Why Do Cats Bite?

Scene: You and your cat kid are snuggling on the couch. You’re gently petting them, and they’re calm and purring. Suddenly they turn around and bite you. Why do some cats bite when you pet them? And if a cat bites you, what does it mean? Read on to learn more about this feline phenomenon.

What does it mean when a cat bites you?

Have you ever wondered, “Why does my cat lick me and then bite me?” or “Why does my cat bite my feet?” Not all cat kids bite, but the cats that do have their reasons. Cat biting could mean:

• Affection in the form of cat love bites, which are gentle and often accompany kneading
• Fear, especially if your cat kid is flattening their ears and hissing
• Frustration over not getting what they need, like treats or attention
• Playfulness, particularly in kittens
• Territorial behavior, especially if a new cat kid is introduced too soon
• Pain or illness, when cat bites may be coupled with other behavioral issues like hissing or hiding

Do kittens bite more than cats?

If you’ve ever played with a kitten, you’ve probably experienced kitten bites. Kittens tend to play roughly, biting included. They also bite as a way to explore their environment, gnawing on toys, one another, and their pet parents. Though it can be funny and even adorable, kitten biting behavior should be discouraged so it doesn’t continue into adulthood. And if kitten biting isn’t occurring during playtime, it could be a sign of other things, such as frustration or stress.

How to stop a cat from biting

If there’s a cat bite behavior problem in your household, there are ways to combat it. As you address the issue, you should also make sure to treat cat bites immediately with soap, water, and an antiseptic followed by a clean bandage. Since infections from cat bites can be serious, see a medical professional if you experience cat bite infection signs like swelling, fever, or fatigue.

Try these tips if you’re wondering how to stop a cat from biting:

• Provide plenty of interactive toys and scratching posts
• Schedule playtime regularly, redirecting any cat love bites onto objects like toy mice or chew toys
• Practice positive reinforcement through treats and praise
• Avoid punishing your cat kid, which could escalate biting behavior instead
• Switch to an all-natural litter formula that encourages a calmer environment. Naturally Fresh’s Harmony^™ is infused with safe amounts of lavender and bamboo essential oils, helping to ease restlessness in cat kids and even boost the pet parent-cat kid bond.