this post was submitted on 24 Sep 2026
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[–] Zensate@lemmy.world 48 points 4 days ago (4 children)

If the cat does that, it's because it doesn't actually understand that it's hurting you.

Start making a big "YELP" and clearly show that you are in pain when it does it, and it will gradually start to be more gentle.

It doesn't understand that you don't have fur that protects it the way it does.

[–] Catoblepas@lemmy.blahaj.zone 34 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) (1 children)

Can confirm this works, unless he gets too excited my cat is very careful about keeping his claws retracted. To the point that one time he actually slapped the absolute fuck out of my leg, that actually made a slap sound and stung a tiny bit from his pawpads slapping me, without leaving a claw mark. Chaotic little beast.

[–] ryannathans@aussie.zone 9 points 4 days ago

This is the way

[–] LifeInMultipleChoice@lemmy.world 20 points 4 days ago (1 children)

I did this so often with puppies and kittens over the years that I had to unlearn it when dealing with women, lol. Believe it or not if a woman bites you yelping isn't the response they are looking for. Well results may vary I suppose...

[–] nylo@lemmy.dbzer0.com 8 points 3 days ago

that's really fucking funny

ty for the laugh :)

[–] pieland@piefed.social 2 points 3 days ago

this needs to be the top comment!!! this is the right answer!!!!

a squeak/high pitched noise - it sounds like another cat/kitten shrieking in pain. that's usually enough to get the message through!

[–] Stolas@lemmy.ca 3 points 4 days ago

This is how I taught my cat.

He still tries to use his claws like tiny fingers sometimes, but he really doesn't mean it.