When training your cat you will realize that it is normal for cats and kittens to bite and scratch. If your cat feels threatened or is frightened, it will defend itself. Touching your cat in a sensitive area may make him bite or scratch. He’s telling you that he’s had enough and the only way he knows how to make you quit is with his teeth or claws. Cats will also bite and scratch when playing. They are just acting out their hunting instincts.
When training your cat to stop this undesirable behavior you need to accustom your cat to being handled. Wait until you see that he is relaxed and then handle him in a way that you know he will like. Try stroking his head, down his body to the end of his tail. If you can get him to roll over give his tummy a tickle. While stroking, speak soothingly and give him lots of praise. If he is being a good cat give him an occasional food treat. Slowly increase the area being stroked and within a short time you should be able to identify your cat’s sensitive spots. When touching sensitive spots, usually around and inside the mouth, ears, paws and tail, touch your cat in these areas very briefly and, if no reaction, reward him with a treat. Gradually increase the time of contact, rewarding him with a treat each time. Eventually your cat will learn that you mean him no harm and will tolerate you touching him in sensitive areas.
Cats do not usually like their paws handled, so you need to take hold of his paw gently. If no reaction praise him and give him a treat. Repeat a few times then leave for later in the day. After a while you will be able handle his paws and spread his toes. Examine each toe and nail while stroking and praising him.
Once he is used to you handling his paws, try examining his ears. Gently fold back his ear so you can examine inside, all the while speaking soothingly and praising him. Don’t spend too long at first, but each time you examine his ears, make the exercise a little longer.
Now that he is accustomed to you handling his ears, try having a look at his mouth and teeth. Using the same method of soothing talk and praise, gently lift his upper lip which will expose his teeth and gums. Handle your cat slowly and gently with no sudden moves, praising and rewarding your cat’s good behaviour.
You provide your cat with all his meals, so he does not need to catch birds, but his hunting instinct still exists and it is very normal for cats to practice their hunting skills. Providing your cat with a play session each day should give your cat enough opportunity get rid of this energy. Tie a screwed up piece of newspaper to a piece of string and drag it past your cat with slow pulls and sudden jerks. Your cat will soon learn to stalk and attack the newspaper rather than you.
If your cat becomes over excited and attacks you during playtime, tell him firmly, “no” and stop the session and ignore him. Only begin again once he has calmed down.
Like all training sessions, time and patience makes all the difference. Be prepared to spend about ten minutes training you cat each day and you will soon have a good mannered well trained cat.
For more on training your cat: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat_training
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