Why Does My Cat Bite Me? How To Stop Cat Biting Behavior

Young cats, adult cats, and even older cats are all prone to biting, and they may do so for a handful of common reasons:

Play biting is common among cats, who often use playtime as a way to satisfy their inner drive to hunt prey. This is normal and natural—it’s only a problem when they treat you as the prey, rather than their toys!

Some cats show affection by offering a gentle bite or nip. These bites typically happen when your feline feels safe and bonded with you.

You know it’s a love bite if your cat’s body language doesn’t denote signs of fear or aggression and they appear relaxed and happy. It also tends to be more of a gentle, holding bite, not a strong, aggressive bite.

Cats are expert groomers, but they certainly have a few quirks when it comes to keeping clean. Along with long licks, gentle nibbling is part of the process.

Cats sometimes “groom” their littermates, mother, and even their humans, too. It’s believed to be a sign of affection—but they may inadvertently nibble along the way.

Cats can be very finicky creatures. One minute they’re lapping up your loving pets, and the next they’re feeling annoyed and ready to pounce—or to bite.

Also referred to as petting-induced aggression, cats can quickly feel overstimulated, which can result in a sudden change in mood and behavior.

All cats are different in this regard, so be on the lookout for cat body language that indicates they’ve had enough playtime.

Cats may bite when they have been scared or startled. Usually this happens when they are awakened abruptly from sleeping or you’ve somehow been able to sneak up on them.

Cats who haven’t been properly socialized may also resort to biting more quickly than domesticated cats.

If you have brought a new cat home and see these behaviors, then it may be helpful to work with a certified cat behavior consultant or veterinarian. Ongoing cat training with an expert can help resolve this behavior over time.

Fear, anger, and stress can make a cat more likely to bite—but it’s usually a last resort. In these cases, it’s important to give your cat plenty of space, and try to identify what’s stressing out your cat so you can take steps to solve the issue.

When a cat bites out of the blue, it could be from pain or an underlying health issue. If biting is a new behavior for your cat, contact your vet to make sure that there is no medical condition causing the issue.

If your cat has gotten into the habit of biting you when you’re playing, or they bite you unexpectedly when you’re simply minding your own business, there are some steps you can take. Here’s how to stop a cat from biting you:

One of the best things you can do to avoid being bitten is to follow the golden rule: Treat your cat as you’d want to be treated. That means paying attention to your cat’s mood and respecting their wishes.

If their body language says “back off,” then it’s time to back off. Hey, if you’d wanted a pet who’s happy to see you no matter what, you’d have gotten a Golden Retriever.

So before you initiate contact, observe your cat’s body language. If you see these signs, it’s best to leave them alone:

• A low-to-the-ground stance
• Wide eyes
• Flat ears
• Arched back
• Stiff tail
• Puffed-out fur

All of these indicate that your cat is feeling stressed, which means they may be more likely to bite you if you come near.

You wouldn’t like it if somebody snuck up behind you and scared you, right? Well, neither does your cat.

In fact, startling them may trigger their instinct to self-protect by biting. So it’s important to make sure your cat knows you’re coming before you touch them.

For example, if your cat’s taking a nap, let them sleep—they’re likely to thank you with snuggles or playtime when they’ve woken up on their own terms.

Cats have a lower tolerance for mishandling compared to most dogs, and they may bite you if you’re too rough with them.

While each cat’s preferences are different, it’s generally best to follow these general rules:

• Use both hands to pick them up—it makes them feel more secure
• Don’t dangle them in the air
• Never pick them up by the scruff of the neck
• Pet their head and neck, avoiding areas like the belly and the tail (unless you have already determined that your cat likes to be petted in those areas)

Cats love to play, but getting your hands involved can result in cat bites.

Interactive cat toys—such as lasers, wand toys, or toys that move on their own—are great for satisfying a cat’s prey drive without risking bites.

There are also treat dispensing toys that you can fill with cat treats or dry cat food. For added difficulty, fill it up and then hide the toy in your house. This allows your cat to “hunt” for their food.

If your cat starts biting you while playing, immediately remove your hand and replace it with a toy they can bite instead.

This allows them to act on their biting instinct while continuing to stay close and interact with you—and preventing you from getting hurt in the process.

If your cat likes treats, incorporate them into your interactions to positively reinforce good behavior.

Use a high-value treat that your cat loves most, and offer it at regular intervals during playtime—as long as they refrain from biting you.

If they do bite you, pause playtime and step away, waiting at least a few minutes before restarting.

This teaches your cat that good things come from keeping their biting instinct in check—and that biting you will interrupt the flow of their favorite snacks.

Cats who aren’t properly socialized may be more apt to bite. Working with a cat behaviorist can help curb this behavior so you and your kitty can enjoy more quality time together.

Organizations like the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants host listings that allow pet parents to search for reputable behaviorists in their area.

There may also be a medical reason for your cat’s biting behavior, especially if your kitty has suddenly begun biting you for seemingly no reason. If your cat is typically well-behaved but has begun biting you seemingly out of the blue, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health conditions.

You can also use Chewy’s Connect With a Vet service for instant advice from a veterinary expert.

Cat bites that don’t break the skin are generally harmless. You can ice the bite or temporarily apply pressure to the spot to relieve some of the discomfort.

Cat bites that break the skin and draw blood, on the other hand, should be treated immediately because they could become infected by bacteria from the cat’s mouth. Follow these steps:

1. Gently wash the area with warm, soapy water for about five minutes. Do not use rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, which are strong disinfectants that can delay healing.
2. Cover the wound with a sterile bandage. You can apply antibacterial ointment to the wound before bandaging it, but it’s not necessary.
3. Change the dressing at least once per day, as well as any time it gets wet.

Keep an eye on the area and be on the lookout for any signs of infection, which may include:

• Redness
• Oozing at the site
• Continued bleeding
• Fever or chills.

Consult your doctor if you experience any of the above.