Read time: 1.5 mins
If you’ve been blessed with a biter, it can be pretty disheartening. Cats that bite aren’t as uncommon as you might think. But finding out why they bite and how to stop your cat from biting will help build up your bond with your furry friend.
Why do cats bite?
Many cats will bite, scratch and pounce as a part of play. But understanding when this switches into aggression or otherwise and why, is essential. Cats that bite are usually warning you to stop what you’re doing in the only way they know to communicate. It might be that they don’t enjoy the way they’re being played with or petted, and are using their bite to let you know.
Switching behaviour
Cats often switch and change their mind. They may have been enjoying their cuddles and then bam, a bite. Reading their body language will help you spot when a bite could be coming and hopefully enable you to de-escalate the situation. Look out for batting tails and pinned-back ears. These are both signs your cat could be feeling uncomfortable and it’s a good way to indicate you should stop what you’re doing. Cats may also bite during play which is just instinctual. Biting in play is usually harmless, but rewarding softer paw play may help you to avoid those feline fangs.
Aggressive biting
Most of the time, cats that bite are either playing or simply warning you, and will usually just be a small nip. Aggressive biting will differ in intent and maybe cause a little more harm than a warning bite. Aggressive biting will usually be accompanied by serious swipes, claws and all and hissing, with a defensive hunched posture.
How to stop biting?
Reinforcing good, calm behaviour will hopefully discourage these displays of aggression. Always trying to keep your cat in a calm environment where they don’t feel threatened will also help, but this can be tricky with territorial cats or those that have sadly been abused in their past. Patience is really important to teach your cat what is and isn’t acceptable. Toys are also a great way to deflect aggression if your cat is getting a little feisty. Providing plenty of toys they can bite and scratch should mean they keep their teeth to themselves.
This goes for teething kittens too. Lots of kittens go through a biting stage as they mature. This is normal, but those tiny needle teeth can really cause some damage. Toys and treats to distract them and give them plenty to chew on, should keep your own limbs safe. Always reinforce the good stuff so your cat can learn what is socially acceptable.
