Why Do Cats Bite?

By Catherine Conway

So there you are, petting your cat. She's happily draped in your lap, purring and looking at you with a dreamy-eyed stare. Suddenly, she cuffs your hand and bites you!

What just happened here? Was your sweet kitty suddenly possessed by a demon? Is she psychotic? Did you do something wrong?

Cats bite for a variety of reasons. Once you understand your cat's inner nature and learn to watch for the subtle warning signs, the biting is no longer such a mystery or a surprise.

A cat will usually bite you for one of the following reasons:

1. She likes you.

2. She's tired of being petted.

3. She's bored and wants to play.

The first reason might strike you as a little odd, but cats will often give a gentle nip just to show affection. It's almost like the cat's way of giving you a kiss. However, you can tell the difference between a "love bite" and a sharp "I've had enough!" bite.

Your cat might also bite you because she's telling you that she's had enough. Although most cats enjoy being stroked and petted, they have their limits. When a cat has had her fill of attention, she'll let you know with a firm bite. However, there are almost always warning signs leading up to the bite. Many people either don't notice the subtle warning signs, or they choose to ignore them until their cat has really had enough.

Sometimes cats will bite because they just want to play. This is especially true for kittens and young cats. The worst scenario is when you have a cat that was taught to treat human hands as personal toys. This is why you should never encourage your kitten to play-fight with your hand! It's cute when she's a kitten, but it's not so cute when she's old enough to take your skin off.

If a cat is thinking about biting you, she may give your hand a long look. Her ears may fold back slightly, or she'll start twitching or swishing her tail. There might also be a tiny growl. The behavior leading up to a bite can vary, but the signs are usually there.

The best way to avoid being bitten is to learn how much attention your cat is willing to accept, and to watch for the warning signs. If you see that your cat is starting to lose interest in being petted, you should stop. If your cat is just trying to play, try to distract her with a toy instead.

Catherine L. Conway is a freelance writer and a lady who adores cats. She's had some experience with cats that seem to bite when you least expect it--although she's since learned that there are always warning signs. Want to end frustrating cat behaviors such as biting, scratching, and urinating? Visit http://www.changecatbehavior.com to learn how!