Kitty Issues

[Riki]

Yes, I got a new kitty.  Her name is Cleo, she's all grey, and she's about 4 months old.  We've had her almost 2 weeks now.

My problem is that in the last couple of days, she's taken to attacking my right arm and hand.  I thought it was the bracelets that I wore, so i took them off and put them away so they wouldn't get lost, but she's still doing it.  My right hand is actually burning at the moment from her little scratches.

A couple of people told me that I should get a spray bottle and when she does wrong, give her a little spritz.  I don't really want to do that, because she's still learning to trust Mom and I, and I don't want to ruin that by scaring her with the water. I do, however, want to stop the fire on my right hand. 

I don't mind little nips or kneading, because all cats do that, but the outright scratching needs to stop.  Any ideas?  Or should I just go ahead and get the spray bottle?

[MaryD]

I don't like the idea of the spray bottle.  Have you thought of having a 'toy' to hand to distract her - that she could attack instead of you.  Is she playing?  Also I've been googling how to discipline cats recently because one of mine is trying to play attack games with my lovely boy who is not getting any younger and has had a badly broken leg.  The main recommendations were to say "no" in a loud voice, accompanied by a hissing sound (imitating a mother cat)

[Jean]

right, they understand no and altho they may slink off, they will come back and want to play some more. Both my cats understand no claws on Momma. And they never scratch me.

[Kitty Cat]

When I adopted my Rocky, he was really quick about scratch/bite playing. I kept firmly telling him NO and redirecting his attention to a toy. It took a little bit, but thankfully I no longer have the marks from being bit/scratched. I don't like the water bottle either, it may cause more fear than accomplish what you are looking for, especially with a kitty so young. Good luck with your little one 

[CebuShan]

I agree with MaryD on the hissing sound but I usually gently lace my hand on their face. Not like a slap but like mamacat does with her paw. It does work and they learn quickly what not to do!

[Riki]

I've discovered that she only does this while I'm on the computer, as my right hand is on the mouse.  If I stop what I'm doing and pay attention to her for a bit, she'll stop with the scratching.  I'll play with her with my hands, which probably isn't a good idea, but she doesn't scratch when playing, just when she's trying to get my attention.

[MaryD]

My boy taps me gently on the hand when I'm using the mouse.  I think he sees the little movements and thinks they could be better used behind his ear.

[CebuShan]

They do learn what gets our attention!   

[jbeany]

Mine just stand on the keyboard in front of the screen.  Given that my oldest "kitten" is now 15 pounds, there's not a lot of screen left in view.  The keyboard step-stool makes for really interesting instant messaging, too.

Riki, my little girl wanted to nip my hand when she was wound up - but she learned quickly that a firm NO and the removal of my hand - usually accompanied by being dumped off my lap or the chair- would be the result.  Now she sets her teeth on me when she's in that mood, but doesn't bite down.  I think you are better off with a NO and a withdrawal of attention.  If you keep distracting her with a toy when she gets aggressive, all you are teaching her is that play time is the reward for scratching!

[Desert Dancer]

I'd also suggest handling his paws as much as possible, play with all four paws all the time till it's just a normal thing for him. Then later you'll be able to trim his claws yourself and won't have to worry about scratches.  I trim Giacomo's every 4-6 weeks.

PS: I've used the water bottle on every cat I've ever owned. The trick is they can't associate it with YOU; i.e.: you can't let them see you do it. You have to make them believe that whatever they were doing at the moment caused it. It's the most effective training tool I've ever used and my vet uses one on his seven cats as well.