Accepted Answer

Hi,

Kittens of this age ARE very rambunctious and will get into EVERYTHING! It's important to not only supply him with a large variety of toys, but to actively play with him. There are active play periods and then there are quiet times, and he will learn the difference and what you expect of him, from the way you interact with him. Normal kitten behavior does not necessarily need 'discipline', but needs modification.

Reserve the squirt gun for 'wrong' behavior, not punishing him for acting like a normal kitten. Tapping on the butt is not acceptable discipline for a cat, as they don't respond to it, and you can hurt him accidentally, which I know you wouldn't intend to do. Putting him in his carrier, also, is not good disciplinary action, as cats don't respond to this, like dogs do; you'll only make him fear the carrier, when he has to go to the vet, etc.

He bites you during play, because he regards you as his 'littermates', since he has no other kittens to play with. When a young kitten is still with his mom and siblings, and they 'play-fight', 'play-hunt', etc., if he bites too hard during play, his mom and siblings will let him know, by making a specific sound and his mom will usually swat him on the head with her paw. This is how a kitten becomes a more sociable pet, and it's possible that your furry boy was separated from his mom/siblings at too young an age to be taught the 'sociable' lessons, so you, as his surrogate parents, will do that.

First, don't ever play with him with your hands or fingers as toys, or this will encourage biting. If he looks like he's about to bite or pounce, learn to recognize the signs, and stop it before it happens: eyes narrowed, ears back, tail might be swishing back and forth, quickly, or might be slapping on the surface he's sitting/laying on. If he does get too wild, during a play session, say 'OUCH!' in a high pitched voice that almost sounds like a meow, and leave the room. If you're consistent and do this on a steady basis, he'll soon realize the consequences of his actions; he will not have the pleasure of your company, if he's too wild and if he bites. Return to the room after a few minutes (cats have short memories), either sit quietly, if he's still wild, or continue play, and when he repeats the undesirable behavior, again, tell him what he's doing that you don't like (don't scream or yell, this will only frighten him and make him fear you, which you don't want), and leave the room, then return in a few minutes. This consistency and your patience, is what will make him a more sociable and better behaved cat. However, let's just not lose sight of the fact that he IS a young kitten and this is very normal behavior.

Make sure he has a variety of cat-safe toys, and give them to him in 'groups'; when you take away one group and replace it with another one, he'll feel like he's gotten 'new' toys and they'll interest him even more. Also, supply him with a tall scratching post, kitty condo, and/or cat tree, if you have room, and also get some scratching 'pads', which sit on the floor--they come in flat and inclined. He'll love sleeping on a scratching post with 'levels' and little 'hidey holes' and 'shelves'. Also, make sure he has a cozy bed to sleep in. You don't even have to buy one, if you don't have one already; you can take nice sized cardboard box (shallow--or cut it down) and line it with fluffy old towels or a blanket, and show it to him. He should love it!

Continue to be patient with him, and be consistent, as I recommended, and as he gets older, believe me, he WILL calm down. He's at an age now, when he's like a human teenager; all play all the time, and just a ball of energy. As he approaches his first birthday, you'll see a difference in his behavior. Also, if he's not yet neutered, he should calm down a bit after he is fixed. This should be done at around 5 months of age.

I understand your problem with convincing your husband to get a cat, but, if you sincerely feel this is not the type of kitten or pet you would like to have, re-homing him would be better than constantly being unhappy with him. He won't be happy if you're not happy, so if you adopted him from the vet, call them and ask if you can bring him back, or call and bring him to a cat rescue organization in your area, and ask them to find him another home. You might do better with a young (1-1½ years old) adult cat. I do hope this works out the way that makes you, your husband, and the kitten, most happy, and wish you all, much good luck!

Cher

Expert:	Jessesmom
Pos. Feedback:	99.7 %
Accepts:
Answered:	10/3/2008

Feline Specialist Health/Behavior

Feline Healthcare and Behavior Specialist 40+ years Experience