Bad Kitty!

Scratching and biting are natural behaviors for cats in the wild -- they use them to capture prey and defend themselves against attack. In your home, however, what's natural can become a no-no if it gets out of hand.

If your cat does scratch or bite you, apply a topical antibiotic ointment to the affected area. If your pet is healthy and her vaccinations are up to date, there's little cause for concern, but the antibiotic will help head off any mild infection that might result.

Problem: Your cat scratches you or other family members. (If your pet is inappropriately scratching furniture, see the "Claw Care" article.)

Claw Care

Possible causes: Most often, the problem is that when the cat was a kitten, "playful" scratching behavior was allowed. The cat is expressing her natural play instincts and doesn't understand she is hurting you. The problem may be compounded if your cat doesn't get enough playtime.

In rare cases, cats can become aggressive due to illness, age, or chronic pain.

Suggested solutions:

• Provide your cat with plenty of play opportunities. Take 15 minutes a couple of times a day to interact with your pet, using her favorite toys to get her active and interested.
• Even during playtime, never allow your kitten or cat to scratch your bare hands or arms.
• When your cat sinks her claws into your skin, release them by pushing her pouncing paws slightly forward. Move the cat away from you with a firm "no." Then ignore her for a few minutes, to reinforce the message that scratching will not result in her getting the attention she desires.
• Protect yourself by never attempting to restrain a cat that doesn't wish to be held. Teach your children the same principle, and remind them that cats aren't always in the mood to be cuddled or played with.
• If your cat isn't craving playtime, and especially if she shows any other signs of illness, report the scratching behavior to your vet to make sure it doesn't have a physical cause.

Problem: Your cat bites you or other family members.

Possible causes: Like scratching, biting is often a form of play for cats. Your pet may be having fun pretending your foot, leg, or hand is a mouse to be pounced upon, and not realize you'd rather not play that game. Again, your cat may be initiating these play sessions because she hasn't been enjoying regularly scheduled playtimes with you.

Biting is another form of aggression that may occur in animals that don't feel well due to illness or injury.

Suggested solutions: Same as for scratching, with one addition:

• To release your skin from your cat's teeth, move that part of your body toward the animal's mouth, not away from it. This counterintuitive move will momentarily confuse the cat enough that she will release her grip.