How to cope with a kitten’s nipping, scratching phase

Dear Cathy: My kitten is about 8 weeks old. He’s a very playful and energetic cat. He’s going through the anklenipping and scratching stage. On two occasions, my cat was near my face and, when I turned to look at him, he slapped me and drew blood with his claw. He hasn’t done that before.

Usually when I kiss his forehead, he tends to put his paw on my cheeks or lips in a gentle way as if it’s a sign not to kiss him anymore, but when he slapped me, I was not expecting that at all.

Can you advise as to why he did this or how to prevent it? — Rebeka, London

Dear Rebeka: Begin by giving the kitten some space. Tell everyone to stop picking him up and carrying him around the house. Stop initiating contact with the kitten for now and let the kitten come to you. When he does approach, give him a few pets and then stop before he reacts. Over time, he will learn to relax and trust you.

Also, make sure he has a tall cat tree he can climb — a place where he can look down on his kingdom but still be with his family — and a bed or closet where he can hide when things get too noisy.

During this time, spray feline pheromones (available at pet stores) on your clothing to reduce some of his anxiety when he’s around you. You can buy pheromone plug-ins for the house or a pheromone collar for him to wear, so he will feel calmer even when not near you. And you can add a few drops of Rescue Remedy in his water bowl.

Finally, don’t play with him with your hands. Get sock toys to play with him up close and teaser toys to get him to chase things. Play with him for 10 minutes three times a day to help him expend some energy.

Given time, space, proper toys and some pheromones, he should eventually calm down and settle into his new environment. If he does bite or scratch you, be sure to say “no” firmly and then walk away from him. If he continues to nip and bite, give him a timeout in a bedroom for five to 10 minutes, just long enough to let the kitten calm himself from whatever is bothering him.