Why cats bite and how to stop it

By Kristia Goodnight

Cat owners love the perks and quirks of their feline companions. Cats can be friendly, playful, affectionate, cuddly creatures. But sometimes they seem to bite out of nowhere, leaving owners confused. Why your cat bites can be based on several reasons, but there are options to stop this unwanted – and sometimes painful reaction.

Why do cats bite?

Adult cats bite for various reasons, and the context behind the behavior can help determine the cause. Here are some common reasons why a cat may bite:

Natural play behavior: Cats often play-bite as a way to interact. Both kittens and adult cats play by mimicking hunting and fighting actions.

Defensive behavior: Cats can bite when they feel threatened or cornered (like when they need to take a pill). This is a defensive protective response.

Overstimulation: Some cats may become overstimulated during petting or play, leading them to bite as a way of expressing their discomfort.

Medical issues: Pain due to underlying health problems can also prompt a cat to bite. It's important to rule out any medical issues if your cat's behavior suddenly changes.

Communication: Cats use biting as a form of communication. They may bite to signal that they want to be left alone, to get your attention, or use gentle bites, known as ‘love bites’ to show affection.

Why do kittens bite?

Kittens simply may not yet understand that biting hurts. Typically through play with their littermates and interactions with their mothers, kittens learn proper socialization, including bite inhibition.

If a kitten is separated before learning these skills they may need help understanding that biting is not appreciated. A well-adapted adult cat is a great teacher, but humans can train kittens not to bite with a few simple tactics and some patience.

Kittens may also bite during the teething process (typically around 4 months old) in an effort to alleviate their discomfort.

Why does my cat lick me and then bite me?

Licking is often a sign of affection from your cat. Mother cats groom their kittens, and bonded cats in colonies groom each other. This is called allogrooming and is foundational to cat relationships.

Allogrooming is one of the primary ways in which cats bond. When grooming, cats will also gently nibble or bite, and this behavior translates to their humans, these gentle bites are known as love bites.

Cats often express their comfort and affection with physical signs like purring, licking, kneading (making biscuits), and love bites. If your cat is grooming you, they trust you and feel a connection with you.

Why do cats bite when you pet them?

Cats have a threshold for how much physical interaction they can tolerate. This threshold varies from cat to cat and even day to day. Overpetting or petting in sensitive areas may lead to overstimulation, causing your cat to respond with a bite to stop the stimulation.

Some cats are more sensitive than others to being touched. However, certain areas of most cat's bodies, like the belly, are typically particularly sensitive. If you touch these areas, your cat may react with a quick bite to set a firm boundary.

To manage petting aggression in your cat, you can:

Why does my cat bite me gently?

When a cat bites gently, it can be due to a few reasons. Your cat could gently bite you as a way of seeking attention. If they want to play, be petted, or need their food bowl topped off, they may use gentle biting as a form of communication. It's a way for them to express their needs or frustration.

Cats also have a natural instinct to play, and they may engage in play biting. If a cat has been previously encouraged to play with fingers or toes, it can develop a habit of gently biting during play. While gentle biting is often a normal and harmless behavior, it's important to monitor the intensity and context of the biting so it doesn’t evolve into problematic behavior.

Can cat bites be dangerous?

While many cat bites are minor and don't cause severe harm, there are situations where cat bites can be dangerous. Cats have bacteria in their mouths, and a bite can introduce these bacteria into the human body.

If a cat bite breaks the skin, it can lead to cellulitis, which is an infection of the deeper layers of the skin. Bacterial infections from cat bites can even lead to the formation of abscesses. In severe cases, cat bites can lead to infections in joints or tendons, which may require medical intervention.

In addition, the bacterium responsible for cat scratch fever, can be transmitted through bites even though it’s more commonly associated with scratches.

What should I do if a cat bites me?

If bitten, make a startled noise and pull your hand away. If a cat bites and won't let go, push in toward the bite to prompt the cat to release your hand.

Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible. Consult a healthcare professional promptly, especially if the bite is deep, shows signs of infection, or if the cat's rabies vaccination status is unknown.

Will a cat bite cause rabies?

While any mammal, including cats, can potentially carry and transmit the rabies virus, the risk of contracting rabies from a cat bite varies based on several factors.

Outside cats that have contact with wildlife may be at a higher risk of contracting rabies. Bites from wild animals, such as raccoons or bats, carry a higher risk of rabies transmission.

If possible, determine the rabies vaccination status of the cat. If the cat is vaccinated, the risk of rabies transmission is significantly lower. If the cat is not up-to-date on its rabies vaccinations, it may be necessary to report the bite to local health authorities.

It's essential to note that rabies is a serious and potentially fatal viral infection. While rabies is relatively rare in domesticated cats, taking precautions and seeking medical attention promptly after a bite is the best way to reduce the risk of transmission.

How to tell if my cat is going to bite

Cats often communicate their feelings through body language rather than meowing, and being attuned to these signals can help prevent bites. Common cues that a cat may bite include:

It's important to note that interpreting a cat's body language is both cat and context-dependent. If you notice any of these cues, it's best to give your cat some space. Understanding and respecting boundaries is foundational to a solid relationship with your cat.

How to stop cat biting?

Stopping cat biting involves a combination of understanding your cat's behavior, using training techniques, and creating an environment that encourages positive interactions. Here are some strategies to help stop cat biting:

Redirect biting: Encourage positive play behavior by redirecting your cat's attention to appropriate toys or objects. This helps them associate biting with acceptable items.

Offer interactive toys: Providing toys that mimic prey can satisfy a cat's natural hunting instincts. Interactive toys, such as feather wands or puzzle feeders, offer a safe outlet for biting behavior.

Understand and respect touch preferences: Each cat has unique preferences for touch. Pay attention to how your cat responds to petting and adjust your approach accordingly. Some cats may prefer gentle strokes, while others may be more sensitive.

Listen to your cat's body language: Cats communicate through body language. Be attentive to signs of discomfort or overstimulation, such as flattened ears or a twitching tail. Responding appropriately can prevent biting.

Seek consent: Allow your cat to initiate interactions and respect their boundaries. Offering choices in terms of play and affection can empower the cat and reduce frustration.

Two kittens are better than one: If possible, consider adopting more than one cat, especially if they are kittens. Playful interactions between kittens can provide an outlet for their energy and biting tendencies.

Use positive reinforcement: Reward good behavior with treats or praise. Positive reinforcement helps reinforce desired actions.

How do you discipline a cat for biting?

You should never discipline a cat for biting. This can make them more aggressive and fearful of you - which can trigger more biting. If biting behavior persists or becomes problematic, seek advice from your veterinarian or a professional animal behaviorist.

Kristia Goodnight is a freelance SEO Content Marketing Strategist with a specialty in pet content. She writes for multiple national brands on pet health, medical, care and grooming, nutrition, lifestyle, and training. Tia and her husband have two rescue cats, who share a passion for ear rubs and destroying her favorite armchair.