Cat Behavior Biting And How To Stop It

It's much easier to manage cat behavior biting when you understand the reasons behind it.

There are several types of cat aggression. For our purposes, we're interested in 3 of them - play aggression, fear (or pain) aggression, and petting-induced aggression. In other words, the most common reasons a cat bites is because the cat is playing, afraid (or in pain), or has had too much petting.

Cats are predators. When they play, they are "practicing" or "acting out" hunting behaviors - and one of those hunting behaviors is biting.

It's no surprise that when a cat is afraid it may bite. (We'd expect the same from any other animal.) It's just that with cats, this fear may be due to pain. Unfortunately, when cats are sick or in pain, it can sometimes be difficult to tell. So, you go to pick up or pet your cat, and you end up with a nasty bite.

Another (very common) cause of cat biting is too much petting. You know the situation: Kitty is in your lap. The cat is purring, saying how much she (or he) LOVES the attention - and then out of nowhere, "Snap!" - and the kitty takes off (sometimes apologetically, sometimes not). Some people call these "love bites". (The problem is they don't FEEL so loving.)

Play with Toys - not your hands and feet. You don't want your cat to associate "fun and biting" with your hands. If you let your cat bite you during playtime and then get angry if he bites you another time, it sends a mixed message.

Instead of roughhousing with your kitty with your bare hands, use oven mitts or put your hands under a (thick) blanket or towel - or better yet, use toys that you can throw. You can also get a fishing pole and tie toys to the end of it. (There are a few options below - and some already have the toy attached.)

Lastly, you can end the play session. Just get up and walk away. Your cat will learn to associate biting with "play time over".

Cats (generally) will let you know when they are not happy - and are best left alone - or simply when they've had enough of you. Each cat can exhibit slightly different signs and signals. That's why there's a note below about "know your cat".

Common Signs of an Impending Bite:
1. Change in the eyes
2. A sideways type of look with a slightly arched neck
3. Ears back
4. Tail swishing quickly
5. Any variety of an "I'm annoyed" look - know your cat's "annoyed look" - catch the signs early and avoid an attack!

Give it a rest when you see these signs...and teach your kids and other family members to do the same.

If your cat is biting you, and it's obviously not playing and not a result of too much petting, your kitty may be telling you she doesn't feel well. It might be a good idea to take your cat to the vet to make sure all is okay.

Many cat owners admit rarely taking their cat to the doctor, don't let this be you. Be aware that biting may be a sign of illness

It's natural for us to "take it personally" and get upset or yell when our beloved cat bites us. They are predators with sharp teeth, and it hurts! Plus, it often catches us by surprise - our natural instinct is to defend ourselves.

As hard as it may be, try not to swat your cat on the nose or yell. Cats do not respond well to this treatment. It could cause your cat to react aggressively - or worsen an attack. (Wouldn't you be upset if someone swatted you in the nose?) Plus, they'll learn to fear you - not what you want. Remember - fear can lead to more biting.

By the way...Don't forget to disinfect the bite. Germs and bacteria can settle in and make for a nasty infection. Until you have curbed the unwanted biting behavior, keep the band-aids and antiobiotic ointment handy...you don't want to get an infection!

I've decided to add a note to all my lenses on cats/animals.

Having a pet is a privilege and a responsibility. These are living creature with personalities, needs, issues, and quirks...and yes, lots of love to give. If you are not ready for that kind of responsibility, please do not get a pet. I live in Italy - but this happens elsewhere, too. People move here and get a pet. When they leave or decide that their pet is no longer convenient, they abandon the pet. There are great people working to save these animals and find them homes. It is is HUGE job, and not to sound too simplistic - but not only is it disturbing and heartbreaking to see animals treated this way, but it's just plain not nice, and...Just FYI: It can be punishable by law - especially if you are military.

If you decide that you cannot handle the behavior problem or can no longer keep your pet, PLEASE find someone to care for your pet or turn him over to a no-kill shelter. It's the right thing to do