Kitten biting ankles

Hi, I was hoping for a little advice regarding biting. Ares is a very active and playful 6 month old. He occasionally tries to bite when playing, but a few weeks ago, I was wearing a pair of very soft and thick socks, he began to attack my feet. At the time I told him no, and moved him away from my feet. Ever since then, he has taken to biting my feet, regardless as to whether I am wearing socks or not. I am still trying to discourage this behavior, but he is not letting up. I really want to break this habit and would love some suggestions that would put a permanent stop to this behavior!

Becca, Ares, (and little boy)
http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...ow2/Ares37.jpg
http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...rrow2/boy1.jpg

Do what a mom cat would do, stop, look straight at him and hiss. Repeat as often as necessary and you should look like you really mean it. Do not be dissuaded by those cute pair of eyes!

I have an ankle biter. Though it's probably not the best way to handle it, he's usually telling me he needs to burn off some energy, so I play with him. Usually I wear slippers so it doesn't hurt because he gets the top of my foot and he bites the slipper, but if he does wind up hurting me, I yell at him and shoo him away for a few to calm down the biting and then burn off the energy by playing.

He's starting the bratty teenager stage. You could put a little Bitter Apple spray on your socks/feet to discourage the biting.

Is he an only cat? Maybe you could adopt another kitten to help him burn off energy. Or you need to do more interactive playing with him.

One important thing - don't intice him by wiggling your toes or fingers under a cover/blanket

Originally Posted by GoldenKitty45

He's starting the bratty teenager stage. You could put a little Bitter Apple spray on your socks/feet to discourage the biting.

Is he an only cat? Maybe you could adopt another kitten to help him burn off energy. Or you need to do more interactive playing with him.

One important thing - don't intice him by wiggling your toes or fingers under a cover/blanket

Click to expand...

Thanks! I will try the bitter apple spray on my feet and see how that works As for a playmate, Ares is getting a new little brother in November - (name maybe Hypnos? - not sure yet). I am hoping that he will welcome a new playmate (See photos of Ares and little boy below.)

Thanks,

Becca, Ares, and baby boy
http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...ow2/Ares37.jpg
http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...rrow2/boy1.jpg

Originally Posted by yayi

Do what a mom cat would do, stop, look straight at him and hiss. Repeat as often as necessary and you should look like you really mean it. Do not be dissuaded by those cute pair of eyes!

Click to expand...

I will try the hissing along with the bitter apple spray - and though adorable, I will not be detered by his sweet looks

Thanks,

Becca
http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...ow2/Ares37.jpg
http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...rrow2/boy1.jpg

Originally Posted by erinca7821

I have an ankle biter. Though it's probably not the best way to handle it, he's usually telling me he needs to burn off some energy, so I play with him. Usually I wear slippers so it doesn't hurt because he gets the top of my foot and he bites the slipper, but if he does wind up hurting me, I yell at him and shoo him away for a few to calm down the biting and then burn off the energy by playing.

Click to expand...

That's funny - I know that Ares does this because he wants to play as well! I am trying not to give in when he does this, because otherwise he'll expect a reward for this behavior

Oh, and I almost forgot - I work from home, so between DH and myself - Ares gets at least an hour of interactive play a day (he also has more toys than many babies). And I do not engage in ANY play with fingers or toes

Thanks,

Becca, Ares, and little boy

I just realized you have devon kittens! Just looked at the pictures You have a very nice coated black devon

Thanks! That's our new little boy - our breeder is not sure yet, but he thinks he will be a sepia blue mink point Both kitties have really great coats - (I need to put a better photo of Ares on my signature, becuz it is a really grainy pic, which doesn't show his beauty.) Your kitty on your banner is gorgeous!! Am I correct in saying a Bengal??

Nope, but will forgive you. Charlie's a chocolate spotted Ocicat

Oh, I am so sorry - I am terrible at guessing breeds!! Charlie is lovely!

Don't feel bad. We had an interesting thread about the differences between Oci and Bengal and took a guess of which was which with about 20 different pictures. It was a lot of fun and very educational for everyone in here

And thanks for the compliment.