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My playful 3-month-old kitten bites hard. How can I stop her?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Longhair | Female | unspayed

Hello doc, i am here to ask that my cat is almost 3 months and she is healthy and active cat, she is playful and mostly bites me not like real bite but like nibbling but when when she gets too much active she bits me with more force that it sometimes leave some littel marks and her this behaviour is increasing day by day so what should i do

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 28th, 2018

Maxi needs to learn that this is not appropriate behavior. You should always use a toy during play and never use your hands. Whenever she gets excited during play and starts to bite (even if it is a gentle nibble) you should stop playing and walk away. You should also make sure she has scheduled play time with appropriate toys each day. If she continues to try to attack she should be confined somewhere by herself for a few minutes with an interactive toy. This article might help as well: https://www.bwar.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/cat_play-aggression.pdf

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    Answered By Christie Long, DVM

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on April 20th, 2017

    Use kitten-appropriate toys to play with her, and never let her have access to your hand. For example, don't play the game where you move your hand under a blanket or sheet and encourage her to pounce and grab. Use toys on a long wand that she can attack at will. And if she still attacks your hand, withdraw attention from her for a time (walk away). Eventually she will get the message that it's not OK to bite your hand.

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    Answered By Menolly Cote, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on July 14th, 2017

    I'm sorry to hear of your problems with Patches. This is very normal kitten behavior. Patches is still learning what is acceptable play behavior. This type of behavior is best managed by removing yourself from the situation when he becomes too rough with his play. This can be done by placing him gently on the floor or away from you or by getting up and walking away. By doing this you will teach Patches that when he becomes too rough playtime is over. It is important that you do this consistently and that no one in the household allows him to play too roughly. It is also important that no one uses body parts such as hands or feet to play with him. It is better to use a cat toy or some other object during play so that he learns that hands are only for petting or picking up.

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    Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on August 6th, 2018

    Olive is so cute! it is very normal for cats to play with their claws and mouths, so there are a few things you can do to try and save your hands from becoming toys! One is to have a toy in hand that is big enough for her to claw onto or hold onto so that she bites and plays with that instead of your hand. If she becomes too excited and pounces you instead, getting up and walking away to end the play session is best. Once she is calm again, you can resume playing with each other. This can help teach her that calm behavior is rewarded! Another good option is a toy such as a feather on a string that you can play with from a safer distance while allowing her to pounce and attack the toy instead. Some cats get easily overstimulated from petting and playtime, so if you notice this is the case (pinned ears, swishing tail, sudden pouncing, etc) then it is best to take a break and let everyone calm down before resuming the activity. This can help prevent a scratch or bite from too much stimulation and help teach that calm behaviors are best.

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