Teething & Biting: Stopping the ‘Land Shark’ Phase#
Between the ages of 4 months and 7 months, your sweet Maine Coon kitten will turn into a shark. They will chew your phone charger. They will chew your shoes. And, if you aren’t careful, they will chew you.
This is the Teething Phase. It is painful for them, and it can be painful for you. Because Maine Coons have larger jaws than average cats, a “play bite” hurts. You need to stop this behavior immediately, or you will have a 20lb cat that thinks biting hands is a game.
Why They Bite#
- Teething Pain: Their baby teeth are falling out, and adult teeth are pushing through. Chewing relieves the pressure.
- Play Aggression: Maine Coons play rough. If they were with their littermates, they would wrestle. Now, you are the littermate.
- Overstimulation: Too much petting can trigger a “snap” reaction.
The Solution: “Hands Are Not Toys”#
This is the Golden Rule. Never use your hand to wrestle with a kitten. It teaches them that skin is for biting.
- The Redirect: The second they bite, say “OW” loudly (to startle them) and immediately shove a toy in their mouth.
- The Kicker: Give them a large “kicker” toy (like a plush log) that they can bunny-kick and bite. They need an outlet for that energy.
Teething Relief Hacks#
- Frozen Washcloth: Wet a clean washcloth, twist it into a rope, and freeze it. The cold numbs their gums.
- Silvervine Sticks: These are natural wood sticks (safe for cats) that they can gnaw on. It helps loosen the baby teeth.
- Cable Protectors: Buy plastic cord covers. A Maine Coon can bite through a MacBook charger in one chomp.
Conclusion#
Biting is a phase, but training lasts forever. If you let a kitten bite you, you are training an adult to bite you. Be consistent, offer alternatives, and wait it out. By 8 months, the adult teeth are usually set, and the chewing obsession fades.
Resources & Further Reading#
- Jackson Galaxy: How to Stop Play Aggression.
- VCA Hospitals: Retained Deciduous Teeth in Cats (What to watch for).