Daily Kitten Chat Forum » Purrs

1. 

   Hello! I just have a few questions and was hoping someone here could give me some much needed advice and reassurance :)

   i just got my new kitten a few weeks ago, he was about 5 weeks when i adopted him. I knew i had to be patient as he was leaving his mother and siblings so young, i was against taking him so early but his mother's owner needed to put the kittens up for adoption as soon as possible as she was moving...

   Anyway...hes been a sweetheart but of course has the usual issues. he craves attention 24/7, which is to be expected and he can be a bit of a brat, but is so sweet and loving i forgive him for just about anything!

   However, i do need to take care of some issues...

   1) he wont learn that he cannot get on top of the dining table (where i spend most of my time working, as does my flatmate). we eat, work, etc at this table and there are lots of computer wires, usually drinks, ashtrays, our bags, etc that are obviously all off-limits. I tried spraying the wires with kitty repellent but he just returns when the smell wears off. and when he jumps up on the table he sneaks around (knowing hes in trouble) and hasnt yet responded to me picking him up, giving him a stern NO, and placing him on his bed or with his own toys. he obviously understands its wrong, he tries to hide behind computer screens, and when he catches me looking at him tries to slink away to another corner of the table) but its getting quite frustrating as he is constantly chewing wires, knocking over papers/notebooks, and trying to jump into our purses. i know its general curiosity because we handle these things a lot and im sure he just wants to know what we get up to sitting at this table constantly, but its getting increasingly annoying and he wont respond to any sort of training to keep off!

   2) scratching/biting. for some reason, my feet and hands (And anyone elses feet/hands) are his favorite chew toys. regardless if im sleeping, typing, eating, or just sitting around he attacks constantly. ive tried the same thing as above, a stern NO or a clap of my hands or a shriek of pain (the latter usually uncontrollable rather than planned) but he continues. i try to never play rough with my hands, reserving petting/cuddling for getting him to sleep but he just loves climbing up and down my body/chair to attack my hands or feet.

   3) meowing loudly, and wayyy too much. in an effort to keep him from begging when we eat, ive never give him scraps and generally feed him at the same time in the kitchen, but i still usually have to close the door on him more to have a few peaceful moments at dinner than anything, but sometimes this isnt working and he just sits and meows nonstop -- LOUDLY. he just wants attention, and i know that, but its getting to the point where i rush through meals, never get any work done, and hardly have a moments peace anymore because he wants to constantly play, or nap on my lap (adorable!!! but obviously keeps me from moving)

   i know i seem like im whining but thats only because im mentioning things i need help with. is this all normal? is it a phase? i can understand he needs attention, and i dont mind, i give him plenty, but jumping on the table, chewing wires, and knocking things off counters/tables....i cant just let go. im worried about his safety as well considering these wires are plugged in and the worst thing would be for him to get shocked if his little teeth actually puncture the wire. ive tried distracting him with toys, etc, but he (of course) wants to always go where hes not allowed to go.

   the only real "training tool" ive used is picking him up from wherever he isnt supposed to be, a stern no, and distracting him with toys (this is for pretty much any problem). also, when hes attacking me as i work i generally remove him but obviously dont always have the time to sit and explain myself to him or distract him with toys as he generally loses interest in the toys unless im involved

   thanks to anyone who actually made it through this massive diatribe, id appreciate any help or advice with my darling kitten :)

   Posted 6 months ago by zzaina #

2. 

   Welcome zzaina to you and your kitty, what is his name? What you are describing is very typical kitten behaviour. I am guessing he is 8 or 9 weeks old now? That is very young to absorb the lessons you are giving him. Have patience and keep doing what you are doing it will eventually sink in. Another tool you might use is a spray water bottle. Just a quick squirt on him whenever he gets on the table usually quickly dissuades them. Mine now only need to see the bottle to stop whatever they are doing and go elsewhere. The biting is his teeth coming in, the attacking is him learning to be a predator which is a kitties nature. Just stop whatever is going on when he bites and walk away. You are his playmate and toy, when you dissapear from the game he will learn to not make you go away. His meowing is again because you are the center of his world. He is demanding your attention because he is lonely without it.

   If he were still with his siblings he would be pouncing on them. If it is at all possible for you it would be a great idea to get a second kitten the same age to be his playmate. They entertain each other and you can have a little peace. Also, all of this is pretty much a phase. Their first year is full of unwanted behaviour as they learn about their world, just as a small child would. By the time he's a year old you may be wondering where all his playfullness went. I also recommend a laser light toy. With it you can shine the little red light for him to chase and you can help him get rid of his excess energy. With electric cords you can try wrapping them. Oil of orange also is not liked by kitties and will often keep them away from things. I had to remove all my table cloths for a full year because my kittens liked to swing from them! Good luck to you!

   Posted 6 months ago by DancingCatHill #

3. 

   In addition to the spray bottle, there are a couple of other basic things you can try.

   If he was still with his mama and she didn't like his behavour, she might hold his head down and hiss at him.(just put your hand on the back of his neck and press gently until kitty's head is near the floor).

   You can fill a can or other metal container with small rocks, ball bearings or something similar. When kitty is where he doesn't belong, shake the can, then pick him up and move him. They learn to equal the loud scary noise with the bad place (table top) and stop going there.

   So far as his crying when he can hear you in the dining area and he's in the kitchen, maybe turning on a radio for him to listen to might help. You said you feed him on a regular schedule - does it coincide with your meals? If not, try giving him his dinner while you are eating yours. Make sure he has somewhere comfy to nap in the same room, since kittens often get sleepy when their tummies are full.

   Hands and feet are attractive toys because they move. There's not much you can do except to keep telling him no and walking away. If you see him heading for your hands, you can quickly substitute another toy.

   You can give him the cuddling he craves, whilst keeping your own mobility if you carry him in a sling or baby carrier against your body. He gets the benefit of dozing in your warmth and listening to your heart beat, you get the use of your hands.

   Posted 6 months ago by CheetahBoysmommy #

4. 

   The spray bottle is a great tool, mine run when they see it now too! You could also try hot sauce on the computer wires...that way they and kitty are protected even if you are not there!

   Posted 6 months ago by nawlins catmom #

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