IF Your Cat Bites You, Here’s What It Really Means
Cats bite for a variety of reasons. Adult cats bite out of fear, to assert dominance, or to demand attention. Kittens bite, mouth, and paw things to explore their world—they’re all natural behaviors. But while a kitten bite may be cute, an adult cat bite can be painful. Allowing a cat of any age to bite as often as they wish could lead to many painful bites for the owner later and an added risk when it comes to getting your cat to do anything, from taking a medication to visiting the vet.
- Some cats bite to stop unwanted actions or behaviors by humans or other animals, especially if this was effective in the past. For example, if they previously bit while having their nails trimmed and then the nail trimming stopped, they may have learned that is an effective tool.
- Some cats bite as a form of communication or demand for attention. Instead of meowing, they bite. If a cat nips you and then tries to lead you to an activity, such as playing with a toy, this could be the reason.