Our 5mo. old kitten scratches the floor near her cat food like she does in her litter box. Why does she do this? We scoop her box everyday. Also the water method to deter bad behavior is beginning to be of no effect, is there another way? She is a good cat and will let you do anything to her when she is not wild. She likes to bite on my neck and lick my neck when she is wanting to rest, is this an affectionate thing?
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scratching
nannybo1952
Feb 07, 2005 11:52 AM
Replies (3)
AstiLover
Feb 10, 2005 02:49 PM
Your kitty's behavior is perfectly normal (if cats can be considered normal!) My abby likes to "bury" his food just like he buries his "business" in the litterbox. Been doing thsi for 17 years. There's no need to deter your kittyr from this as she will not understand why and may reject eating her food because of your deterrent, she will associate eating with getting sprayed. I asked my vet and he stated some cats just like to bury thier food! Even thier toys. My abby is none the wilder for it. Also, the bitingn and licking on your neck is most likely a sign of contentment. Kittens like to suckle when they feel completely comfortable and content. I have one rescue cat who is over a year old and still suckles my other two male cats (or tries!) and the vet said some will do this for life and it's a good thing. Some suckle on thier peers, some suckly on thier humans. Hope this helps!
Colleen (in memory of Asti)
Chopper Boogotti, CLaude LeMeiux and Yokko Gary
nannybo1952
Feb 10, 2005 04:55 PM
Thank you for your reply. I felt this was probably "normal" for her but it has been several years since we have had a kitten in the family. We had to put down our 14yr. old a few years back and some things I don't recall about kittens. One thing I do remember is that they have an instinctive way of getting back at you even in a fun way. Spookie really is a lot of fun for all of us. Again thank you, Gail
PHMadameAlto
Feb 10, 2005 09:56 PM
Glad you are enjoying your kitten. The "food scratching" is a common problem which no behaviorist can really explain. As long is this is the only trouble you are facing, I'd say live with it!
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