reviewed for accuracy on May 1, 2018 by dr. katie grzyb, dvm
You’re gently petting your cat when she starts biting your hand, which makes many cat owners wonder, “Why is my cat biting me?” These so-called “cat love bites” don’t usually draw blood, but they happen suddenly, leaving you wondering what caused the change in your cat’s behavior.
“biting owners during petting is one of the most common behavior problems in cats,” says dr. Kelly Ballantyne, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Chicago.
Veterinarians weigh in on what cat love bites are, why cats engage in this behavior, and how pet owners can appropriately react when their furry family member feels the urge to bite.
what are and are not cat love bites
don’t confuse cat love bites, also known as petting-induced aggression, with the type of overly aggressive biting associated with fear, defensiveness, or territorial acting out.
love bites from cats don’t usually break the skin. “It starts with licking, and the grooming behavior becomes more intense, and you may feel little teeth on you,” explains dr. wailani sung, san francisco spca staff veterinarian.
Another clue that your cat is biting for love is that other signs of aggression, such as hissing, growling and scratching, are usually absent, says dr. liz stelow, chief of the clinical behavior service at the university of california veterinary medical teaching hospital, davis.
“Cat body language is usually quite relaxed, although the cat may tense up a bit immediately before biting,” says dr. stelow says.
why your cat bites you during petting sessions
There isn’t much research on why cats bite out of love; most of what is known is based on speculation, says dr. Stelow.
The term “love bite” is a bit of a misnomer. “When cats bite in this context, it is not a sign of affection, but rather a sign that the cat is done with the interaction. if the petting continues despite the cat’s efforts to indicate that he is no longer petting it, the cat may become biting,” says dr. ballantyne. a cat love bite can certainly be the result of overstimulation.
Cat love bites can also be unintentional, as part of the cat’s grooming process. they could be “licking for a certain period of time and then using their incisors to reach a particular area. your cat can choose to brush you, your hand, your face, or your head,” says dr. sung.
Also, not all cats enjoy being petted. “Some cats may want or enjoy resting on their parent’s lap, but may not really enjoy being petted. it is also possible that the pet owner is petting the cat in areas that the cat finds unpleasant, such as on its tummy or near its tail,” says dr. ballantyne.
how to respond appropriately to a cat’s love bites
Studying your cat’s body language is one of the best ways to learn how to react appropriately and prevent future occurrences. “Watch for signs of discomfort, such as ears to the side or a wagging tail, and stop petting if you see them,” says dr. ballantyne.
pet parents should notice if the cat stops biting when the cat is being petted more or less frequently, says dr. terri bright, director of behavioral services at mspca-angell in boston. “The owner must respond appropriately before the cat bites. therefore, if the cat normally bites after five strokes, the owner should always stop at four. they can even teach the cat to ‘ready!’ means they will get a favorite toy for the cat.”
dr. ballantyne recommends keeping petting sessions short, pausing frequently to gauge the cat’s interest. “I also recommend that people always invite their cat to interact, rather than approach and manipulate a sleeping or resting cat. and she focuses petting on areas cats usually enjoy, like around the ears and under the chin, and avoids petting cats on their tummy or near their tail.”
never react negatively to cat bites. “The owner should never rub, shake, spray, or frighten the cat in any way; this can cause the cat to respond with true and dangerous aggression,” says dr. brilliant.
If a cat bites you and breaks your skin, be sure to wash the wound immediately. look for any swelling, pain, or redness that is spreading. if you see any of these, see your doctor or go to a walk-in clinic.
love biting is a common behavior in cats, but it can be controlled by studying your cat’s body language, learning to redirect unwanted behaviors, and respecting her tolerance for touch.
by: paula fitzsimmons
featured image: istock.com/vgajic
