Cat Bites - Why is this Common Cat Behavior?

Ow! Your cat just bit you, and those little teeth are sharp. Reasons for why your cat bites you are discussed below.

Your cat may be afraid. Your child might be yanking on the cat's tail. An unfamiliar person may have tried to pick the cat up. Cats often will bite for protection.

Playing with you or other animals may lead a cat to bite. You may be strolling across the room and suddenly have a toe attacked. Some cats hate to have their bellies tickled and will bite your hand. Although this biting is normal behavior for cats, you probably don't want your cat to bite you or your family. Help your cat release energy by playing chase and pounce with cat toys that have long poles so your hands don't get in the way. Don't use your hand or other body part as the object to be chased as this cat training will only encourage biting.

Some kitties bite to, believe it or not, show love. Cats bite each other lightly to demonstrate their affection for each other, and your cat may be giving you love cat-style. Cats may gently nip if they are licking you. The cat is actually grooming you, and it is customary for cats to bite softly while they groom each other.

Cats bite to let you know that they have had enough attention for awhile. You might be petting your cat and listening to her purr when she suddenly bites you to make you stop the petting. Before biting, cats will generally signal that they are at their limit by making tail circles or laying their ears back.

Pain can cause cats to bite. If your cat beings biting and you can't find the cause, be sure to get a veterinary examination to make sure there are no physical problems.

Handling kittens in the presence of the mother cat can also get you bitten since cat mothers tend to be very protective of their offspring. Usually, the mama cat will quit biting as the kittens grow older.

Now, you should understand why your cat bites. By not playing aggressively with your cat, treating underlying medical conditions, and learning cat behavior secrets , you can reduce or eliminate the biting and enjoy your cat friend.