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How do I get my cat to stop biting and scratching me when we play?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed

How do I stop my cat from biting and playing with us using her claws?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 20th, 2018

It can be difficult to stop this behavior! Make sure you never use your hands during play - toys only. If she begins to play using her claws or biting you should try offering an appropriate toy to play with. If she still tries to bite at you play time should stop, and you may even need to remove your attention or confine her somewhere alone until she’s able to calm down. Be persistent and with time she should realize that this is not an appropriate way to play.

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2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on August 22nd, 2017

    Once she has decided that hands are games and biting is how to win, it can be quite hard to break the habit. You will need to start by wearing Lucy down through a different type of play - one that does not involve you hands. You can try a ball, fishing poll, toy on a string, or laser pointer. After several minutes when she is slowing down, you can then try to pet her. It is important that you never tease her with your hands, if you want her to stop biting during play time she needs to understand that hands are not toys. You can spray your hands with something like Bitter Apple to discourage biting, or you can spray her with a water bottle when she bites, but this may discourage her from coming around you at all. Here is some more helpful information: http://consciouscat.net/2012/02/23/play-aggression-in-cats-biting-the-hand-that-teases/

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