Does your cat regularly bite your hand, feet, or calf? Despite all the love you give them, this behavior harms your relationship and leaves you with some nice scars. You’re probably wondering why your beloved cat, whom you feed and cherish so much, behaves like this.
Don’t worry, if your cat bites you, it’s not by chance or for fun. You need to find and understand the cause of these frequent bites so you can put a stop to this behavior for good.
But why is my cat biting me?
Maybe because you taste like their favorite wet food... Who knows?
Jokes aside, no matter how much you love them, their bites are not so pleasant. Getting bitten all the time isn’t very fun.
First, try to observe in which situations your cat bites you. When you come home? When you play? When you pet them in a specific area? Depending on the situation, there are several explanations for this behavior:
#1 Your cat is bored
If your little companion bites you, it might be because they're bored; make sure they get their daily dose of playtime. Mental stimulation and activity levels are important for a cat to feel good in their mind and paws. Even indoor cats need to satisfy their hunting instincts!
#2 They were weaned too early
It’s the mother cat who teaches her kittens how to manage the intensity of their bites. It’s possible your cat was separated from their mother too early and didn’t fully learn this important lesson.
#3 They were taught to play with your hands
It’s also possible that when your cat was younger, you taught them to play with your hands. They may now consider your hands as toys, which seems quite logical to them.
#4 Your cat is in pain
If your usually calm cat bites you when you pet them in a specific area, they might be in pain. A trip to the vet is highly recommended!
#5 They have "Tiger Syndrome"
When a kitten isn’t properly weaned, socialized, or introduced to community life, they may develop what is called "Tiger Syndrome". You may notice a quick change in behavior, with your cat going from calm to aggressive, exhibiting biting and scratching. This syndrome is more common in cats who suffer from stress, anxiety, and boredom, but especially in those with improper diets.
A cat that isn’t fed enough or doesn’t receive enough meals throughout the day may develop psychological issues due to a sense of lack. Their predatory instincts can kick in and lead to aggression. It’s highly recommended to feed your cat at least four meals a day.
Note that this feeling of lack can also affect their gluttonous behavior. A frustrated cat tends to eat very fast, even too fast. Their small stomach can’t handle this rapid eating, causing them to vomit. Don’t hesitate to read our article about this issue: My cat eats too fast: Why and what to do?
My cat bites me: How should I react to this behavior?
You’re tired of being bitten by your cat, and we get it! If you think the cause of this behavior is boredom, feel free to provide some toys. Especially if your cat lives indoors. A fishing rod, a feather toy, a scratching post, or even a cat tree will definitely make them happy.
During your play sessions together, don’t extend your hand or foot to play with them. Instead, use a toy. Even a bottle cap tied to a string can keep them entertained for a long time! Also, note that our Ziggy box can be turned into a little hideout. An ideal hideaway for your little cat 😺 They can also have fun with our awesome Cat'Mobile. Let the whiskers fly!
Theia in her hideout and Topaz in their Ziggy Cat'Mobile.
During a play session, if your cat bites you, you need to say "NO" firmly and stop playing for a few minutes to allow them to calm down.
If you think your cat suffers from Tiger Syndrome, discuss it with your vet during a consultation. They can help you calm down this behavior by adjusting their diet and possibly giving them treatment to help them relax.
Whatever the situation, remember that our cats sometimes need solitude. It’s important to respect their nature for your cohabitation to go smoothly. Sometimes, it's better to let them be alone for a moment, and wait until they decide to come give you a cuddle!
J’ai adopté un petit chat abandonné qui me mordait les mollets tous les matins. Je pensai qu’il me reclamait à manger. Pourtant je le nourrissait bien. Ses gamelles étaient toujours pleines et à disposition. La comportementaliste m’a expliquée qu’il fallait lui dire NON bien distinctement. J’ai suivi ses conseils et après quelques semaines il a complètement arrêté de me mordre. Maintenant il vient se frotter à mes jambes le matin au réveil.
Bonjour Romane,
Avec plaisir. Si vous avez la moindre question, n’hésitez pas à nous contacter 😺
Merci pour c’est petite information…
En septembre je vais peut être avoir un chat je voulais me renseigner un petit peu sur votre site .
Merci beaucoup.
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