A well-behaved cat is one that has been given time to learn not to bite humans. This little feline is very intelligent; it doesn't have much difficulty understanding that there are things it can't do and that certain behaviors have consequences. To get a furry to stop hurting with its sharp teeth, only three things will be necessary: ​​patience, perseverance and understanding.
Even so, if it is the first time that we live with one, it is normal for us to ask ourselves why does my cat bite me If I haven't done anything to him. Since there are several causes and it's a very important topic, we're going to go into a little more detail than usual so that, by the end of this article, you'll know not only why your cat is behaving this way, but also What can you do in each situation to stop him from biting you and make your relationship calmer?.
Why does a cat bite?
Cats can bite for many different reasons, and sometimes, from a human perspective, it seems like they do it "for no reason." However, for them, there is always a trigger. Biting is part of their natural behaviorThey do it during play, when hunting, in social conflicts, to defend themselves, to ask for space, or even as a sign of affection.
Before assuming your cat is aggressive, it's important to understand something fundamental: A playful bite is not the same as an aggressive biteThe first type of bark is usually softer, not accompanied by hissing or growling, and typically occurs during play or petting. The second type is stronger, often accompanied by scratching, a tense body, ears pinned back, or a stiff tail.
It is also important to differentiate between a kitten in learning stageA kitten, who doesn't yet know how to control the force of their bite, and an adult cat who bites out of fear, frustration, or pain. Understanding these differences will allow us to act appropriately and help them behave better.
Your permanent teeth are coming in
The young kitten, approximately 2 to 4 months old, bites absolutely everything, and when I say everything, I mean everything—what it should bite and what it shouldn't. During this stage, the feline not only has a great curiosity to explore its surroundings, but also, as its permanent teeth are growing in, it experiences discomfort in its gums. To relieve itself, it bites and chews whatever it finds in its path..
At this moment you can biting cablesfurniture, hands, feet, or any moving object. It doesn't do it with the intention of causing harm, but because It is exploring and soothing teething discomfortEven so, if limits are not taught from a young age, as an adult he may continue to use his hands as if they were toys.
Besides teething, many kittens have had little socialization with their mother and siblings. When they play with each other they learn to regulate the force of their bite.Because if they go too far, the game stops. Kittens separated too soon haven't always learned this lesson and tend to play more roughly with people, which is why it's important learn to regulate bite force since we were kids.
What to do?
Have a lot of patienceYes, I know I said it a moment ago, but it really is very, very necessary. Think about it: he's going to want to bite you when you're watching TV, when you're sleeping, when he's hungry, when he sees something move… He won't do it to hurt you, but yes, that's what he'll do.
So that it does not bite or, rather, so that it does it less and less, a toy must be provided each time he intends to biteUse balls, soft toys like mice, feather wands, or plush toys that your cat can catch. This way, it learns that it's acceptable to bite its toys, not your skin.
If he gets on the bed or couch and bites, he will get off (he will come back up, but if he bites, put him back down). Stop the game or interaction when it bites hard It's a very clear way of telling him that the game is over. If it's an adult cat, you can also teach him not to bite this way, although it will require more time and consistency.
It is highly recommended that you never play by directly moving your hands or feet to try to catch them, as this reinforces the idea that they are prey. Always use intermediate toys and keep a small, varied selection so he doesn't get bored.
Now more than ever we will have to be very careful not to leave cables or any object with which you can hurt yourselfUse cable protectors, pick up anything your cat shouldn't chew on, and offer safe alternatives like durable toys or cat-specific chew toys.
Because he wants to play or has excess energy
Cats are natural predators. Even if they live in an apartment and have their food served every day, His hunting instinct is still very much present.Jump on your hands, bite your ankles "When you walk by" or "Looking behind a door" are domestic versions of this behavior.
Many cats, especially young ones and those that spend many hours alone, They bite as part of the gameThey see moving hands and feet as prey, and if they don't get enough physical and mental stimulation, they unleash all that energy on you.
If you've allowed your cat to nibble on your hands with its sharp little teeth since it was a kitten, it will interpret that as permission to continue doing so when it grows up. The problem is that, as an adult, The force of the bite increases and can cause harmalthough his intention remains to play.
There are also cats that bite in order to draw attentionIf they have learned that biting your hand makes you talk to them, look at them, or chase them, they will repeat that behavior because for them it "works".
What to do?
In these cases the key is to redirect the cat's energy into appropriate playSchedule several play sessions a day with wands, balls, or interactive toys that mimic the movement of prey. Let him run, jump, and chase, and always end the game with a "treat" he can catch to keep him satisfied.
Prevent your cat from thinking that your hands or feet are a toy. If it bites you while you're playing, stop the game immediately and stay still.Don't pull your hand away abruptly, as this will further activate its hunting instinct. It's better to gently bring your hand closer to its mouth so it's forced to let go, and then offer it a toy. If it habitually bites your hands while you're playing, learn about Why does it bite the hand that feeds it? to apply specific solutions.
When he plays with his toys without hurting you, you can Reinforce that behavior with gentle words or a small treatThis way, he will learn what kind of play brings positive consequences.
Does not want more caresses
Has it ever happened to you that you were stroking your cat and, without more or less, it has bitten and / or scratched you? There are cats who love to be pampered all day, but there are others who do not. Each cat has a different threshold of tolerance to physical contactAnd when that's overdone, they may react with a bite. That's why it's helpful to understand Why does my cat bite me when I pet him? and where it's safest to touch it.
If a cat starts thrashing its tail from side to side, tapping it against the ground, and if it also flattens its ears, it's because it wants to be left alone. It may also tense its body, stop purring, turn its head toward your hand, or stare intently at the area you're petting. These are clear signs that She's about to say "enough" with her teeth.
What to do?
Watch your cat. Take time to understand your body languageLittle by little you will learn when, where, and how he wants to be petted. Some only tolerate a few minutes, others prefer certain areas (head, cheeks, chin), and many reject having their belly, tail, or paws touched.
I hope it will be of great help to you.We've included this image that might be very helpful:
If you notice that he is restless or irritable, It's best if you don't keep touching it and just ignore it for a while.Do not force him to stay in your lap or hold him when he tries to leave; for a cat, not being able to escape is very stressful and increases the likelihood of a bite.
Before petting a cat you don't know well, introduce yourself slowly, let it smell you, and first offer gentle strokes on its head, neck, and chin. Always respect their signalsIf they turn away, if they lower their ears, or if they tense up their body, it's time to stop.
Feel fear, stress, or frustration
If you are afraid and / or are tense, could attack a personeven its caregiver. For example, if you've adopted a dog and your cat has never had contact with dogs, it will most likely hide. Or, if someone is harassing it and it can't find a way to escape, it will resort to action, meaning it will bite and/or scratch to defend itself.
Cats are especially sensitive to changes in their environment: moving, renovations, loud noises, the arrival of another cat or a baby… All of this can cause stress. stress, insecurity, and defensive behaviorsIn some cases, they may even bite a person who is completely innocent of the stimulus that upset them: this is called redirected aggression.
For example, a cat that sees another unfamiliar feline through the window may become agitated and go into defensive mode. If you try to pick it up to "calm it down" at that moment, it may turn around and bite you because it's in the middle of a fight. aggressive response towards the stimulus that it cannot reach.
What to do?
In these situations it is extremely important find out the cause of the fear and try to calm the cat downSo, if you're afraid of the new family member, it will be necessary socialize it little by little And gradually, by having the new member (provided it is a dog or cat, of course) in one room for a few days and swapping their beds, giving them both lots of love and treats at the same time, playing with both of them, and trying to keep the atmosphere at home calm.
When it comes to redirected aggression, Do not attempt to touch or hold the cat while it is highly excited.Give it space, offer hiding places and high areas where it can retreat, and wait for it to relax. Then you can address the underlying issue (for example, by blocking its view of the window or by introducing it to other animals in more controlled situations).
If someone is harassing your cat, you should try to stop that person or pet from doing it. If it's a person, you need to explain that cats are very sensitive animals and that they need to be treated with respect. avoid rough play or chasingIf it's a furry animal, you have to keep a close eye on it, spend as much time as possible with both animals, playing, giving them affection, etc., so that little by little they will at least learn to tolerate each other.
Some cats are afraid of people from a young age due to a lack of socialization in their first weeks of life or because of bad experiences. In these cases, and whenever the bites are frequent or severe, It is highly recommended to consult with a veterinarian specializing in behavior or a feline ethologist., so that they can assess whether it is normal behavior or a behavioral problem and establish a work plan.
Nibbles of love
And we end up with those little nibbles that don't hurt. The cat he gives them when he feels overwhelmed by so many caresses Or very relaxed beside you. Sometimes it lightly rests its teeth on your skin without clenching, hissing, or showing any signs of tension. In many cases, it's simply its way of showing social interaction, as if to say, "That's enough cuddling for now," or a curious form of affection.
These gentle bites are not accompanied by growling, nor does the cat seem angry. Normally, the body is relaxedIt may continue purring and stay by your side. Even so, if the intensity increases or if it becomes annoying to you, it's also a good idea to set limits to prevent the play from becoming more rough.
What to do?
Stop stroking himHe'll probably be back for more in a little while. If you want him to understand that this type of bite ends contact, you can calmly withdraw your hand and ignore him for a few seconds. With repetition, your cat will begin to associate that When he uses his mouth, the contact ends, but when he is calm, the caresses continue..
If you enjoy these little nibbles and they aren't painful, simply observe and make sure they don't escalate. If your dog starts to bite too hard, redirect their attention to a toy and maintain a positive interaction.
How to act if your cat bites you
Whatever the cause, there are some general guidelines that will help you improve the situation. It is not advisable to yell at him, punish him, or hit him.Besides being unfair, it will only increase their fear and worsen aggressive behavior. Also avoid actions that might reinforce the behavior in the animal, such as impulsive responses or physical punishment, and look for alternatives based on positive reinforcement and prevention. You can read more about why this isn't advisable. punish him or hit him to understand better options.
When your cat bites you, try not to pull your hand away abruptly. To him, that quick movement is like escaped prey and can make him bite harder. Stay calm, bring your hand closer to their mouth to help them relax, and redirect their attention to a toy..
Whenever he does something right (playing with his toys, letting you pet him without biting, approaching you in a friendly way), you can use the positive reinforcementGentle words, affectionate touches, or a small treat will gradually reinforce the behaviors that bring him positive experiences.
In addition, create an enriched environment at home: scratching posts, high shelves, hiding places, tunnels, and cardboard boxes help the cat Spend energy and reduce stressA bored or frustrated cat is much more likely to release that tension through biting or scratching.
How to treat a cat bite
Cat bites should not be taken lightly as they can cause serious infections. In a high percentage of bites, bacteria are present in the cat's mouth. that can enter your body through the wound; that's why it's important to know the possible complications of a bite.
Untreated bites can cause fever and complications that will require antibiotics and, in some cases, booster shots. Whenever the skin is pierced, it's advisable to monitor the area. during the following hours and days.
If you suffer a cat bite you should Clean the wound with soap and water. Wash thoroughly, let the water run for a while, and use a suitable disinfectant. Avoid home remedies that may further irritate the skin.
If you notice that the wound becomes hot, red, oozes, or if you have severe pain or fever, consult a healthcare professional immediately. Don't take these types of injuries lightly.especially if the bite is deep or is in the hands and joints.
DISCOVER Why your cat bites you and how to respond correctly It will help you prevent future incidents, improve their well-being and enjoy a much more harmonious coexistence, based on mutual respect, observation and good feline-human communication.