How can we train our kitten to be less aggressive?

A kitten craves your attention and wants to play with you but you should try diverting his attention away from your body parts by having a soft toy (or selection of toys) of about his own size handy. Shake the toy or move it in an enticing manner. Encourage your kitten to wrestle with the toy that you are holding.

Withdraw play if things get really rough and the kitten begins to bite or scratch you. Just as a kitten learns from his siblings and mother he will also learn from you. If he bites or scratches and becomes overly aggressive you simply end the game. Tell him or her in a stern voice ‘NO’ and with a loud clap of your hands walk away from the situation and ignore him.

If the kitten catches you unaware and latches on to your arm or leg you might not have a toy at the ready for diversion. Try not to move too much, (this can be difficult when you are in acute agony) because if you do, this will give him the impression you are participating in the game and it may incite him further. As gently as possible disengage the kittens teeth or claws from your body. Then tell him NO, scold him and walk away. Make it clear to the kitten that you will not be a party to these rough-house games.

You can grab your kitten by the scruff of the neck and hold him down briefly and growl at him if he gets too rough but sometimes this can backfire on you. Your kitten may interpret this action as a cue to become more aggressive because he thinks you are joining in the game.