Ouch - Kitten Rough Play

Kittens often have to learn the rules of polite play.  Especially if they were taken away from their mommas and littermates too soon, they’ll bite too hard and scratch too much when they play; not because they’re mean but because they just don’t know any better. 

To help teach “nice play” (and save your arms and legs) always use a stuffed toy to play with your kitten.  Select a toy a bit bigger than your kitten’s body so he can grab it and claw it - better it than you! 

Also make use of one of the many dangling kitten toys on the market.  Teaching your kitten to chase and play with a cat toy on the end of a string is much better than teaching him that your hands and feet are play toys. 

And while most kittens simply need to learn the rules of polite play, some kittens are not so nice.  If you’re concerned about your kitten, contact a qualified cat behavior consultant to help you determine whether your kitten is playing - or something more serious. 

For additional answers to behavior questions, contact the Michigan Humane Society’s free Behavior Help Line service at 248-650-0127 or www.michiganhumane.org/behavior_helpline.