Dear Uncle Matty:I have two kittens that I adopted from a local shelter. They are about 2 months old. The problem is when I try to play with them or pick either of them up, they grab my hands with their paws and claws. They like to bite, too. Both my hands and forearms look like I've been in a fight. How do I stop this? I've never had cats before. — Barbara M., Tempe, Ariz.
Dear Barbara: Some people choose cats instead of dogs, because they think they require less care, and they are soft, fluffy and gentle. Well, they require a different kind of care, they are soft and fluffy, and it's up to you to turn them into gentle creatures or aggressive little fur balls. Kittens are also inquisitive, fast and funny. Biting and scratching is quite normal for them. These activities are also important aspects of their defense mechanism and general well-being.
Before I give you a tip or two, I have a big "don't." Do not de-claw your kitten. This is mutilation, pure and simple. It is as cruel. The physiological makeup of a cat requires claws. They aid balance and support mobility. A cat without claws is sadly defenseless.
So what can you do when kitties bite and grab with their paws when they play? Avoid letting them get in the habit of clawing and biting your hands and fingers. Instead, get a large toy box. Use fun, moving toys like the ones that hang from the top of a door and swing back and forth. Or those fishing poles that you hold and use to dangle all sorts of colorful enticements for interactive play.
Cats can amuse themselves for long periods of time with swinging, bouncing, squeaking toys. But don't depend on isolated play. It is also important for you to play with your cats one-on-one, using toys that tantalize like mice on a string or a soft, fuzzy ball. Interaction between you and your kitties is very important. Several 10- or 15-minute play sessions a day are recommended. They will usually let you know when they have had enough.
Teach your cats to tolerate gentle stroking and touching. Start to stroke or pet them when they are relaxed, like after a play session. Don't try the soft touch when they are in the middle of play. When you are stroking, speak softly and in a soothing tone that is pleasing. Be gentle. Let kitty cats get the feel of your touch — touch a paw, stroke gently behind ears and so forth. "Nice kitty. Good kitty." Be encouraging.
If they start to nip or bite, say "ouch" like you mean it and stop playing or stroking or whatever. Walk away. This sends a message. Of course, never scold or yell at or hit a cat. This will only make them more aggressive. After all, they have to defend themselves even if they are still babies.
If you want your felines to be lap cats, then you need to start holding them. Cats really don't like to have their feet off the ground. It makes them feel insecure. The best way to hold your kitty is to sit down and then lift her into your lap for some special attention. Don't expect her to stay put for very long, if at all, the first time or two. You might be most successful after a play session when she is all tuckered out.
This column goes to press before the winners of the Your Dog Photo Contest are announced. But winners should be posted on unclematty.com by the time you read this. Visit the Web site, read the winning stories and check out all the wonderful entries. They are all inspirational and rewarding.
WOOF!
Dog trainer Matthew "Uncle Matty" Margolis is co-author of 18 books about dogs, a behaviorist, a popular radio and television guest, and host of the PBS series "WOOF! It's a Dog's Life!" Send your questions to dearuncle.gazetteunclematty.com or by mail to Uncle Matty at P.O. Box 3300, Diamond Springs, CA 95619.© Creators Syndicate Inc.