Cats bite for numerous reasons. Biting is very common in kittens, but usually cats stop biting as they get older. Kittens bite because they are very playful creatures, and biting is a fun game for them!
Your cat is most likely biting you because he is playing a game. Cats bite a lot when they are playing. Unfortunately, cats don’t always know when to stop playing, and sometimes they can hurt you when they bite.
Sometimes when a cat is playing, it has a hard time setting the boundary between playing with you and hurting you.
Your cat may also be biting you to warn you that he does not like something. For example, if you are petting your cat on his stomach, he may bite you softly to warn you that he does not like it.
If your cat is biting you hard or is displaying aggressive behavior, there could be something wrong with him, especially if the behavior is out of the ordinary. You should take your cat to see a veterinarian if he is acting out of character.
Cats may bite more frequently after undergoing a declaw surgery. Cats use their claws to grip objects. After a cat’s claws are removed, he has nothing to grip objects with except his teeth. Therefore, after your cat is declawed, he may bite objects (or you) instead of using his paws.
Cats may also bite if you have various scents on your hands. For example, if you were recently cooking with meat or other yummy foods, your cat may lick or bite your hands. In this case, your cat probably wants the food and does not realize that his biting may hurt you.
Some cats will bite your hands if you have chemicals on them such as bleach or other cleaning products. You should ensure that you wash your hands with soap and water before handling your cat. If your cat eats these dangerous chemicals, he could become ill.
How can I stop my cat from biting me?
You can train your cat to stop biting. In order to train your cat to stop biting, it is extremely important that you are consistent. Never punish your cat or use physical force with your cat. Instead, simply say “No” in a stern voice. Pet owners have also reported success with pressing into the cat when he bites, instead of pulling your hand away. Another technique is to not react at all to the biting. Of course, this method only works if your cat is not biting extremely hard.
If you move your hand away after your cat bites you, he will probably think that you are playing a game with him. This will encourage the biting, and will probably result in your cat biting more frequently. Be patient with your cat. If you are patient and consistent, your cat will stop biting. If he does not stop biting, you should take him to see a veterinarian because he could be ill.
