: 7:30 am - 4 pm
Sun: 10 am - 4 pm

 
Providing Care for Your Cats and Kittens. Dogs and Puppies, Birds, Bunnies, Rats, Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, Snakes, Turtles, Tortoises, and more!
     

Story Time w/ Dr. B | Pet Sitting Plus | View/Post Pet Photos | Adopt a Pet! | Pet Rescue Groups

 Animated graphics from AnimationFactory.com. Not to be used without permission.
Website designed by webmaster@InasPawprints.com
Website © Center-Sinai Animal Hospital 2006. All rights reserved.