How do I stop my 8-month-old kitten from biting too hard when playing?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• 

  Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

  Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

  Published on August 24th, 2017

  It is completely normal for kittens to tumble and bite at each other. They will rarely do so aggressively and rarely will cause physical harm. They are creating social bonds and getting exercise. Often times kittens will bite human hands because they see the human hands as a toy. Make sure that you never tease the kittens with your hands. Do not attempt to rough-house with them using your hands. Instead, play with balls, feathers, toys on a string, etc. to interact safely with them.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• 

  Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on August 15th, 2018

  She is play-fighting. This is an important period of growing up and normally they practice fighting and hunting with their siblings. Unfortunately kittens are separated from their mom and siblings way too early, before they are 12 weeks old, so they have no one but you to practice on. You can try to emulate another kitten and play fight with her, using paper balls for her to chase, and playing attacking kitten with a stuffed animal her size. Do not use your hands. She needs to play a lot now. You can also take a stick and attach a string and some feathers to let her hunt this.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful