Is It Normal For Kittens To Bite Each Other
What to look for.
Is it normal for kittens to bite each other. Kittens are of course going to play so rough play is natural among kittens and adolescent cats of less than two years old. The second reason kittens bite is related to learning instinctual predatory activities. Be sure to properly introduce the pair. Usually kittens teach each other early on that biting or scratching too hard in play ends the game miller says.
However we do have a slight problem with our lovely girls when they aren t asleep on playing together they are wrestling and it sometimes is can sound quite painful. Teething and biting is often worst between 12 and 20 weeks of age. We have 2 young kittens lacey 4 1 2 months old and willow is 9 nearly 10 weeks. Nobody s fur is puffed up.
If the other kitten appropriately stops playing because of a painful bite or a severe scratch for example the aggressor will learn that she did something wrong. Instead cats prefer to flee or avoid each other as fighting can result in an injury. But if these options are not available aggression is the last option. Sometimes even neutered male cats bicker with each other.
If you notice two cats who view each other as opponents are now wrestling it probably isn t a friendly encounter. This is a quick way to kill prey so your cat is likely keeping his hunting skills sharp. Rough play is normal in kittens and cats up to about 2 years old and that includes biting each other under the neck. Essentially when kittens get too rough with each other they learn about the art of fighting restraint.
Claws tend to be retracted. Kittens look so cute when they re cuddled up together but they can appear fierce during playtime. In multi cat households the cats are often not related yet have to share their resources and have limited opportunity to hide or avoid situations of potential conflict. Both girls are very active playing constantly and are both happy girls.
The prey drive of domestic cats is strong despite their comfortable well fed lives and they will often bite as they test their skills and mimic hunting behavior. These lessons always depend on the reaction of the other kitten. The experts agree that the key to deciphering whether cats are playing or fighting is to observe their body language. 2 young kittens they wrestle and bite each other constantly.
Cats who normally have a hostile relationship or cats who are unfamiliar with each other won t typically engage in play together. Look for these signs that indicate play. If you suspect your pet is sick call your vet immediately.