Mary Allen
When cats scratch and bite while playing, there can be various reasons. Young kittens are often more boisterous than full-grown cats, but they too should learn appropriate play behavior.
What is often still cute and funny with small kittens can be painful with large cats. Scratching while playing is one of them, for example. Your velvet paw can break the habit of this unwanted behavior, but it needs your loving and patient support in educating her.
Possible Causes of Scratching While Playing
Cats that are still very small and high-spirited are not yet able to assess their strength well and at the same time have the need to try out and practice all their skills. Young kittens don’t know that humans are thinner than their furry siblings and that wild brawls can cause pain and injury to bipeds.
Adult cats that scratch and bite while playing usually haven’t learned to do it any better. Another cause can be communication problems between humans and animals. Maybe you misinterpreted your cat’s signs and he wasn’t in the mood to play. Sometimes playing too wildly can also accidentally lead to scratching accidents if you’re not doing it right.
Avoid Injuries When Playing With Cats
It is best to teach your kitten not to scratch you when playing. Signal the little bully, for example, by gently tapping his paw and a clear command “No!” with a slightly raised voice that he should retract his claws. Then put the cat in front of the door and use hissing noises to indicate that the behavior was not desired.
This also works with adult cats but is easier to teach with kittens. If your predator plays with you without scratching you, you should praise and reward them. Be consistent and your furry friend will learn over time that it can have fun playing without using its claws.