#MiddleburyCT #Cats #Biting
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: My cat Huey will let me pet him for a few seconds, and then he’ll nip at my fingers or knuckles. Am I doing something wrong? How can I get him to stop that behavior? – Sarah W., Boston
DEAR SARAH: Nipping at your hand while being petted is a very common cat behavior (or misbehavior, depending on which end of the bite you’re on). It stems from instinctive behaviors that a cat learns from the time they’re born through adulthood.
Ideally, the best time to curb biting behavior is when they’re kittens, but not everyone has that luxury – people who’ve adopted adult cats, for example, or owners who thought a kitten nipping their knuckles was cute, until that kitten turned into a full-grown, biting cat.
As you’ve probably noticed, yelling, “No” at a cat doesn’t always get the desired effect. Instead, gently discourage this behavior. Pet your cat as usual, but as soon as he begins to bite, withdraw your hand and turn your body partly or totally away from him. You want to communicate that biting means he won’t get your attention any longer.
Another option, before settling in front of the television with Huey snuggled up next to you, is to smear a tiny bit of peanut butter or another favorite treat across your knuckles. Let him lick your knuckles periodically while you pet him. The instant he tries to bite, take your hand away. Essentially, you want Huey to not see your hand as a toy or an attention-getter. It will take a few tries, but most cats pick up on your intentions after a while, so be patient and consistent with this training.
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© 2023 King Features Synd. Inc.
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