kitten swipping and nipping

Take a look at this sticky. http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20837


What you're dealing with is an over stimulated kitten. And you're right, he still thinks it's a game.
How old was Olly when you brought him home? The younger they are the more likely they are to be nippy - this is due to being taken from the mother and siblings too young for much manners to be taught.

So you and your eldest need to enforce them. First rule for the kids: No riling up kitty with their hands. It's so tempting, but not all cats learn to be gentle enough for this type of play. Rule two: When kitten is worked up, let kitten settle down on his own. He needs to know the game has ended. (children do this, too, so it shouldn't be a new concept for you)
Make sure to get the kids safe toys to play with. If encouraged many kittens and cats will fetch balls and other small toys. A laser pointer is a great hands off toy. Something simple as a little mirror (foundation compact type mirror) and afternoon sunlight and be turned into a game of chase the spot light.

Whenever kitten nips everyone needs to say "OW. No Biting Olly!" Don't yell it, but do say it sternly. Then set him down or walk away from him. He needs time to calm down and if you pet him after he nips it's just telling him it's ok to do so.



When I was five I'd get scratched and nipped by cats all the time. I had a bad habit of bringing wild kittens home. I never once feared any cat - maybe I didn't have the sense to, or maybe my parents saying "you'll heal" was taken to heart a little too seriously.

Definitely tell the kids not to fall for the belly bait. Some cats will act like they want it rubbed and really it's just them rolling around. In kittens it can mean that it's rough play time - he could be thinking they want to wrestle with him.

His clinging to you and doing his best to get up near your face is just a kitten thing. You replaced his mother and he wants cuddles. If it's really inconvenient for him to cling near your face just kept putting him down on your lap. He'll get the message eventually.

This is very typical kitten behavior. I have a 6 month old that does this. We're still teaching him that hands aren't toys, but I also know not to try to pet him while he's in "play mode". Teach your kids when the best time is to pet Olly. That way they'll learn what he's doing is normal and they'll know when to pet him and when not. I've found that just before they fall asleep and just after waking up is the best time to pet.