Cats communicate a wide range of emotions through their body language, but these subtle signals are often misunderstood by humans. Biting, a common feline behavior, is frequently perceived negatively. However, to effectively address biting in cats, it’s crucial to understand the underlying reasons and what your cat is trying to convey. As Samantha Bell, a cat expert from Best Friends Animal Society, explains, “Cats aren’t exhibiting bad behavior when they bite. It’s instinct.” While biting is natural, there are ways to redirect this behavior and foster a better understanding between you and your feline companion. This article explores the various reasons why cats bite and provides practical strategies for managing this instinctual behavior.
Why Do Cats Bite?
Understanding the motivations behind a cat’s bite is the first step in managing it. Samantha Bell emphasizes that a cat’s bite “shouldn’t be ignored.” Here are several common reasons why cats may bite:
“Love Bites” and Overstimulation
Often referred to as “love bites,” these actions can be a sign of affection, but more commonly, they indicate that a cat is feeling overstimulated. What might start as gentle licking can escalate into soft nibbling. These “love bites” can be a subtle way for your cat to signal that they are enjoying the interaction but are nearing their limit and wish for it to end. Bell notes, “They may be saying, ‘I’m enjoying this interaction but it’s becoming too much for me. I’m nearing my limit.'” Interpreting these bites can be challenging, and it’s important to be attentive to your cat’s cues.
Overstimulation, also known as petting reactivity, can occur when a cat becomes overly excited during petting sessions or reacts negatively to unwanted touch. Cats typically signal their discomfort through specific body language, such as ears turning outward, tail flicking, rippling skin, and quick head turns. These are clear indicators that they are reaching their threshold, and a swat or bite may follow.
Biting Due to Pain
If your cat’s biting behavior is out of character, it might be a sign that they are in pain. Alongside nipping, watch for other indicators of discomfort, such as increased sensitivity when a specific area is touched, a hunched body posture, hiding, or a loss of appetite and disinterest in usual activities, including grooming.
Fear-Induced Biting
Fear is a powerful motivator for biting in cats, often stemming from a feeling of being threatened or harmed. This can happen at home if a cat feels trapped or forced into a situation. Bell suggests that allowing cats the option to disengage from a situation can prevent them from feeling cornered. Due to their size difference, unfamiliar or unsocialized cats might feel intimidated by humans, leading to fear-based bites. Before biting out of fear, cats usually display clear warning signs, including flattened ears, dilated pupils, raised fur, hissing, spitting, or snarling. These behaviors are unmistakable indicators that a cat feels threatened and requires space.
Seeking Attention
Cats learn that biting is an effective way to get human attention. They might playfully “attack” your feet when they want to engage in play, especially if they are bored. Boredom can lead to misbehavior, such as scratching furniture or bothering other pets. Providing appropriate outlets like scratching posts can help redirect destructive behaviors.
Playful Biting
Nipping can also occur during play. If your cat bites you during a play session, redirect their attention to a suitable toy. Similarly, cats may bite each other during play. Bell advises that if cats are biting each other during play and remain relatively quiet, it can be considered a form of enrichment. Non-playful biting often results in yowling and one cat attempting to escape. The key difference lies in the sounds and behaviors: engaged play typically involves mutual participation, while reactive biting is usually a one-sided aggressive interaction.
How to Manage and Redirect Cat Biting
While cats will likely never entirely stop biting, as it’s an innate behavior, you can significantly reduce unwanted biting incidents. Implementing the following strategies can contribute to a happier coexistence:
Redirect Biting: When your cat bites, redirect their attention to an appropriate toy, such as a catnip toy. Offer praise when they engage with the toy, sinking their claws and jaws into it.
Engage in Play: Dedicate time for daily interactive play sessions using toys like cat teasers and wand toys. These mimic prey and satisfy a cat’s natural predatory and biting instincts. You can find a variety of cat teasers and wand toys to keep your feline entertained.
Understand and Respect Touch Preferences: Learn which areas your cat enjoys being petted and respect their boundaries. Pay close attention to their reactions and stop petting before they exhibit signs of overstimulation. Most cats generally prefer petting under the chin and near their ears, while the belly and legs might be more sensitive areas that could provoke a nip.
Interpret Body Language: Be vigilant in observing your cat’s body language. Recognizing signals that indicate they want to be left alone or are feeling overstimulated is crucial for preventing bites. Learning how to read cat behavior can significantly reduce the risk of bites.
Offer Choices and Seek Consent: Allow your cat the freedom to choose their activities and to leave situations when they desire. This empowers them and reduces feelings of being cornered.
Consider a Second Kitten: When adopting, especially if you’re considering a kitten, adopting two can be beneficial. Kittens learn from each other that playful biting is acceptable between them, not directed at their human companions. This early social learning can minimize biting directed at owners.
It is important to remember that punishing your cat for biting is counterproductive. It can damage your relationship, be ineffective, and may even lead to increased fear-induced reactivity.
What to Do If You Are Bitten by a Cat
If a cat bite breaks your skin, prompt action is necessary. First, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and apply pressure to control any bleeding. It is highly recommended to seek medical attention, as cat bites carry a significant risk of infection and disease. Your doctor may prescribe preventative antibiotics to mitigate the risk of infection.
