- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Cats can be biters, too—not just dogs! But what does it mean when your feline friend sinks their teeth into you? How hard a cat bites can help explain why they’re biting. Joey Lusvardi, a certified cat behavior consultant and founder of Class Act Cats, says soft “love bites” are gentle nips during affection or play. In contrast, harder, aggressive bites often signal fear, pain, or frustration.
Redirection, play, and training are the best ways to stop your cat from biting, adds Joanna Wachowiak-Finlaison, a cat behaviorist, Fear-Free trainer, and the owner of High Five Animal Training.
Keep reading to learn about the different reasons cats bite and how to stop this behavior.
10 Reasons Why Cats Bite You
Just as with other instinctual feline behaviors, like scratching, there’s no one reason cats bite. Here are the top 10 reasons cats bite, with expert tips on how to handle it.
1. They’re playing
Kittens and young cats may bite during play (“play aggression”), mimicking how they interact with littermates, says Dr. Mikel Delgado, a certified cat behaviorist.
If your kitty isn’t getting enough playtime, they might target your hands or feet instead of cat toys. Make sure to play regularly to burn off energy.
2. They love you
Cats sometimes give gentle “love bites” when being affectionate. Wachowiak-Finlaison says these bites are usually soft and happen during cuddling, often with purring and licking.
The bites won’t hurt, and your cat will show relaxed body language rather than distress (eg. tail flicking and dilated pupils).
3. They’re overstimulated or frustrated
If your cat suddenly bites you during petting, they may be overstimulated. Cats can get overwhelmed, even if they initially enjoy the attention.
Wachowiak-Finlaison says to watch for warning signs like bristling fur, flattened ears, or a twitching tail—these show your cat has had enough.
4. They want attention
Some cats bite to get your attention. Dr. Delgado says if you respond to their nip, they might learn that biting gets noticed.
To stop this, don’t react to the bite—simply walk away or offer a chew toy to redirect their behavior.
5. They’re teething
Like puppies, 3-6 month-old kittens may bite and chew on things to relieve teething pain and explore their world.
Dr. Delgado says while kittens are more likely to chew on objects or paw at their mouths, they usually don’t direct their biting at people.
6. They’re afraid or anxious
Delgado and Wachowiak-Finlaison say anxiety-driven bites happen when cats feel cornered or threatened.
Both say to look for other signs of fear, like swatting, hissing, or ears pulled back.
7. They’re redirecting their aggression
If your cat is frustrated by something they can’t reach, like another cat outside, they may take out their aggression on you.
Providing toys or scratchers can help release this tension in a healthy way.
8. They’re in pain or sick
Pain or illness can lead to biting, especially if your cat reacts negatively when touched in a certain area, says Dr. Preston Turano, a veterinary advisor for Felix Cat Insurance.
If this happens, visit the vet to rule out injuries or health issues like arthritis or dental problems.
9. They’re learning bite inhibition
Kittens learn to control their bite through play with littermates. If they were separated too early or poorly socialized, they might bite too hard.
If your cat bites too hard, walk away or put down the toy to teach them that rough biting ends playtime.
10. They’re acting on hunting instincts
Cats are natural predators, and Lusvardi says movements like twitching feet or quick hand motions can trigger their hunting instincts.
Provide interactive toys like wand toys to channel this behavior in a healthy way.
What to Do After Your Cat Bites
When a cat bites, figuring out why is important. Watch their body language and what’s happening before the bite. Were you petting them a lot, playing, or did something suddenly scare them?
Here’s how to respond:
- Give them space and time to calm down. This works well for cats who are overstimulated or in pain.
- Redirect their hunting energy with a toy. For cats who bite during play, use a wand toy or kicker to redirect their hunting instincts. Avoid sudden movements, as these can intensify the behavior.
- Provide enrichment and mental stimulation to stave off boredom. Frustrated or bored cats often benefit from regular play sessions, food puzzles, or other interactive activities to keep them engaged.
- Create a calming environment. Anxious or scared cats may need changes to their environment, like pheromone diffusers, reduced noise, safe hiding spots, and soft bedding to help them feel secure.
If your cat bites frequently or starts regularly biting out of the blue, consult a vet or a certified cat behaviorist. Identifying the root cause early can lead to better solutions.
How to Stop Your Cat From Biting
Stopping your cat from biting doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding their behavior and making a few key adjustments, you can help your cat learn better habits. Here are Wachowiak-Finlaison’s top tips for curbing biting:
- Never use your hands, feet, or body parts as “toys” for cats or kittens.
- Listen to and honor your cat’s feelings and boundaries.
- Never punish your cat by hitting, kicking, or spraying them with water. Wachowiak-Finlaison says punishment can damage the trust and love between you and your cat. Use positive reinforcement training instead.
- Learn how to read feline body language to understand when your cat might bite.
- Incorporate regular play sessions, especially for young and very energetic cats.
- Redirect biting behavior by offering a toy, like a wand or chew toy, to help satisfy their urge to bite.
- Seek regular veterinary treatment and talk to your vet if you notice sudden changes.
- Look out for signs that your cat might be sick or in pain.
How to Treat a Cat Bite
“All cat bites should be taken seriously, especially if the skin has been broken,” Dr. Turano says. Even if a cat is up-to-date on their rabies shots and other vaccinations, untreated cat bites can lead to hospitalizations and serious complications like bone infections, heart murmurs, and seizures.
If you get bitten, here’s what to do:
- Immediately wash the area with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection. (If the bite is deep, wash the area for at least five minutes).
- If the bite is bleeding, use a clean towel to apply gentle pressure to the wound until the bleeding stops.
- Apply an antibacterial ointment to the wound to prevent infection.
- Use a clean, sterile bandage to cover the bite and protect it from dirt and bacteria.
- If the bite is deep, visit your doctor ASAP. You might need antibiotics or a tetanus shot.
- Watch for signs of a bacterial infection like swelling, redness, or leaking pus, and see a doctor if you notice these symptoms.
Takeaway
Understanding why cats bite is the first step in addressing the behavior. By recognizing the underlying causes, respecting their boundaries, and providing appropriate outlets for their instincts, you can create a safe and happy environment for both you and your cat.
