Well, cats are predators by nature and by birth. So, biting, pinching, scratching, and aggressive behavior are parts of their character. Feral cats are like tigers. So, biting is very normal for them. But what about pet cats?
Pet cats live with humans. When they’re kittens, biting is normal because it may be part of their playing. You may take it as fun. But when they reach adulthood, biting is not so fun.
The teeth of the cat become shaper than the kittenhood. So biting at this stage is dangerous because teeth contain germs and venoms. If the affected area isn’t treated properly and left untreated, it may cause infection and be more dangerous.
You have toddlers and children in your family. So, they must be kept safe from biting pets like cats, dogs, and other animals.
To keep safe from cat biting, first of all, you need to know the reasons; then, you can solve the problem. Look, kittens and cats are different. They have different reasons.
In this article, I’ll explain the reasons for cats and kittens separately. At first, the reasons for the kitten’s biting.
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The reasons for kitten’s biting
When a kitten comes from a veterinarian’s office to its owner’s house, the owner and his family are the most trustable and adorable kittens. But it is not a new thing that the kittens can bite their owner and his family.
Of course, there is a reason behind the biting of the kittens. Kittens between 2 weeks to 7 months tend to bite. The reasons are:
- Bitings are very normal behavior for predators. As cats are predators, so learning to bite is very important for their survival because cats and tigers both begin spaying by catching and biting. During kittenhood, they bite each other. It is a part of their game.
- Biting is also part of a cat’s learning process. We, humans, learn all life long. But animals’ learning period is only their kittenhood. So, kittens bite to learn how to survive, spaying, and defend themself. The kittens experience new things and tastes in their mouths, just like puppies and human babies.
- Biting can be love bites. It is very confusing when your kitten gives you love bites to express their love by biting you. You’ll see the difference in their facial expression, whether it is a love bite or not. If it is a love bite, then they look happy to bite you.
- Animals’ behavior is appreciable when they are babies. So, when kittens take some nibbles, play, or jump, their owners appreciate it. So, kittens get used to being appreciated, so they bite to get your attention to remind you that you forget to appreciate them.
- Playing with your kitten is funny, but if you play with him roughly, it may be encouraged to bite you. By biting, it wants to tell you that you’re not behaving properly. So, don’t play with them roughly because if the kitten adapts the behavior in him, it may be continued till their adulthood.
- It can be a part of their socializing. Litter-mates nip each other, and it is very much normal. They learn what is acceptable or what is not from the other kittens. So, if a kitten is taken away from its mother before 16 weeks of age, it can’t learn right or wrong.
- Teething can be a reason for a kitten’s biting. It is normal in humans. Kittens feel discomfort during teething and bite whatever they get in front of them.
- Maybe your kitten was separated from its mother before the time period of 16 weeks. From birth moment to 16 weeks of age, a kitten learns from its mother. Those 16 weeks are very much important. So, they may bite.
- One funny reason is that your kitten can bite you as a response to your treatment. Unknown people and other animals can also cause your kitten’s biting. They defend themself by biting.
- They also can bite because of any sickness and pain as animals can’t talk, so they express their feelings through aggressive behavior. If they’re feeling any pain, they often bite others.
- If the owner or their family members misbehave with the cat, it can be a prime reason for the kittens. Animals never tolerate misbehavior and become vindictive. So, if you misbehave with them, they will become mischievous.
- Getting hurt can be another reason. If kittens get hurt by anyone, then they bite them.
How to stop the biting habit of kittens:
Some reasons for the kitten’s biting may be normal. You don’t need to be worried, but some reasoning may develop with their growing age. So, whatever the reason is, you better stop the biting habit of your cat.
- Never punish your kitten for biting:
Do you know reaction encourages bad behavior? So, if you punish your kitten for biting, it will become more aggressive.
- Respond gently to their biting:
Animals learn by positive reinforcement, not by punishment. So, don’t spray water or scold your kitten if it bites you. Otherwise, you will get frightened and distressed from you.
- Provide him with plenty of toys:
Like human babies, kittens need toys during their kittenhood. So, provide a lot of toys and encourage it to play with those toys so that it can’t get time to bite anyone.
- Have patience:
You must be patient while you’re trying to teach your kitten something. If your kitten repeats bad behavior, then act with him just as you usually do. If you get impatient, then it won’t bring any good results. So, patience is a must.
- The reward for good behavior:
It always remains fruitful when an animal is praised for its good things. So, cats are not different from it. When your kitten does anything good, you must praise him so that he will be encouraged to develop goodies and remove baddies from him.
- Don’t encourage rough playing:
If you play with your kitten roughly, he’ll surely learn rough playing. So, never let your kitten get over-excited. And if you see that the kitten is getting over-excited, then wrap up the playing session for that day.
- Provide him with teething toys:
If you can identify that your kitten is biting for teething, bring teething toys so they can practice biting with the toys and don’t bother you.
- Don’t hold your kitten’s toys:
While you’re playing with your kitten, don’t hold toys in your hands. Keep them aloof from you so your kitten can’t target your hand to bite. You can use wands, cat teasers, or fishing rod toys. You also can use stuffed tick toys, laser pointers, or tunnels.
- Hand clapping method:
When your kitty bites you, then try your best not to scream. It will make your kitty frighted and nervous. You clap your hand and say, ‘No, don’t do this.”
Repeat the clapping method whenever you need it.
- The ‘ouch’ method:
When your kitten bites you, you should say, ‘Ouch’ loudly, clearly, and sharply. Your kitten will be aware of your pain and will leave you. As it leaves you, you will turn your hands slowly. Don’t touch him then because if you touch him, he’ll understand that you want to play with him. Then he’ll be encouraged to bite you again, as biting is a part of their playing.
- Stop playing:
If your witty kitten bites you, you will turn your hand away and stop touching your kitty for that time. If you see that your kitty is trying to engage you in playing, just take him off your lap and go away. Don’t pay any attention to your kitty.
If you ignore him, he will realize that he has done something wrong. Remember that where power does not work, tricks must work there. So, you have to be tricky and make your kitten bound to leave the biting habit.
After you, don’t pet or adore him for a while and let him understand that he has done something wrong. For this reason, you’re ignoring him.
- Adopting more kittens:
This is another effective way to stop your aggressive kitten from biting you. But the idea does not apply to all cats because all families cannot accommodate another kitten. But if it is possible for you, then go ahead.
When your aggressive kitten gets a playmate, he will stay busy with him and won’t get time or reason to bite another species. Besides, another kitten won’t mind being bitten. You also can bring an adult cat so that the adult cat can teach socializing and do’s and don’ts to the kitten.
- Avoid sensitive areas of the cat’s body:
There are some areas of the cat’s body that are belly and paw areas. So, whenever you’re playing with or cuddling your kitty, remember that they don’t like to be touched to the belly and paws area. They become defensive and aggressive when they get hurt in those areas. So, be careful about that.
- Give the kittens some time:
If your kitten bites you, just leave him in his room alone for some time and shut the door. Don’t go to him or let anyone go. Your kitten may have become overstimulated. So, he needs some time to re-arrange him.
Open the door after 15 minutes. He may have fallen asleep. It usually happened in this case. When your kitty wakes up, forget the biting for that time. So, adore him or her and give some food.
- Demolish his boredom:
Your kitten may get bored. So, you need to give him something new so that he can’t his boredom can be demolished. Da Bird or other teaser toys can be a great choice. Keep 15 minutes of the play session.
Besides, you also can get a laser-beam-typed toy or very dangling-fingered gloves so that you can understand that hands are not toys.
Besides, you also need to bring a scratching post so that your kitten can stay more busy.
- Become a cat mom:
Sounds funny, right? But it is an effective way. Feline mothers use the hissing sound to stop their kitten’s misbehavior. Hissing sound means snake-like sounds. It means ‘stop .’So, when your kitten misbehaves with you, apply his species technique.
The rest talks:
In spite of your and your family’s best tries and applying all the techniques, if your kitten doesn’t stop biting or misbehaving, then it is a serious problem, and you have to go to the vet or feline behavior specialist. They often go to the problematic cat’s home and observe the animals’ activities and give concrete tips and solutions to solve the problem.
Can kittens grow without biting?
Without any serious physical or behavioral issues, biting is a normal thing. Don’t think that your cat won’t be normal. With growing age, the biting habit won’t be visible in him, and he will become mellow.
If your kitten stays with adult cats, he will learn more socializing and grow without biting. You have to keep patience, after all. Consistent discipline and teaching can make your cat a well-socialized cat.
The reasons for cats biting:
I have mentioned before that the reasons are different for cats’ and kitten’s biting habits. I have told you the details about the kitten’s biting and solutions. Now, I will talk about cat biting and solutions.
Cats are very mysterious animals. Their behavior makes them mysterious. Sometimes they can bite the owners and family members with whom the cats have been living for years.
Of course, there are some reasons behind the strange behaviors. Such as-
- Growing age:
Growing age and old days make animals insecure, mischievous, and aggressive. As too old people often behave unexpectedly. It is called the ‘consequence of old age.’ so animals face the same situation in old age. So, cats bite humans and other animals.
- Genetic reason:
Every animal species has some genetic characteristics. So, cats are not different. Affresisve cat parents’ kittens are also aggressive. So, if aggressiveness is in a cat’s heredity, it can also be aggressive. Biting is a sign of aggressiveness.
- As the owner, so the cat:
Cats develop their owner’s character in them. If a cat lives in an abusive and uncomfortable environment, where the family members quarrel and abuse one another, then the cat develops the characteristic in him and becomes aggressive. So, they also develop biting habits in them.
- For a vital change in their lives:
Shifting to another place, the arrival of another pet, a baby, or a person can be the reason for biting and aggressiveness. Some cats don’t like change, such as Russian Blue, Sphynx cat, and some other cat breeds. So, they get upset and obsessed with this. So, they become aggressive and bite.
- Separation anxiety:
Some owners are very much busy. They don’t give enough time to their cats. Some cats be left alone for long hours. For those reasons, they feel separation anxiety. This is the reason for biting.
- Depression and shock:
The sickness or death of the owner or any other reason can make a cat deeply depressed and shocked, as animals can’t talk. So, they express their depression by biting.
- Any fear or insecurity:
Being attacked by someone or a family member can make a cat aggressive and biting. When anyone hurts a cat’s belly or paws, they become very angry, and out of anger, they can bite anyone. If a new pet comes to the house, then your cat may become insecure that he’ll be ignored now.
- If any child or toddler pokes a cat:
Some cats don’t like children’s misbehavior. So, if a cat gets poked or annoyed by children, he can bite them.
- Getting hurt during playtime, grooming, and taking care:
Don’t stimulate your cat to play roughly. If he plays roughly, then it is very much possible that he may get rough. Besides, when you groom your cat, be very much careful that your cat does not get hurt. Otherwise, he may bite you.
- Neurological issue:
Old cats are prone to be affected by the cognatic decline. Neurological issues can occur at any stage. A brain tumor is another reason for getting aggressive and biting.
- Excessive petting and cuddling:
Cats love to cuddle or pet. But it has a limit. Excessive petting may cause them to touch their belly. So, they don’t like it, and as a result, they may bite you.
- Lifting and touching their tails:
Cats don’t like to be lifted. So, if anyone lifts them for a long while and touches their tails, they become very much uncomfortable and bite the person.
- Female cats have hormonal fluctuation problems. So, they often misbehave and bite people.
- For mating needs:
Mating needs are one of the ancient needs of animals. Young cats are prone to this problem. When mating season comes, if a young cat sees another young cat, he or she becomes aggressive. So, they express their aggressiveness by biting someone.
- For territorial behavior:
When a young male cat meets another young male cat, they become excited and aggressive because of jealousy and fear of losing territory. So, biting can be their expression for those issues.
Why do cats bite their owners?
It is a matter of sorrow that cats often even bite their owners. The owners are the most adorable, trusted, and beloved to them. So, why do they bite their owners? It is not a normal matter. So, as a cat owner, you must know the reason. Who knows that someday your kitty will bite you?
If your cat bites their owners, the reasons are psychological, not physical. No cat owners beat or give physical punishment to their cats. But there are some inner reasons that a cat can bite its owner. The reasons are-
- Cats are very sensitive animals. They can’t tolerate even simple dissimilarities. If any change occurs in a cat’s owner’s life, then a cat may get anxious to be separated from his owner. The changes are- getting married or having and girlfriend or boyfriend, the arrival of a baby, or bringing home a new pet.
Some cat breeds are famous for their possessiveness to their owners.
- When a cat estimates their owners only as a playmate, the animals cannot understand the differences between relationships. They don’t understand that all relations are not for all things and may estimate their owners as a playmate.
As biting is a part of their playing, so biting is normal for them.
- Another reason can be that if they get hurt or in pain during grooming or bathing, they may think the owner willingly hurt them. So, as a return behavior, they can bite their owner.
- Decreased attention:
If you had a lot of time for your cat before, but now you are a bit careless about your kitty, so your kitty gets hurt and can bite you as a return gift.
- The most astonishing reason is- if your cat can understand that you are a bad person. Maybe you’re good for your cat, but your bad characteristic can be a reason that your cat doesn’t like you and bites you.
How to stop your cat from biting:
Stopping your cat from biting is mandatory. Otherwise, your cat will be abandoned by you. There are so toddlers and children in our families. So, we have to be careful about preventing our cat’s biting behavior.
- Identify the cause first:
Any problem can’t be solved without identifying the reason. So, try to know why your cat is behaving like this. ‘Well begun is half half-done.’ so, if the reason is curable, then you must start the process as soon as possible.
The reasons may not be identified easily. So, you have to keep a keen eye on your cat’s behavior and gait.
- Calm down first. Don’t be abusive to others. I have already told them that ‘As the owner, so the cat.’ Cats develop their owner’s behavior in them. So, if you want that your cat doesn’t get aggressive and bite others- correct yourself first.
- The consequence is mandatory:
Every time your cat bites you or others, keep him separate from you a few times in his room. The separation will help him to calm down from the excitement and realize that he has done anything wrong. That’s why you have given him the ‘time-out.’
Make sure that when your cat needs the litter box, he can use it, and the supply of food and water should be as before.
- Talk to your cat and give him some extra time:
Talking and discussing is the best solution ever. So, you need to talk to your cat to understand if there is any inner reason that is bothering your cat and he is expressing the botheration by biting others.
- Give your cat a feline companion:
Keeping 2 cats together is not an easy task and also not possible for everyone. But if your cat is misbehaving and biting people because of loneliness, then it is better to bring another cat so that he can get a playmate.
- Maintain a routine and schedule for your cat:
If your cat stays under strict rules and regulations, then the chances of biting will be less. Make sure that everyone in your family and even the guests and strangers, also follow the same rules.
- You shouldn’t play with your cat with bare hands:
You have to make your cat understand that your hands and fingers are not toys. So, always use special gloves that are designed for playing with pets.
- Provide your cat with some interactive toys:
Keep engaging your cat in playing so that he stays busy and doesn’t think about biting people.
- React by making noise:
When your cat bites you, always make a sound so that your cat understands that you’re getting hurt and he should leave you. Then leave him alone and walk away.
Don’t touch or pet your cat at that time because if you do this. Your cat will understand that he has done anything wrong, and for this reason, you have gone away. Doing this will help your cat become aggressive again.
- If your cat bites your and is not letting you go, then you shouldn’t pull your hand and scold your cat. Rather you push your hand and arm towards your cat so that your cat understands that biting is a normal thing and he should leave it. If you pull your hand to you, then your cat will be encouraged to bite your more. It is actually a mind game with your cat.
- Training is an effective way to keep your cat away from biting:
You can give your cat clicker training as a reward. Suppose you are walking by your cat, and your cat bites you for some reason. The reasons are not always clear. Then teach him to sit.
Then you give him some food and take pictures of him. It is called clicker training. Cats are not comfortable in front of the camera. So, clicker training will make them brave and confident in front of the camera.
Besides, your cat will understand that if he sits, then you’ll give him a treat. So, he won’t be excited to bute anyone.
- Never give your cat physical punishment:
Remember one thing; physical punishment can never be a solution. It is true for both humans and animals. So, never punish your cat for its misbehavior. This kind of punishment will make them protective, aroused, fight back, and rough playing.
The treatment for cat biting:
Cat biting is dangerous both for humans and other animals. You may get serious infections. So, the affected area should be treated as soon as possible. So, go to a doctor or hospital immediately.
More than 75% of cat bites carry harmful bacteria. Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Pasturella Species are included in it. There is a cat scratch fever which comes from Bartonella henselae. It is also spread by a cat bite.
The symptoms of cat biting appear within some hours of a cat’s biting. Those are harmful to the hands, joints, and tendons.
- First of all, wash the affected area to flush out the bacteria. It may be painful for you but very much necessary. You may have bleeding but tolerate it for the well-being of your cat.
- Keep washing with soap and water, and use a soft towel to wipe out the wound area.
- In the third step, go to the doctor. He will examine the wound and must prescribe you some antibiotics. I hope any stitch won’t be needed, but if needed, then do as the doctor advises you.
The doctor also may inject you with a Tetanus Booster if the date of your previous booster has expired.
After the doctor’s treatment, take very good care of yourself. Keeping the wound area clean is mandatory. Look for any infections, including redness, oozing, swelling, pain, or fever- all the signs are not good. So, go to the doctor for the second time.
What to do if the cat’s biting behavior continues?
If you see that in spite of all your efforts and trying your cat isn’t leaving its biting behavior and continuing it, you must take professional help. Go to the veterinarian or a feline behavior expert. They even go to the cat’s home to observe the cat’s behavior. The experts will give you concrete solutions to the problem.
Most cats’ behavioral issues are curable, and you don’t need to send your cat to a shelter home.
Why does your cat bite you during your snoozing time?
Have you ever woken up be bitten by your witty kitty? If yes, then do you know the reason behind the unexpected behavior? All pet owners need to know it.
Look, cats are very much curious animals. Except for their long nap time, they always find something interesting with which they can stay busy. So, if it is nighttime and your cat doesn’t see a food bowl full of food or any interesting toy, or any companion, then their attention gets fixed on their sleeping owners.
The cats cover their faces, raise their butts, and bite on their owner’s hands, fingers, and feet. That means they’re telling you to wake up.
To avoid the unexpected situation, you should provide some automated and interactive cat toys and a little food so that your cat won’t get bored and stay busy during the night time. As cats are nocturnal, so, they keep active at night time.
Do Siamese cats bite more than other cats?
Well, all cats bite. Biting is a part of their playing, learning, and some other behavioral signs. But is there any particular cat breed that bites more than other cat breeds? The answer is yes. The Siamese cat breed bites so much.
It does not matter how friendly your cat is with you. How do you treat him, and how good and delicious food do you provide to your cat, keep him clean and well-groomed and also provide him with a very comfortable household?
All your efforts can be failed, and your Siamese can bite you. Usually, Siamese cats are very much active, playful, smart, intelligent, aggressive, and vocal cat breeds. Their meowing can wake up the dead. So, it is not abnormal that they can bite more than other cats.
Now, let’s check out the reasons why Siamese cats bite so much.
The most common reasons for the biting of Siamese are:
- Territorial issues:
Siamese cats are very much strong and territorial. They become aggressive and defensive if they see that their territory is in danger. Not aggressively, but as a warning sign, they bite other animals and humans also.
If a thing clearly belongs to your Siamese, and if anyone is trying to snatch it away from the cat, then he will definitely bite him and defend the thing.
- Aggressive behavior towards another cat:
The problem is available more in male cats. When a young male cat sees another young male cat around him may, be in the neighborhood, then the Siamese cat becomes aggressive. Even, sometimes only smelling another cat’s and hearing meowing can make a Siamese aggressive. Jealousy makes them aggressive and uncomfortable.
Sometimes there is a more funny reason works behind it. 2 male cats (1 Siamese) can fight and bite one another for a female cat.
The same thing happens among female Siamese cats too. If a female Siamese sees another female cat, then she fights with the cat for a male cat.
- Playfulness:
Siamese cats are very much sociable and playful. They can’t stay alone and want to spend time with their family. So, out of playfulness, they often bite others as a part of their play. When they play with their species, they bite each other, and they don’t mind. As animals can’t make a difference between their own and other species, they think that humans are also like them and they can bite humans.
- Stress and discomfort:
If your Siamese is in stress and uncomfortable with his life, then it can be a cause for biting. Your Siamese can be stressed for many reasons, such as lack of attention and loneliness, any unexpected change in the house or location change, etc.
If you notice some signs of anxiety and stress in your Siamese cat, then be sure that your cat is stressed and uncomfortable in his life. The signs are- disinterest in playing and food and leatheriness.
- Physical sickness:
You should check if any physical sickness is bothering your Siamese or not. Biting can be for physical sickness also. Siamese cats are prone to some diseases like- dental and gum problems, gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes, liver diseases, pancreatitis, and kidney and urinary tract problem.
So, you must take your Siamese to the vet for a check-up. If he is biting for a physical reason, then it will be solved.
How to solve your Siamese cat’s biting problem?
There are 2 ways that you can keep your Siamese aloof. The ways are- 1. Find out the cause of stress, 2. Encourage your cat to have good behavior, 3. Treatment of physical disease.
- Find out the cause of stress:
Talk to your cat and give it more time to understand it’s a problem. Sometimes stress and mental problems can’t be understood easily. It may take time. So, you must be patient and consistent with your cat.
- Encourage your cat to have good behavior:
If it is a behavioral problem, then reinforce your cat with positivity so that he can develop a good character and behavior in him and can realize that biting is a bad behavior and should be left.
- Treatment of physical disease.
Physical disease should be treated in time. Otherwise, it can turn into a very serious problem.
