Why Do Cats Bite & How To Stop Your Cat Biting You - Purina

Why do cats bite?

Cats bite for a variety of reasons – this can be because they are scared, maybe trying to avoid an experience they dislike such as over-handling or being held, or have learnt or have been taught that predatory play is enjoyable.

Other reasons for biting or apparent aggression may be that they are not getting an outlet for their natural need to indulge in predatory behaviours – and some breeds, types or individuals need this more than others. They may also bite to seek attention.

Biting often happens because a cat’s interaction style is often totally at odds with our interaction style. Cats tend to like short, low key interactions whereas humans like prolonged interactions which for cats can just be way too intense.

Whatever the specific reason, a cat that starts biting is trying to tell you something – it may be about themselves, about their environment, or about your behaviour towards them. It’s important to listen and attempt to understand what your cat is trying to communicate.

Why does my cat bite me when being petted?

One of the most common complaints from cat owners is the sudden change in attitude that can occur during petting: one second a cat may be loving the attention, the next they’re biting your fingers or the claws come out!

If you know what to look out for, it’s easy to tell when a cat has had enough of stroking, but learning to read your cat’s body language will help you to know when a bite might be coming.

Cats will often come to you for attention but what they usually want is a short burst of gentle stroking on the part of the body they enjoy. Or they just want to enjoy your proximity and company, and don’t really want to be touched. Most cats – and there are always exceptions - don’t want prolonged interactions, or interactions that involve holding or cuddling.

When your cat bites in this situation they are telling you they’ve had enough. While an owner may think a bite has come from nowhere, for a cat things have just got too intense and in their mind, the action is entirely justified.

Let all interactions be your cat’s idea, and every 10 seconds or so, stop and see if they nudge at your hand or indicate they want you to continue. If not, stop stroking them, let them leave if they want to, or just let them hang out quietly with you.

Why does my cat bite me when playing?

Cats often bite during play because they are expressing their natural hunting instinct.