It is a situation that has performed out extra instances than I can depend: One minute, my cat, Olive, is playfully rubbing in opposition to me whereas I am watching Dawson’s Creek; the following, she’s biting my hand! Critically, what offers? Why does my cat chew me? And extra particularly, why does my cat chew me gently out of nowhere? Does she love me or not?
When you’re a cat dad or mum, you are in all probability acquainted with the finickiness of your feline buddy. Cats and kittens chew for various causes, and whereas we all know they do not intend to harm us, some bites may be painful and trigger harm — which is why it is vital to show your cat to not chew you or different folks.
Whereas mild biting could be a regular type of communication, Michelle Dulake, DVM, co-founder and CEO of Fera Pets, says it is “not excellent if this conduct turns into frequent or aggressive. Indicators that this is not good for the animal embrace adverse adjustments in conduct, extreme aggression, or indicators of ache.”
Here is every thing you must find out about why your cat bites you, and when to be involved about their biting conduct.
What are some frequent causes cats chew their folks?
Not all cats chew. Dulake says their tendency to chew can fluctuate relying on their temperament, how they have been socialized as kittens, in addition to their surroundings. “Some cats are naturally extra mild, whereas others may be extra liable to biting,” she says.
In response to Dulake, there are a variety of the reason why your cat would possibly chew you. They embrace:
- Playfulness: Cats typically use their mouths to discover and play, particularly in the event that they weren’t taught to play gently as kittens.
- Overstimulation: Generally, cats can get overstimulated from an excessive amount of petting, resulting in petting-induced aggression.
- Communication: Light bites could be a method for cats to speak that they’ve had sufficient consideration and even to precise affection.
- Looking intuition: Cats have a pure searching intuition, and biting could be a type of simulated searching conduct.
- Stress or anxiousness: Biting could be a response to emphasize, anxiousness, or worry of their surroundings.
Are there particular issues which may set off your cat?
Now that you already know why your cat would possibly chew you, Dulake outlines particular issues or experiences which may set off your kitty to make use of their tooth on you. These would possibly embrace:
- Extreme/extended petting or touching of delicate areas
- Sudden actions or loud noises
- Play that mimics searching behaviors
- Feeling threatened or cornered
- Ache or discomfort
Since nobody desires to expertise their cat biting them — regardless of how mild their little bites may be — Dulake says there are some issues you are able to do to assist curb your cat from sinking their chompers into you.
Observe Physique Language
Be taught to acknowledge when your cat is getting overstimulated or aggravated so to cease petting them earlier than they chew.
Redirect Play
Use toys as an alternative of fingers to play along with your cat to keep away from reinforcing biting conduct.
Constructive Reinforcement
Reward your cat for mild conduct and supply treats or affection when they’re calm.
Constant Responses
In case your cat bites, gently draw your consideration away from them to indicate that biting results in the top of playtime or petting.
What are indicators that you simply may need to go to the vet?
Generally, your cat’s urge to chew is much more severe than them gently telling you that they need to be left alone. Dulake says you must search veterinary assist in case your cat’s biting is accompanied by sudden adjustments in conduct which can be out of character to your cat; indicators of ache or discomfort, reminiscent of limping or vocalizing; unexplained aggression; or signs of sickness, reminiscent of lethargy, vomiting, lack of urge for food, or weight reduction.
Extreme cat aggression that’s unexplained — or aggression accompanied by indicators of misery — may point out an underlying medical situation that requires fast therapy. All the time higher to be secure than sorry the place your BFF (finest feline buddy) is worried.
