Play Aggression in Kittens - How They Learn to Hunt Through Play

My cats are grown up and are, for the most part, perfect adults. But there was a time not so long ago when they were like little crazed, out of control wildcats. Believe it or not, it's normal for kittens to enter a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde stage. When they reach a certain age, nothing is safe from their attacks, not even the dogs. They aren't trying to be mean, it's only a growing stage in kittens called play aggression. Or as I like to call it, "The wild eyed, full of energy and crazy wildcat" phase.

Like children, kittens need to learn certain things at certain ages. The adult cat who never learned how to stalk and attack prey would be at a disadvantage if they ever needed to catch their own food. Unfortunately, kitten owners may not understand why all of a sudden their cute little furball bites the hand that feeds them in what seems to be a wild and vengeful attack. Her front paws clench your hand in a bear hug grip while skin riping back claws tear at your hand. As you try to protect yourself, needle sharp teeth sink into your finger. Her eyes are wild and her tail is flicking back and forth. And as you rush to find a band-aid and some antibiotic cream to soothe the pain, you begin to wonder if you were duped and your kitten has lost her mind.

At around 4 months, kittens will begin a stage in their development that's called play aggression. Like your child going through puberty, a kitten needs time to learn, flex their muscles and see what they can do. They've discovered their sharp little claws are great for climbing and fending off attackers which include hands and fingers. For the next year and a half and possibly longer for some cats, they will be learning valuable lessons all cats need to know. They have reached the age where it's time to learn how to search out and stalk their prey. In a way, they are testing the tires and seeing how the body handles on the curves. This is a crucial time and we as cat owners need to exercise a lot of patience and understanding. It's easier on the human if there's a cat friendly dog or another cat in the home to take the brunt of the abuse, but if it's just you and the kitten, arm yourself the best you can and start to think like your cat. She could be hiding anywhere just waiting to leap out and attack you as you walk by. Play aggression isn't showing a mean side of the kitten, just a learning period they all go through.

There are some signs to watch for if you have a young cat under 2 years old. Keep your eyes open for a twitching tail which is an early warning sign your kitten's energy level is about to explode. If you see "the look" in her eyes which I can only describe as full of attitude and energy, be warned, she's ready to rumble. When your kitten approaches you with a twitching tail moving from side to side and is hopping sideways with an arched back, she's not wanting to cuddle. If she's snuggling on your lap and you see her eyes widen, her mouth partially open and her tail beginning to swish back and forth, be prepared to defend yourself. Unless, of course, you like how the bandages on your fingers and hands go with your outfits.

When your kitten is in one of her play aggression moods, redirect her energy to a cat toy that helps teach her what she needs to learn. A fishing pole type of toy is great to use to aid her in learning how to stalk, chase, pounce and finally capture "prey". Playing with a pet is always the best way to bond with them. I like to use tennis balls because they bounce and a kitten can sink their claws into the ball which leaves your fingers puncture free. Never punish your kitten for doing something that's only natural to her. Improper punishment can leave a kitten confused and cause behavior problems as they mature.

To avoid getting your ankles or legs attacked, thick socks may be your only hope. You have to stay on defense and keep your eyes peeled for any small flash shooting out from behind a chair or around a corner in order to ward off an attack before it begins. Play aggression is necessary for kittens even though it may be painful for us. While we are in protective mode, the kitten is learning important lessons about themselves and perfecting hunting skills for later on when it could make a difference between eating or going hungry.

It makes it much easier to get through this phase if you have more than one kitten. That way they can attack each other and you don't have to sneak around the house in fear of getting pounced on. If one cat is enough, then it'll be up to you to provide adequate playing time set aside just for your kitten. Never play with a kitten using your hands and fingers. It will only encourage her to view fingers as toys. You can find plenty of great cat toys to engage your kitten in some rough and tumble activities to help with her play aggression that will teach her how to stalk, chase, pounce and attack. Playing with your cat gives her an outlet to burn off pent up energy that's less painful for you and fun for all. Like any growing stage, this too will pass and soon your kitten will mature into the healthy and beautiful cat you want that sleeps 18 hours a day.

Dr. Nicholas Dodman, Play Aggression in Cats, PetsPlace.com

Carmen Buitrago and Jennifer Sobie, PhD., Play Aggression (Felines), petside.com

Cat Behavior Advice-Play Aggression in Cats, Cool Cat Care Stuff