Does Your Cat Play Too Rough With You?

"Helpful Tips & Advice to Prevent Aggressive Play"

At an early age, cats learn to how to stalk and pounce on prey by practicing on the other kittens in their litter. They also learn by trial and error just how rough they can be when playing. If they are taken away from their litter too early, they may miss the opportunity to learn to play gently.

Other cats may have been properly socialized as a kitten, but just get too excited when playing, and tend to play rough.

But whatever the reason, here are a few things you can try when your kitty cat plays too rough with you.

1) Neuter your cat to reduce hormones that may contribute to feline aggressive behavior.

2) Ensure your cat gets lots of exercise to work off their excess energy. Provide cat toys, balls, scratching posts, boxes, tunnels, and so on. If your cat doesn’t enjoy playing by themselves, play with them. Not only is it healthy for your cat, it’s fun and helps you bond even more.

3) Ensure your cat is receiving lots of love and attention, and are not left alone for long periods of time.

4) Don’t try to pet or hold your cat when they are playing. If they are all excited and in play mode, and they see your hand reaching for them, their automatic response will be “Oh great! Another toy to attack.”

5) If you’re still having problems, you may need to do a bit of training. Never hit, shake or scream at your cat. Instead fill a plastic spray bottle (such as a plant spray bottle) with water. When your cat comes charging after you, or plays too rough, just give a little squirt in the face and sternly say “No”. Or you can clap your hands together and say “No.”

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