Kitty Kitty, Baby Baby
Ragdoll Cat Biting Problem - Reader Needs Help!
Originally published Jun 18, 2011 (I am re-running because I get a lot of inquiries about this)
Pat wrote me about her Ragdoll cat, Kitty Kitty, Baby Baby (Ragdoll of the week November 1, 2010), who has a slight biting problem. I offered to post it on the site, so that other readers might offer insight. Please read below and offer suggestions for Pat:
"I have a wonderful female Ragdoll, that I adopted 3 yrs ago. She was actually about 2 yrs old when I adopted her.....she loves to be scratched around her neck/collar area, but doesn't like to be petted more than that and will quickly turn and try to bite me. I'm use to her behaving like that, but I don't understand why she does it. She loves to sleep stretched out on her back, but doesn't like her belly
Kitty Kitty Baby Baby
rubbed (which most Ragdoll's love). I've wondered if other Ragdoll's do this? Other than the biting, she follows me around like a puppy, jumps on my lap and stangers laps as well....she's very social, running to answer the door and is curious about anyone that visits. I'm just concerned about the wanting to turn and bite?"
Pat
My reply, "I would think something from her previous experience causes her to bite."
Pat's reply, "I adopted her from Cathouse on the Kings, where she hung out with all kinds of kitty's.
Kitty Kitty Baby Baby
She is so very loving, but has that urge to whip her head around and bite, not a vicious bite, but a bite, none the less. I believe you are right about a previous experience. Sometime I wonder if she were injured on her tummy, so she's sensive there. "
Please offer insight to help Pat with Kitty Kitty, Baby Baby's biting problem.
Having problems with a Ragdoll kitten biting and being wild? Check out this discussion on our Facebook page to learn more.
Justine
I "saved" my rag when he was abandoned (owners moved out and left the poor kitties behind). I have no idea what kind of life he previously had, or what kind of owners he lived with.
He came with serious issues, the meowing every 2 hours through the night (he was previously an outdoor kitty, but we trained him to be solely indoors), the aggressiveness (biting and scratching and attacking). I was sure he was just plain nuts, one moment purring and without any warning (that i can see), he attacks multiple times and draws blood while i am petting or just reading a book/napping. So much for "all rags are sweet natured" in this cat!
It has been more than a year since we adopted him and if it helps these are what helped me:
- Don't give up on your kitty! They will get better sooner or later! My vicious kitty is now so so much better! It just takes time and oodles and oodles of patience. Every kitty is different and it will take a mismash of whatever you read online to help 🙂
- Like many of the readers said, Jackson Galaxy's Cat from Hell really, really, really helps
- Don't show fear; be firm!
- Many kitties don't like to be pet on their tummies (mine certainly doesn't and he showed me good... Haha~)
- I don't know if this is silly, but my cat and i have have this system, i will only pet him if he is sitting and he boops the finger i extend to him. He gets 2 stokes with every boop and if he wants more, he will boop my extended fingers again. I know to stop when he stops booping my fingers. So no over stimulating. He has me trained well :p
- be firm when you say NO! and walk off. If the bites get serious, try putting some coins in a tin can or having a bunch of keys with you and shake it for serious bad behaviour.
- i do not allow "love bites" or "attention-seeking bites" as my kitty is aggressive enough. His "love bites" & "I want attention now! bites" are brutal and always draw blood and once he gets his teeth or claws in, he sinks them in deep and refuses to let go. I was advised to when the kitty does his "love bite" and refuses to let go, to (despite the pain) put some weight into the bite (as in push back). This will cause discomfort and kitty will release, followed by the tin can/keys rattling and a big NO!
- Always reward kitty for good behaviour (like if kitty allows to be pet a little more than previously; kind words, a pat or two or a little treat, etc);
- be the "Pay master". Be the one to feed kitty at specific meal times so kitty associates you with food (to re-enforce that you hold the good things in life, food 😉 and is more likely to "listen" (insofar as much a cat "listens" ;)) to you.
- If the kitty has attacking issues (like mine has) i find that playtime with a wand and balls (away from your hands and feet!) really really helps. Just keep going at it and wear the kitty out (also helps with night meowing!). If the kitty tries to turn your fingers/toes/ankles as part of the game. Stop, stand up and move away slowly (if you run off, you become prey and open to more attacks). If kitty chases still thinking is a game, the keys/tin can is very useful. Only resume play later (about half an hour or so later) in order for it not to be a reward. Also consider clicker training and puzzle toys to keep them occupied and "hunting" everything but you.
Hope this helps!
My kitty is still a work in progress, but i am sure we will get there with one day him being the perfect rag (as stated in those articles....) that friends and family can cuddle without fear of being bitten or scratched!
Patti Johnson
Interesting post, Jenny! I believe that Pat's beautiful girl is doing the "I've had enough, thank you very much." type of love bit. Not a hard bite but firm enough to get your attention to get her point across. Our Miss Pink Sugarbelle (who is so very gentle and loving) also gives those kinds of love bites when she's being petted too long in one place (especially on the back of her neck area). (Now you can pet/scratch her forever above her tail and she'll never complain...lol) Every cat I have ever had displayed this behavior, too. I also agree that her belly sensitivity may be associated with pain/injury or just a bad experience when she was younger.
Big hugs!
Patti & Miss Pink Sugarbelle 🙂 <3
DezizWorld
Me too is a Ragdoll that doesn't much like meez belly rubbed. Mommy has had me since me was 3 weeks old, so most likely not something from meez past. And me used to do the bitey and on occasion me furgets meez manners and will again. Mommy was in rescue and a vet tech fur lots of years many moons ago and learned to treat kitties the way other kitties would. When me tries a bitey, mommy gently bites meez ear. Not sumfin' me likes much, and therefur, me ceases and desists. Mommy sez, don't hurt your kitty, but let them know you're there and biting hurts. Good luck to you all. As fur belly rubs...me only likes those in da meownin' and at night when weez goin' to bed and gettin' up.
Luv ya'
Dezi da Doll and her sisfur Lexi da Mau
Kathy
I have an adopted ragdoll (he), approx 3yo, and a domestic short hair (she), approx. 14 mths. Everyday, my ragdoll waits for her to come out of my daughter's room. When they get together, the shorthair JUMPS on the ragdoll, and they start rolling around, biting each other. They are NOT fighting, though it looks like she is a tasmanian devil. I really believe it is their mode of playing and connecting. If she gets too rambunctious, he will give her a warning growl, and she backs off. Then she'll curl up next to him and go to sleep. Maybe this is what your raggie is doing. He's trying to release energy and have playtime. If you don't have a chaser cat toy, those are also really good to have. Hope you find your answer.
Suzanne
Oh no!!! I have had many cats and have always had similar experience. That is why I decided to get Ragdolls. I got two litter mates and they wrestle and fight with each other, but have NEVER bitten or scratched me or my husband. Our breeder told us to make sure we NEVER played rough with them when they were kittens. Every other cat I have owned when they were kittens we played "mouse" games with our hands. We hid hands under covers, etc., she said this would encourage them to play with us that way. She must have been right because we did not do that and everytime they have even looked like they would bite or scratch, we have told them NO. They are about 1.5 years old now, and are the most gentle cats I have ever seen. It might also help that they have each other. I had a poodle for years and our boy Leo asks just like her!!!!
I feel your pain but think it is unacceptable that he is biting your kids. Maybe you could try putting him in a "time out" type situation everytime he does this. I am sure you can break him of this with consistent training...
I don't think it is normal for Ragdolls to act that way.....
I wish you luck!!!!
Christy
I just don't get it. This is our second ragdoll we've purchased from a breeder. Our first darted out our front door only to never be seen again. Both have been males. Our cat now is neutered but not declawed. He's very large for a 2 yr old cat. He not only bites us when being pet but will actually hunt down my kids and attack them. My son was sitting on the floor looking at books the other day and Marley just completely attacked him out of nowhere! He bit his face pretty bad. I feel awful when this happens and am not sure wat to do to prevent this. He wasn't even being provoked. I know he loves us. He's always right where we are but if something happens that's not on "his terms" he lets us know real quick. What's the deal with this breed of cats?? This does not line up with everything I read on the Internet about ragdolls when I decided to get one.
Jeanine Risk
I am having the exact same problem with my male ragdoll. Has yours improved at all? Did you find anything that worked to stop this behaviour?
Diane Fischer
Dear Pat,
My previous message was meant for Rosemary and Button, not Kitty Kitty, Baby Baby. I'm sorry Pat and I hope you'll forgive my mishap. And Rosemary, I'll be happy to speak with you if you choose. Just email your number to [email protected].
Thank you all.
Diane
Diane Fischer
Hi Pat,
I had a serious problem with my Ragdoll Cici and with lots of research, patience, training and my trips to the clinic for infections from her bites, I have a success story. I have so many suggestions and would be happy to speak to you in person as there is so much information I would be willing to share with you. If you email me at [email protected] and send me your number I could call you. Cici and I are best friends and I continue to address her biting, but it's rare now. I hope you find the best solution for you and Kitty Kitty, Baby Baby. Diane
Rosemary Sheen
So glad I found this chat forum. It seems like our BUTTON is not the only - biting, not floppy, not lap cat, whinging meowing, not indoor kitten in the world! LOL