We adopted a real cute kitten from the shelter and they told us he was an orphan, but he was real sweet and didn't scratch when he played so we took him home. He still doesn't scratch, but he does bite. And draws blood. Not only when he's playing, but when he's petted too. The vet has put him on medication and it seems to have helped somewhat, he's stopped drawing blood at least. But I hate to have him on medication indefinitely. Are there any behavioral things we can try? Oh, he's also much worse with my husband, and he's the one who feeds him! A friend suggested that maybe there is an alpha male thing going on there. Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Stacy

Dear Stacy -

I turned to the official behavior consultant for CAT CHAT, our own Dear Sally, with your problems and both of our first eactions ere:

Medication?? For a kitten???

This not usual nor in any way recommended - we are both shocked that a vet would expose a kitten to unecessary medications. Kitten biting is not unusual -- they learn proper biting etiquette from their moms and littermates (just as puppies do). This kitty may have been separated at a tender young age and not been taught proper manners.

The first suggestion is to use fishing pole toys for play to channel the kitten's energy.

Second, keep petting sessions short, so he doesn't get over-stimulated. And reward him with a treat when he's good.

Maybe try clicker training to "mark" good behavior - there is more about this on the Q&A's of CatChatRadio.com. Alternately, you may want to have a private session by phone or email with Dear Sally so she can talk you throguh many of these ideas.

Never use your hands as play toys -- use the pole, toss toys, make sure he has a few good scratchers around the house and toys e can grab and wrestle.

Kittens almost always grow out of biting - you just want to minimize the opportunities they have to inflict their teeth on your flesh!

Tracie Hotchner