A
female
age
36-40,
anonymous
writes:I don't want to sound mean by writing this, but i dont feel comfortable going to my boyfriends flat now, as he got a new kitten today, and it bit him, scratched him and jumped on him a lot. I get really nervous when animals bite and scratch, as it hurts a lot. It hurt my boyfriend a lot when his kitten bit and scratched him. It also runs really fast. Dont get me wrong, i love animals, but i just get nervous when that happens. I couldn't even sit and settle down with my boyfriend as i felt so nervous. What should i do ?. I have a fear of some dogs too, so it's not just cats. I actually have a cat of my own, but it's female, and has very rarely scratched or bitten anyone ( but has never scratched or bitten me ). We went in his room some of the time, and the cat was in the living room, but we cant stay in his room all the time. Reply to this Question
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male
reader, Mad Cat +, writes (19 August 2011):
 Hey! Cats are lovely creatures! love them and they'll love you back!
A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (19 August 2011): Little kittens and puppies are prone to be nippy at that age. They have a lot of energy that needs to be released! Also keep in mind that your boyfriend has not had the kitten in his flat very long. Animals need time to adjust to new surroundings, and in the meantime they can be very defensive and will attack if they feel threatened. Here are some ideas to help with the little one's behavior until it settles down:1) If it is a male, have him neutered as soon as he's of age according to the vet, preferably after he's had his vaccinations (and before puberty). It won't change his personality if he's naturally playful, but it'll calm him down a bit aggressively speaking.2) Give him a few weeks to get use to the house. If he comes to you, pet him and play with him, but let him run away if he feels threatened. Let him find his favorite hiding spots and watch spots, and he'll start to settle down.3) Play the energy out! The more human contact they receive young, the better they'll be with other people. Have small groups over to get him use to the sounds and smells (and attention!). Keep plenty of toys around, and rotate 3-4 at a time so he doesn't get bored with them. For safety at this time, pick toys with long rods to hold away from your or your boyfriend's body if the kitten gets too energetic. If he gets a little crazy, stop paying attention to him and let him calm down on his own.4) Try to understand why the kitten is acting out. You stress because the scratching and biting is painful, but also think of what is going through the little kitten's mind to provoke the attack? It has yet to learn who you are or boundaries regarding how rough is too rough. If you start to feel uncomfortable, then have your boyfriend place the kitten in the bedroom or bathroom (with food/water and a litter box) for half an hour. Give yourself time to calm down (fresh air, coffee, etc.) and then let the cat back out. Don't keep him in there too long, as isolation is not something a kitten needs at this time.I do hope this helps. Kittens can be a joy to have, especially watching them grow into beautiful cats and great companions. They can also be a pain in the fanny! I understand your anxious feelings, and these steps should help in balancing out the kitten's behavior and making you and your boyfriend happy owners.Cheers to kitten training! Good luck!
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A
female
reader, Tyedyedturtle  +, writes (19 August 2011):
 Kittens are feisty and playful. It will likely become a fat, lazy cat in due time. The kitten won't seriously hurt you. So relax. Tell your boyfriend about how the cat makes you feel and maybe he will put the kitten up while you are around. You should spend time with the cat, though. It will become more comfortable and loving with you, but just little bits of time. You, too, will become more comfortable! Just take time and try to relax! It is just a little kitten, but it means you no real harm.
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (19 August 2011): Sounds like this little kitten needs some toys and time to settle into its new home.
Why not put the kitten in the kitchen while your there - just till it calms down?
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