Sure, cats and kittens might have small mouths, but they can give big bites if they feel like it! Especially when you’re least expecting it, like when you’re in the middle of giving your cat some loving strokes when they decide they’ve had enough and whip around and bite you. What gives?
Learn why cats and kittens bite and what you can do to stop it from happening.
Cats bite for a range of reasons, including aggression. If your cat bites when you’re petting them, they might be saying they don’t like physical contact. Or they might be telling you that it’s not the right time, like if they’re resting, sleeping or eating. Or, in extreme cases, biting is a way for cats to let you know that they’re in charge. Cats use biting as a communication tool or a way of demanding attention.
Another reason for adult cats biting is that they might not have been handled a lot when they were a kitten. Gentle, loving exposure to humans helps kittens develop into friendly, well-mannered adults. If they’re not handled enough as kittens, adult cats can become aggressive towards humans when they try to pet or pick them up.
Finally, cats, especially kittens, can bite when they’re playing. Cats have a lot of natural, instinctive, predatory behaviour like stalking, pouncing, chasing, play fighting and yep, biting.
Stopping your cat from biting starts when they’re still a kitten. Here are 5 tips to help your cat temper their biting tendencies.
1. Start when they're a kitten
As a pet parent, you need to teach your kitten how to behave around humans and help them learn what’s acceptable and what isn’t. Cats need to learn that hands aren’t toys. All kittens bite, usually during play, so one of the most important things to remember is don’t offer your hands or feet as play things. This means avoid grabbing their tail or feet, or rubbing their tummy - all things that can encourage them to grab at your hands and bite. Make sure all family members and visitors do this too. You need to be consistent in your responses so that your kitten doesn't get mixed messages.
2. Offer alternatives
It’s normal and ok for a cat to bite when they’re playing - but they should be biting a toy, not your hand. Stock up on interactive cat toys that they can bite all they want. Keep them entertained with toys for them to chase and jump for, like wands with feathers or fake mice on.
3. Try a time out
If your cat bites your hand during playtime, take a time out. Make a noise, pull away and stop playing with them, just like their mum or sibling would do. Then leave them alone for 5 minutes, with no attention from you. This is a distraction, not a punishment so your cat won’t become afraid of you but they will learn that biting means no playtime with their human, and that’s no fun.
4. Praise them
Like dogs, cats respond to positive reinforcement. This is when you pile on the praise (or treats or toys) when they behave in a way you want them to. If they use soft paws (no claws out) or a soft mouth (no biting), you can say “good paws!” or “good mouth!”. This helps your cat learn that good behaviour gets good results.
5. See the vet
Tried teaching your kitten, offering suitable toys, time outs and positive reinforcement but your cat is still biting you? Make an appointment with your vet to talk about other things you can try. They might also assess your cat’s aggressive behaviour to see if there are any underlying health concerns going on.
We hope these tips help you teach your cat or kitten that biting isn’t ok in your home (while remembering that sometimes they just want to be left alone and that’s ok too!). If you need any further help or have a question we haven’t answered, contact our friendly Pet Direct Customer Care team on 0800 200 240 or email support@petdirect.co.nz