Overly ‘playful’ kitten

[StringersBell]

Any tips on how to train a very boisterous kitten?? He’s 9 weeks and at times, goes way OTT with the biting and scratching. I know he’s only playing in his own way but he’s got claws like Wolverine!

Play with him using lots using fishing rod type toys to keep him at arm's length. They get tired very quickly at that age so it shouldnt take long! Try not to react at all to bites or scratches - hard I know, but to him any attention is good attention right now.

But he is very young, so it is going to take him a while to grow out of the behaviour.

That's the fallout of only getting 1 op..

You can tip the sharp points of his claws with nail clippers. It's good to start this young so they get used to it.

Obviously be really gentle and only do the ones you can before he starts to squirm.

That's why kittens are always best in pairs - they'll teach each other boundaries.

Never play with him using your hands, always use toys so that he will direct his claws towards those and not your hands.

Thanks All! Yep, paying the price for only having one 😭 Some really helpful tips though, thank you. Good job he’s so cute eh??

As others have said, redirection! Wand toys, feathers, laser toys, scrunched up newspapers, light balls that roll when batted...

If there's a lot of energy that needs to be worked off, try making him work for his food... hide it in scrunched up newspaper (in different locations if you don't mind the mess)!

Ooh I like that idea!

Cardboard box. Cut a few holes in...

And that! Thank you 😊

I can’t believe no one has asked yet, but... picture please! Can’t possibly advise until we’ve seen his glorious self!

I can’t believe I didn’t post one! Here he is, at his cutest and fiercest 😂

I’m going to try all the tips but the cardboard box with holes in has gone down a treat! My legs (aka Oz’s climbing frame) are grateful 😬

Paper bag with a toy in it. He might hide inside it and mug you as you go past.

One of my cats is still a bitey little beast at the age of five. She would identify as a police K9 if you asked her. Sometimes she just needs something to kick the shit out of so I put an old oven glove on my hand and let her wrestle with that. It helps to reduce some of her aggression.

Your boy might like a kicker toy. You can buy new ones or you can use a sock stuffed with tights or other socks and sew up or tie off the other end.

PS. I love his little white pants markings.

Oh God he is gorgeous! I am going to disagree a bit with people saying if you had 2 it would be easier. I got 2 kittens in July and it really was a case of double trouble. My legs were scratched all over and my trousers have been ruined.

Just wanted to say though that they are now 6 months old and the relentless clawing and using me as a tree has calmed down a bit now. Mine love mouse toys most. They can run around with one in their mouth, growling constantly, for hours.

Mine was terrible, so bad in fact that she used to end up in a frenzy. She was going at it until she was almost 2 years old, in fact going on 3 she still has it in her now. I have had cats all my life but cannot remember any being as bad.
People say they tire easily, this one hardly slept during the day as a kitten at all. I have no advice unfortunately apart from saying good luck.

My cat loves
Yeowww catnip toys (Amazon) the banana shape is good as they can kick it too
Fishing rod type feather ones
Happy kitty blankets (Facebook)

It should be illegal to be that cute.

Ah thank you all, he is freaking adorable, it’s (just about) making up for the attacks! 😬

Slightly scared that this could last for years, but the distraction techniques are helping already, he’s currently going nuts in the box 😂

If he likes that, try giving him a paper bag big enough to climb in. Put a ball in it too!

Oh he’s gorgeous! You wouldn’t necessarily find it easier with two, it could just be double trouble!

But honestly, you HAVE to trim his claws. Those sharp tips are needle like. Special clippers for cats on Amazon.

He hasn't been taught by his mum - kittens are meant to be with their mother until 12 weeks of age.

Get him some toys and a scratching post.

Hes gorgeous.
We had this with ours and his vet dealt with cat/ kitten behaviour.( not UK trained)
She said you have to instill boundaries, so no playing with hands at all.
Lots of appropriate toys
If he bites, claws, grabs hold of legs then hiss PSHHHHT very loudly and remove/ ignore.
His mum would do this with her kittens.
He will get the message.

@Lynne1Cat

He hasn't been taught by his mum - kittens are meant to be with their mother until 12 weeks of age.

Get him some toys and a scratching post.

Oh hes only 9 weeks

Sadly his mum is dead. He has plenty of toys and a couple of scratching posts.

Thanks again everyone for all the advice.