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Playtime is an important part of your kitten\u2019s social and motor development.<\/p><\/div>\n
Playtime is an important part of your kitten\u2019s social and motor development. But it can quickly escalate when your kitten uses its instincts to chase, pounce, bite and scratch in an unhealthy way.<\/p>\n
Loaded with energy and equipped with little self-control, kittens often see everything in their environment as a potential plaything, including their owners. So, while preventing bad behaviors in your kitten may not be easy, teaching them the right way to play \u2013 and the right things to play with \u2013 is key to protecting your fingers, ankles and furniture.<\/p>\n
Teaching Kittens How to Play Nice<\/h2>\n
Kitten bites and scratches might be cute when they\u2019re little, but they can quickly evolve into something painful or even dangerous as they grow into adults. Here are a few rules to follow when playing with your kitten that will set some healthy boundaries:<\/p>\n
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- Never use your hands, fingers, or toes as part of playtime<\/li>\n
- Tell your kitten \u201cno\u201d whenever they misbehave<\/li>\n
- Pull hands or feet back if they bite, and redirect them towards one of their toys<\/li>\n
- Withdraw your attention by ending play or leaving the room until the kitten is calm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Instead of using your hands or feet to keep your kitten stimulated and to learn acceptable play, offer your kitten a variety of toys that can satisfy their hardwired need to wrestle, hunt and explore.<\/p>\n
For Biting & Scratching<\/h2>\n
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A kitten biting might be cute when they\u2019re little, but it can quickly evolve into something painful as they get older.<\/p><\/div>\n
Biting and scratching is a big problem when your hands or furniture are involved. While a firm \u201cno\u201d might stop the behavior momentarily, they\u2019ll need toys that can stand up to this kind of play and maintain their interest.<\/p>\n
If your kitten likes to bite and scratch<\/a>, give them a stuffed toy to test their teeth and claws on<\/a>. What\u2019s more, you might even find your kitten likes to use these toys for comfort instead of \u201cattacking\u201d. Stuffed toys come in all shapes, sizes and materials, and may include catnip to stimulate their interest. This gives your kitten the option to carry these toys around or pounce and attack if they\u2019re feeling frisky.<\/p>\n
For Hunting & Chasing<\/h2>\n
It\u2019s no secret that kittens love to hunt. Ensuring your ankles don\u2019t become a target for this behavior, however, can be tricky.<\/p>\n
For kittens with strong hunting instincts, there are a variety of toys available that should satisfy their stalking urges, such as toys that shake, roll<\/a>, or imitate natural prey<\/a>. Another great option that will get your kitty\u2019s attention is a fishing pole or wand<\/a> that has a toy connected, which lets you interact with your kitten, initiate a chase and teach them that toys are meant for playtime.<\/p>\n
For Hiding & Exploring<\/h2>\n
Kittens are intelligent creatures that can get bored quickly if they have few toys or lack stimulation. One of the best ways to keep your little fluff ball from tiring of playtime is to give them a \u201chome\u201d that\u2019s all their own \u2013 plus all the bells and whistles that fulfill their playful nature.<\/p>\n \n
\n\t\t \n\n\t\tFrom multi-tiered kitty skyscrapers that feature scratching posts and lounge areas, to pop-up tents made for both activities and naptime, there are plenty of options to help your kitten enjoy their playtime or their privacy.<\/p>\nKittens usually require two to three play sessions a day, so use these times to teach them the right way to play. Doing so, you\u2019ll teach them more than good behaviors, you\u2019ll be creating a bond that lasts a lifetime. <\/div>\n\t \n