Kittens explore the world with their mouths. Nibbling is part of how they play, bond, and learn—but if your kitten is starting to bite too hard or too often, it’s important to guide them early. Teaching your kitten to stop biting now helps prevent aggressive behavior later.
watch my video: how to stop a kitten from biting
Why Do Kittens Bite?
Unlike adult cats who may bite out of fear, dominance, or overstimulation, kittens typically bite because:
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- They’re teething – Teething usually begins around 3 weeks and can last up to 6 months.
- They’re learning to play – Biting helps them develop paw-mouth coordination and social boundaries.
- They’re testing limits – Kittens don’t yet know how hard is “too hard.”
- They’re getting over stimulated – Too excited!
How to Stop a Kitten from Biting
Here are 5 effective ways to stop kittens from biting:
1. Offer Appropriate Toys
Always have soft chew toys or teething rings available. If your kitten starts biting your hands or fingers, redirect them to a toy immediately. This teaches them what’s okay to bite—and what isn’t.
2. Use Distance-Based Play
Use wand toys, feather sticks, or toys on strings to encourage interactive play without using your hands as toys. This prevents accidental reinforcement of biting behavior. You can find these on Amazon.
3. Implement Gentle Time-Outs
If your kitten bites during play, stop play immediately and walk away. No scolding or punishment—just a few seconds of calm disconnection teaches that biting ends the fun.
4. Socialize with Humans and Littermates
Well-socialized kittens learn limits by playing with their littermates and kind humans. Encourage short, positive social interactions with other gentle pets or trusted people.
5. Reward Gentle Play
Praise and treat your kitten when they play nicely. Reinforce gentle pawing and licking instead of biting. Use a clicker if you’re clicker training!
Kitten Biting by Age
How long does it take for kittens to stop biting? Here’s a typical time frame:
- 8–12 Weeks: Teething starts. Use chew toys and redirect play.
- 12–16 Weeks: Increase training. Use time-outs and gentle redirection.
- 4–6 Months: Continue consistency. Avoid roughhousing with hands.
When to Be Concerned
If your kitten’s biting is accompanied by hissing, hiding, or fearful behavior, or if it becomes painful or aggressive, consult your veterinarian or a feline behaviorist. Fear-based or pain-based biting needs professional guidance.
How to Treat a Kitten Bite
Even tiny kitten teeth can introduce bacteria. Wash the area with soap and warm water, apply antibiotic ointment, and monitor for swelling, redness, or fever. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.
For more information, read my post, What is Cat Scratch Disease? (aka cat scratch fever) (includes video).
Is Kitten Biting Normal?
Yes! Mild nibbling is part of development. Most kittens grow out of biting with proper redirection and play. Be consistent, kind, and firm—and always reward calm behavior.
Is This Good or Bad?
I don’t know if this particular tip is good advice or bad advice, but recently I started playing with my kitten, Whiskers, with an oven mitt on my hand. He likes to play and snuggle with me in bed when I first wake up and he’s often too excited and will scratch and bite.
So, I put an inexpensive oven mitt on my hand and every morning we rough house a little, and he’ll bite and “bunny feet” the oven mitt. I don’t know if this might wind up encouraging your kitten to bite, but for Whiskers, it seems to be enough to satisfy him and he generally does not bite or attack my hands at any other time.
Please don’t leave your cat unsupervised with the oven mitt – I saw Whiskers try to stick his head in it, so you don’t want them to get their head stuck and suffocate. You can find some cheap oven mitts on here.
Printable New Kitten Checklist
Check out my article, What Does a New Kitten Need? It includes a link for a printable new kitten checklist. You can also request the checklist here:
Be Patient with Your Kitten
Your kitten isn’t being mean—they’re just learning. With patience, play, and consistency, you’ll teach them to be gentle and well-mannered. Never punish your kitten, certainly not in any harsh way. If you need more help, don’t hesitate to reach out to a vet or trainer who specializes in kittens.
Need More Help with Kitten Training?
If you feel you need more help with your kitten’s behavior, I can recommend a very good resource for kitten training called, Complete Cat Training Guide from KingdomofPets.com. This is a downloadable eBook with information on how to solve 25 kitten behavior issues. It includes the best kitten training techniques and step-by-step instructions. 
Related Posts
How to Train a Kitten (includes video)
How to Stop a Cat from Biting (includes video)
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Thank you so much for this post! My family and I are actually thinking about getting a kitten soon, and since we have two young kids, I’ve been doing some research to make sure we’re prepared – especially when it comes to things like biting and play behavior. This article really helped me understand that kitten biting is totally normal and part of how they learn. I love how you explain it in such a simple, gentle way – it makes me feel a lot more confident about bringing a kitten into our home.
I especially liked the idea of redirecting with toys instead of hands. That’s something I’ll be sure to teach my kids so they know how to play safely with the kitten. The “no hands as toys” rule makes so much sense now! And I appreciate the reminder to never punish a kitten for biting – just gently guide them instead. It’s such a kind and realistic approach.
We want our future kitten to feel safe and loved, and your post gave me a better idea of how to help them grow up well-mannered and happy. I’m also going to check out your printable kitten checklist – thank you for including that! This blog has been super helpful as we get ready for a furry new family member.
I’m so glad it helped. Enjoy your new kitten! Debra