Help correct biting, pouncing, and scratching not during play?

I have a 7 week old kitten that I rescued when she was 3 weeks. Whenever I pet her she turns on her back and starts to bite and scratch, she'll pounce on my face if I hiss at her. She'll wake me up in the mornings by biting my cheeks, chin, and nose. She'll even be purring and biting/ scratching at the same time. They don't really hurt they're just annoying. I'm interpreting this as her trying to show affection? Can someone help me turn these 'love bites' into actual non dangerous affection?

it's not that she dislikes me either, she follows me around the house and mews for me if she can't see me. jumps on my bed every night and sleeps beside me. sleeps on me when she naps during the day.

It sounds like she's treating you as another kitten. Not having her furmom and littermates to learn from makes your job a little harder. Lots of interactive play should help redirect some of that kitten energy. It's important not to instigate her inappropriate 'games' with you. If she's seeming stimulated and playful don't try to pet her at all - reach for a toy instead.

The rolling over and kicking/biting when you pet her sounds very familiar - I've had two pairs of littermates amongst the other cats I've had over the years. Their wrestling matches always started with mutual grooming - in fact, whenever we saw them groom each other we knew we were in for a 'floor show' :lol3:

I think with the morning 'kisses' your best option is to fake sleep and ignore her totally. Wait for her to give up, then wait a few more seconds before getting up. She should soon stop biting when she realises it doesn't get her anywhere. If that isn't possible (and it does have its drawbacks...especially given that she's targeting your face), then you could try making a high pitched 'ouch' - think of how one kitten might squeak at another if they nibbled too hard.

She might benefit from a playmate of a similar age. That way, she can hopefully learn a little more about how to be a cat. It would also give her someone appropriate to wrestle with.

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/playtime-aggression

quite a handful- we can't take in another cat sadly, but I will try out what you suggested. thanks!

LookingForLuna said:

quite a handful- we can't take in another cat sadly, but I will try out what you suggested. thanks!

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No one ever said that having a kitten was easy

Hope the suggestions work for you

I hear you!  My 12 week old male has bitten since I got him at 8 weeks and we have tried everything..his bites get harder every day I swear.  I've tried bitter apple on my hands and feet, works a little bit but usually he just goes up my arms instead or to my ankles where I forgot to put it (it did work for the cords though!), you could try it though it might work for yours.  I couldn't sleep in this morning on my day off unless I hid my whole body neck down under the blankets...and even then he would try to bite my hands through the blankets!  Luckily he doesn't bite my face usually, though once I woke up with a big chomp on my cheek.  I've tried a spray bottle, doesn't seem to phase him.  Saying no and ouch and yelping..doesn't help.  Even when he is sitting on the couch and attacks and I put him down on the floor he just runs back up and attacks and then while I'm putting him down he attacks my hand.  I swear my puppy never even bit this bad!  I just try to ignore him and I hope he grows out of it as he gets older.  Sometimes when he is being especially mischievous he hides around the corner or around a door as I am about to walk by and flies out with his front legs in the air and attacks then runs away.  It'd be hilarious if it didn't hurt so much!