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Question

"Our two-year-old Tonkinese is adorable apart from one bad habit — he likes to bite. We've tried shouting and even banishing him outside. What can we do to stop him biting us and even our visitors?"
— Jaclyn

Answer

Despite how it might seem (and feel) he actually doesn't mean you or your friends any harm. You see, rather than looking for a fight, your Tonkinese is actually looking for fun. This biting is actually a play gesture. And if you've ever noticed young lions and tigers playing you'll notice it looks remarkably similar to what you're seeing.

So what can you do about it?

Well, for starters, show him what the 'right' type of play is. Supply him with toys such as ping-pong balls, scratching posts or 'cat-nip squeakers' that he plays with when you want him to; not the other way round.

Now, let's deal with the biting. The most important thing is to not respond in any way whatsoever. Because something as simple as yelling or picking him up to put him outside actually gives him what he was after all along: attention and contact.

So now when it happens, totally ignore it. Simply stand up and walk out of the room, even closing the door behind you. That will give him plenty of time to realise that being rough simply doesn't get the rewards!

Tip: For extra effect, you could spray some air-freshener in the air (not in his direction) as soon as he bites you. The hissing sound will startle him and make him think twice before doing it again.