Why Cats Bite
Sometimes you are playing with your cat, and all of a sudden, it bites you, and you wonder what is wrong with your cat? Of course, cats cannot talk, but they have their way of communicating with humans. If you do not understand what they mean with the bite, obviously you will be mad. It is good to try and understand the message your cat is passing. This article will help you understand the reasons why your cat bites you.
- Affection
Affection bite happens mostly when you are stroking your cat. The bite at this point is a message that the cat would like more attention. This nibbling and playful act are linked to the cat’s experience when it was a kitten since their mother nibbled them when grooming. When your cat nibbles or bites you to show love, try to show it what is allowed and what is not allowed. Your reaction to the behavior will pass a message to your cat. Do not allow the action if the bite hurts. What I mean is you should make noise or move your hand for the cat will know that’s not right. But if your cat is soft with you can praise the behavior.
- Overstimulation
Have you ever stroked your cat for sometimes, and then it bites you? Well, in most cases, it is because of overstimulation. This biting is a message to you that the cat has had enough of your petting or play. Your cat may approach you for attention, and then after moments, there is this turn of events leaving you confused. After too much stroking, the hair follicle receptors of the cat becomes painful, and that when it will bite you to mark an end. But if you are keen on your cat while stroking it, you notice other body languages that show your cat has had enough. Some examples include the thumping tail, ears back, and low growing. Once you see this, give you’re a cat a breather before it bites you.
- Stress
Just like human beings, cats are also affected by stress. This can occur due to a change in routine in the house. Some changes you may think have no impact on your cat may be causing a lot of stress. A shift in furniture, new baby, visitors, or introducing a new pet can be stressful for your cat. In the case of a new baby or another pet, your cat may constantly bite you as it is jealous. Spend most time with your cat in this situation to show it that it is still your favorite. Creatures of habit like cats do not like changes. This is the reason they do not feel comfortable even when you change your furniture. Your cat may be upset by your visitor, but instead, it will bite you. Such a scenario is hard to explain, but it happens even in humans. You get upset at work, and when you return home, you kick your pet. Your pet did nothing, but you direct your stress to it, that is the same way your cat will bite for doing nothing.
- Attention
In most instances, your cat will bite you when you are sleeping. You are not giving it enough attention, or maybe it is waking you up. Make sure you play with your cat before you go to sleep. You do not have to harass the cat, play with it, and exhaust most of its energy, and it will not bite you in your sleep. If your cat is used to be fed at a particular time, and it sees you sleeping at that moment, then be ready for a bite. These lovely creatures have an internal clock that you cannot mess with, especially when their time to eat has come. Make it a routine to play with your cat and feed it well before you go to bet, and you will never experience cat bites when sleeping. If you are fond of assuming your kitten even during the day, trust me, you will be receiving cat bites now and then. Kittens are energetic, and they will need your attention consistently. You have to play and stroke it enough to make it feel good. Since you love your cat, you have no option other than giving it attention.
- Response to your action
Many people fail to ask themselves why the cat bites. Sometimes it is what you are doing that makes your cat bite you. You may be doing something that irritates the cat or something that makes it feel like playing with you. I remember my cat used to bite me every time I snored. I believe it hated that. At times I had to lock it out of the room to enjoy my sleep. A friend of mine had a cat that would bite his baby whenever she cried. Every time the baby cried, the cat felt like it was time to play.
- You allowed it
Many people use their hands as toys when playing with cats. The cat then escalates to biting your hands, for it does not know if that’s painful. If you do not like it, use a toy when playing with your cat. Or else, show your cat that it is painful. Your hands’ reaction and voices made, sends a warning to your pet. When you are playing with kittens, please do not be too hostile when they bite. In most cases, they are unaware that it is painful. They are innocent and think it is the same way as they do it with fellow kitties.
I believe now you have an idea why your cat has been biting you. Take your time and understand more about the cat’s behavior, and you will have the best relationship with your pet. If you suspect the bites are because your cat is in pain, you should visit a veterinary to help you solve the issue. I wish you a wonderful experience with your cat.