Q: We adore our 6-month-old kitten, apart from one factor: She bites when enjoying. We have shrieked, yelled “no,” scolded her and flicked her nostril. How can we get her to not play tough?
As you will have realized, cat (and kitten) bites are painful. Beyond the ache and potential damage, cat bites could cause severe infections — inside hours, even. Immediately wash them totally with cleaning soap and water, and see your physician for additional remedy.
Kittens usually chew one another in play. If they chew too arduous, they hear about it from their playmate and take issues down a notch. When kittens don’t keep lengthy sufficient with mother and littermates or don’t get early sufficient socialization with folks, they might not be taught to inhibit bites. Using fingers to play with kittens can even incite a chew. Here’s learn how to tame the tooth.
First, cease punishing your kitten. That could make biting worse, inflicting your kitten to escalate biting into preventing.
Watch physique language, particularly the tip of the tail. If it begins to twitch, cease enjoying instantly, and walk away.
Don’t use fingers or toes in play. Keep your kitten at arms’ size with wand toys that she will chase and pounce on, or toss crinkle or stuffed toys.
Avoid touching her tummy, even when she rolls onto her again. That’s a defensive place, not an invite to pet. Focus petting between the ears or beneath the chin.
If you miss the sign that she is overstimulated and he or she bites down, freeze! Don’t screech or hit her. If you’re not transferring or making a sound, she’ll seemingly let go. Walk away and let her calm down earlier than interacting along with her once more. Be constant, and he or she ought to mature right into a cat with good mouth manners.
Learn extra right here: fearfreehappyhomes.com/teach-kittens-gentle-play-yes-you-can.
— Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker
PET BUZZ
Celebrate pets this month
Besides Animal Pain Awareness Month, September is Happy Cat Month, National Service Dog Month, National Pet Insurance Month, National Disaster Preparedness Month (for pets, too) and Responsible Dog Ownership Month. Other pet-centric occasions in September are National Deaf Dog Awareness Week and National Dog Week (final full week in September); Adopt-a-Less-Adoptable Pet Week (third week in September); National Iguana Awareness Day, Sept. 8; National Pet Memorial Day, Sept. 10; National Pet Bird Day, Sept. 17; International Rabbit Day, Sept. 23; and World Rabies Day, Sept. 28.
Some libraries providing pet care periods
You can get greater than books on the library. Two Detroit libraries, in partnership with Detroit Animal Care and Control, are providing free hourlong pet care periods that embrace data on the place to access spay/ neuter providers, microchipping and veterinary care. Local consultants equivalent to veterinarians and trainers shall be there to reply questions. The periods are scheduled at varied instances at Lincoln Detroit Public Library and Edison Detroit Public Library. Find extra data right here: friendsofdacc.org/lessons. Not in Detroit? Ask in case your native library or shelter gives related applications.
Honeybees qualify because the tiniest of livestock
Honeybees are the brand new chickens, with roughly 100,000 hobbyists holding yard hives. And like all livestock — bees qualify because the tiniest of livestock — they often want veterinary care. The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine has a beekeeping program to show veterinarians learn how to look after buzzing sufferers. Professor Joerg Mayer, who has a background in beekeeping himself, started this system, which permits college students to work fingers on with hives. “Usually, students in the veterinary program don’t get the chance to work with actual animals until around their fourth year, but through this program, they are learning how to treat and care for small livestock,” says Mayer.
Do you will have a pet query? Send it to [email protected] or go to Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker. Pet Connection is produced by veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, journalist Kim Campbell Thornton, and canine coach/habits guide Mikkel Becker. ©2023 Andrews McMeel Syndication
