My cat (kitten just over 7 months old) likes to bite at the skin on my knuckles and fingertips. He's definitely not trying to break the skin and actually bite me. Recently, he's taken to doing this and pinching (enough to be a bit painful). He'll often close his eyes as if he's going to go to sleep with my skin pinched in his mouth. What is he doing? What's the best way to stop this? Originally, I just made a high-pitched squealing noise, and he would stop, but, lately, he doesn't drop it at all.
Optional Information: Type of Animal: dsh Gender: Male Age: 7 months Name of Cat: Rascal Already Tried: High-pitched squeal Thumping his nose (which I hate) Stopping touching him entirely
Welcome to JustAnswer! I am a licensed veterinarian and would be glad to help!These can be frustrating cases - when your kitty that you love and care for so much acts this way! One recommendation is to have something to get them out of the "trance" they are in. Options to help would be:- A water bottle spray- Coins in a can to shake- A bicycle bell to ring. Many times this will redirect their bad behavior. There is also a product, Feliway LINK HERE- which emits a hormone/phermone to reduce stress to help in behavioral situations just like this - or a calming collar (LINK HERE) which emits phermones/hormones that are supposed to decrease stress or anxiety in cats.This product emits pleasant phermones/hormones that are supposed to decrease stress in cats and behaviors such as this. Enrichment and distraction in the environment - giving them activity that is positive, rather than negative is also recommended.Examples include- Self-Play Toys- Interactive Toys- Videos designed for catsMore detailed information can be found here - CLICK THIS LINKLinks that may also help you in this quest for peace would include:LINK 1LINK 2LINK 3I hope this information is helpful.Find me any time if needed: You can always request me through my profile (HERE), bookmark my page for future help, or beginning your question with “For CriticalCareVet”____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Please click the "GREEN ACCEPT" button if the information I have provided has been of help so I receive credit for helping you. Bonuses are always welcome and appreciated.This is necessary so that I can get credit for assisting you and compensated for my time.Once you click accept, your question will not close, and you will still have the opportunity to follow-up if needed.Also remember, sometimes the medical information and recommendation may not be what you want to hear, but it is being made in the best interest of your pet - please be courteous in your response, even if this is not exactly what you wanted to hear - we are only making the best and safest possible recommendations for you and your loved ones.Please keep in mind that if you do not list all the important information above (medical history, current medications, previous illness, etc) it is harder for me to give you the most complete information.With this communication - we are here to guide you in making the best decision for your pet. We are not allowed to diagnose and prescribe medications - rather provide a course of action to speak to your veterinarian about - and any medical therapy and treatment should only be performed after an in-person examination with your veterinarian as a professional-client relationship has not been established on the site
Experience: Emergency and Critical Care Specialist