New Kitten - Seeking Advice

Nope... you are going to be both scratched and bit - not from aggression or fear - but from being playful as kittens are until 2 years old.

You can trim the nails, but you'll still be scratched, gouged and bit - and all in order to have fun - that is how kittens play, just like puppies bite, suck and chew on everything.

My cat is pretty playful. We have had a fair share of scratches and knicks. It is funny though how a cat knows to be more gentle with the kids, or when the time is right. He has only swiped the kids when necessary (and I dont blame him)
There is no way to avoid it completely. You dont want to not play with him, in fear he might scratch you. He might become pretty unsocial, and they need play time. Get him toys that are on a stick that you have distance between the two. My cat LOVES his little laser light that he chases everywhere (to the point of panting from being so tired) Cat scratches and bites are not that bad. If they were nobody would own them.

I would trim your kitten's nails. You can get a trimmer from the pet store, get the kind that look like scissors. Don't cut the part that's pink, that would be like cutting below the quick on your nails. If you trim your kitten's nails often when they are young, they will tolerate it much better when they are older. I cut my cat's nails all the time. They can still scratch you, but it's not as easy to do.

You can also buy kitten nail caps that you glue on. I did that with one of my cats but it was hard to get the caps on by yourself and I didn't have any help. You need one person to hold/calm the cat and the other person to glue on the caps.

When my cats were kittens they would nip at my hands and it never hurt. They are so small and weak they can't really swat very hard either. If they do something you don't like you can hiss at them or squirt them with water. Just keep the nails trimmed and you'll be fine! Kittens are fun!

For playing, try a laser pointer. Cats love it and you don't have to worry about being swatted!

your cute! kittens will nip and scratch a teence, but just to play, they aren't like dogs where you have to disipline them, don't be afraid, cuddle it and you will be just fine, I wish we could have one, but I have been through 3 kids and finally have nice furniture, we just got goldfish 2 weeks ago... LOL!

Kitten love to play with anything that wiggles, and that includes toes :) Like others have posted though, they hardly ever do it to hurt you, it's just playing, and it won't usually break the skin if they "bite" during play.

Make sure that when you pick the kitten up and hold her, that you hold her close to your body, and teach your daughter to do the same. My husband made this mistake when he took in a cat while we were dating, he couldn't understand why the cat always went nuts on him and scratched him. Well, out of fear of being scratched, when he picked her up he would hold her out away from him. I told him no wonder the cat is scratching you, the poor cat was freaked out and grasping for dear life! So hold the kitten close so it feels safe and you'll be less likely to be scratched.

Other rules... Don't touch or bother the cat when it is eating. Bad idea. Depends on the cat's temperment, but you don't want your daughter to find out the hard way.

Don't get right in the cat's face, or stare it down, because it might think you are challenging it and respond in turn.

If the cat's ears are lying back flat, that cat is pissed and you better stay away.

I'm not trying to make it sound like cats are the devil or anything, I love cats. But you are asking how to avoid trouble, so that's my advice. Cats can be so cute when they cuddle up with you. Also, FYI: when a cat is really happy it will stretch out it's paws in a "clawing" action, but don't be scared because it's not scratching you! It's saying I love you! If you give the cat lots of ways to keep their claws in check (scratching posts, trimming) it should be no problem.

If you do get scratched or bitten, just be sure to wash it really well with soap and water. And make sure the cat has regular vet visits to stay up to date on vaccinations and such.

Cats are great pets, I think you will love having one. Oh, and if you really want to get the cat playing, get a laser pointer. It's so funny to watch them run around and try to tackle the beam of light!!

When the cat gets too rowdy, say "tssst!" like you were hissing and stop the game. The cat will get the hint that the behavior is inappropriate. I think that you can't 100% prevent scratches but you can get them down to a minimum. Also give the kitty appropriate toys (which you do) and a couple of scratching posts and praise her for using THEM. Get yourself a pair of kitty nail clippers or just toenail clippers and learn to trim nails. Getting the super pointy parts off will help. If you'd rather, they make something called soft paws, which you might enjoy - they come in festive colors.

Don't be afraid of your kitty. Be confident and show her who's boss and she'll get over the pointy kitten phase soon enough.

FWIW, I have a toddler who has grown up with cats. When our older cat died, we got a younger one. Not a kitten, but she wasn't much over 1. She's insane...but she's FINE with my daughter, and I've also taught my daughter not to harass the cats so she doesn't get bitten or scratched in self defense.

And good point from another responder about kneading. I may stop them kneading when it gets too much, but I don't yell at them because they're trying to show me they loooove me and are happy.

Enjoy your cat. :)

Scratches will happen accidentally but keeping kittens toenails trimmed helps.
Kittens do love to play, there are wand type toys out there that offer the ability to play with from a bit of a safe distance form claws. If Kitten does bite during playtime, it is an animal, it really doesn't understand, but one way to deal with it is play time is just done for that time...you cannot really "punish" a kitten for biting or scratching. I would definitely get a scratching post for your new kitty
= )

kittens and cats are adorable.. I have four & have had cats all my life. They love to play, love to "hunt" bugs etc, they are adorably entertaining. They do like to give little love bites (especially when you tickle their tummies, they will grab your arm, nip you & bunny kick.. all in fun! Use regular people nail clippers and just trim the tips (this scares many folks, but just taking the tips can make a huge difference) you can "swaddle" them as you do a baby, to keep them still, or have someone help. Scratches and nips will be superficial, but the "cat scratch fever" can burn, its the bacteria under their nails, not usually harmful, just annoying- wash with soap (I use dish soap) right away to lessen redness. lots of toys- tie strings to "mice" so they can be pulled more realistically. cat nip is fun for some, & brands like cosmic catnip are great (not all are the same) you can also grow your own in the garden or herb box. They like to eat grass- if you keep her inside, you can buy a small box of seeds ready planted, just add water. If you are really scared of a scratch, use an oven mitt or sock to play with her, they love that! cats love all sorts of toys, bought & homemade, a ball of tinfoil can provide hours of entertainment, also love crinkly things. dont let your daughter see your fear & likely she wont fear the cat. even if shes scratched, most kids arent bothered by little cat scratches. Enjoy her!

Another suggestion that I haven't really seen anybody mention is keeping the cat indoors. In my opinion, indoor cats are friendlier and more lovable. I think if they can just run around outside all the time, why should they "make friends" with the rest of the family. Also, they are more exposed to illness and just dirtier. (My parents have an in/out cat and he's a pain in the rear--very territorial and aggressive.) My 2 indoor cats are very sweet and lovable and only have to be bathed a couple of times a year--although I do trim their nails at least once a month.

Don't worry if you see the kitten playing with your shoes or dd's toys--they're not very "possessive" (like dogs) and won't get offended/confused when those things are taken away. My cats love to swat at my dd's toys, pieces of paper, shoestrings, or anything else that amuses them at the moment. As long as you handle the kitten a lot (holding on your lap, picking up and carrying around the house, laying on bed, etc) she will learn to trust you (and dd) and know that you aren't going to hurt her--that is very important to minimize scratches & bites. Your dd and the kitten will also have to figure out how to read each other--a little more difficult. My cats are already older (10 & 9 y/o) and pretty set in their ways, but dh & I have always been very hands-on and playful with them, so they know what to expect. It only took about 3 good swats for my dd to learn that the cat does NOT like having her tail pulled! :) DD is 2 now and much gentler with them--they are all good friends and love to cuddle in bed!

I have had cats and kittens all my life. Yes you will probably get scratched. I rarely did but when I did you wash it in warm soapy water. Rarely did I ever get bit but if I did it was probably because I got to rough with the kitten/cat. Cats are basically loving and most (not all) like to be cuddled, sleep on your lap and like playing. Teach your child (and you) to treat the cat how you would like to be treated. Nicely. Cats are not to be scared of. They are precious animals that will love you if you love them and treat them kindly. To punish a cat you put water in a spray bottle and let them know that they shouldn't be doing what they are doing and spray them in their face. It doesn't hurt them. Or take a piece of paper and make noise really close to them or swat them on their behinds. Cats are like kids in that they need to know their limits and boundaries then you don't have any problems with them. Again, treat them with respect like you would anyone and they will treat you with respect.

Enjoy your kitten. He will give you lots of love and joy.

N.

trim the kittens nails regularly... use dog clippers, though- they're sharper. 1/4 inch once a week or so....

do not get the cat declawed. it's inhumane. they lop off the "finger tips".

get the kitten a tower with some sissel rope on it for keeping her claws healthy.

good luck!

*I've had cats my whole life and currently have 3 =D

Oh- and spay/neuter the cat ASAP. =D

You want a kitten to learn not to scratch or bite in the middle of play time... Lmao! Good luck!

You will be dealing with play scratches and play bites for the next 2 years. It's how cats play with other cats... Naturally, it's how the kitten is going to try to play with you. That being said, her play bites and scratches won't actually hurt that much. They'll just annoying.

Keep the her front claws trimmed short (Not the back ones... If she ever accidentally gets out of the house she will need those to defend herself).

Even though she will completely ignore you, you should still "punish" her when she tries to play with your fingers or toes. I usually give my kittens a light tap on the nose.

i love cats but i can totally see how that psycho cat freaks you out. i've never had a dog and watch the dog whisperer so i am scared of getting one because what if it turns out like that?

there are cats out there who are ankle-biters and cats that bite you when you've been petting them for awhile. they'll be purring and all of a sudden give you a 'love' bite. those still freak me out.

A cat will only bite or scratch you (or your daughter or anyone else) if it feels threatened or afraid. If you are loving and gentle with the cat, it will behave the same way toward you. Have fun with your new family member :-)

Just a tip, if you trim nails it helps to have 2 people. If you have a feisty kitten you can wrap the cat partly in a towel and just do 1 paw at a time. We used to have a kind of aggressive cat when I was a teenager and with practice we could trim his nails. I grew up with cats in the house from the time I was a baby. I have been nipped and scratched but it never made me afraid of cats, just more cautious of some individual ones.

I've had lots of cats and kittens. Some play more gentle than others. The one I have now always retracts his claws when batting at us. I've only had a cat playfully bite, never draw blood. But all kittens are likely to cause scratches while playing. It really is the nature of the beast. It doesn't mean they will continue to as they get older- they totally mellow. Enjoy this playful time while it lasts. The scratches that kittens give are very shallow and really unavoidable if you are going to interact with them playfully. Sure, you can dangle toys for them instead of wraseling them with your hands. But wraseling kittens with your hands is the best part of having kittens, and a great way to bond with them. My advice to you is, accept a certain amount of cat scratches and don't pass this neurosis onto your daughter.
As your cat gets older, they will let you know that they are irritated with you by drawing their ears back. A few times in my life I got scratched good because I ignored this cue. In my opinion, kitten scratches are par for the course. Cats who scratch out of orneriness are pretty rare. Cats that bite out of orneriness are almost unheard of.

Your husband is a cat lover? Go to the library and bring home some books on cats. You need to learn about what is natural for them. They don't chew slippers or have infectious diseases except when they are not cared for.
They sleep 22 hours a day on your bed. So if you don't want the cat there get it it's own bed on a perch.

Clip the claws. Not declaw, but just with cat nail clippers. Groomers and vets can do it for you if you're really worried, but it's pretty simple at home too. Wrap a towel around kitty except for head and the paw that you're clipping. Then just flip off the tip of the nail (be sure not to clip the fleshy part called the quick) and you're done. I'm sure there's youtube video of how to do it.

For biting, kitty will probably do it a little bit. It's a kitten after all. Just be careful about how you're playing and that you are prompt in scolding kitty if there is a bite.

if you start trimming her nails now she will be used to it as she gets older - much harder doing it to an adult cat that has never had it done! i agree with the other posters, kittens are gentle when they play. she's not going to hurt you unless she's REALLY mad, and you will have plenty of notice. i'm not sure i've ever seen a kitten get mad - that's when they're older and want to be left alone. kittens are babies, they want interaction. it's not rocket science, you can do this no problem. spend time with her, lots of cuddles and you will get more comfortable. good luck and congrats! if all else fails - GOOGLE IT!! :)

With a kitten it is inevitable that you will get some minor scratches and bites but I really stress the minor portion. I know you mentioned that you could only get one but I really encourage you to try to find another kitten of similar age. Your kitty will be so much happier with a companion and you will be totally entertained with the antics. I do realize that you may not be able to do this. Also there is nothing wrong with kitty playing with your daughters toys, it won't destroy them like a puppy might. Just keep in mind that it is a cat, not a dog and thus the response to training will be different.

we used to use some old leather gloves when playing with the cats.... protects the hands :) they're so fun... just have fun, the kitten stage goes fast and after that, it's easy-breezy