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Play and biting: use toys, not hands

Ask your vet about your own pet. This page is general information from the sources below.

VCA says not to let a kitten play with your hands or feet, because it teaches that body parts are prey. Instead, redirect to a toy such as a feather on a fishing-pole toy, and have everyone in the family do the same.

Checked October 29, 2026.

By Peabody editors. How we write and check.

Toys, not hands

VCA says a moving hand becomes a target, and play that is cute in a tiny kitten can hurt when the kitten grows. Use wand or fishing-rod toys, fleece toys and feather toys so your hands stay out of the game.

VCA also says the person should choose the toys and start the play session. If the kitten starts a game with your hand, ignore it or give it a toy instead.

Redirect every time

When a kitten goes for hands, feet or clothes, VCA says to calmly move its attention to a toy. Everybody in the home must do it the same way, because mixed signals confuse a kitten.

Play every day, safely

Regular play helps a kitten burn energy and learn the rules of play. VCA says to give lots of ways to play so it doesn't take it out on people.

Watch the toys. VCA warns against anything small enough to swallow, and says string and yarn are risky and only for play with a grown-up watching. Use paper bags or cardboard boxes, and never plastic bags.

No punishing

VCA says never to punish a kitten, because fear can lead to scratching, swatting, biting or hiding. Reward good choices with play, treats or gentle petting instead.

When to call the vet

VCA's pages don't give a point to call the vet, so ask your vet if biting gets worse, or if a kitten who was gentle suddenly acts aggressive or seems sore.

For the children

Ages 4-6: Wiggle a wand toy low on the floor with a grown-up beside you. Ages 7-10: Run a short play session with a wand toy, then put the toy away where the kitten can't chew the string.

"Hands are for petting, and toys are for playing."

This is general information from the sources below, not veterinary advice, and it doesn’t replace a trainer or a behaviorist who can see your kitten.

Sources