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Why Does My Cat Bite Me? Expert Reveals When You Need to Be Concerned
As natural predators, cats often try to bite their owners—whether during playtime or when being pet.
The behavior is normal, but why do cats bite? When should it be a cause of concern, and how does one stop the unwanted behavior?
Marci Koski, a certified feline behavior and training consultant with Feline Behavior Solutions, spoke with Newsweek about why cats bite and how to address the behavior.
Koski listed reasons that cats bite: perhaps they’ve become aroused or irritated, maybe something in their environment made them aggravated, or maybe they’re in pain. More commonly, however, cats will bite their owners because of play and predatory aggression or a reaction to unwanted petting.
“These bites tend to be not quite as hard and a little less severe than cats who bite out of fear or aggression,” Koski said.

Bogdan Kurylo/Getty Images
Why Does My Cat Bite Me Gently Out of Nowhere?
Play aggression is the most common form of aggressive behavior in cats that is directed toward an owner, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reported. These behaviors might include stalking, chasing, attacking, pouncing, swatting and biting. Owners might see play aggression more frequently if cats go long periods without opportunities to play.
While Koski didn’t prefer the term “play aggression,” she said the behavior was a cat’s effort to meet its play and hunting instincts.
For example, she said, perhaps a cat is hiding, and as its owner walks past, it comes flying out of a doorway to get their ankles. It’s a playful bite, a natural reaction to meet its urge to hunt.
“Play aggression will, a lot of times, come out of nowhere,” Koski said.
Why Does My Cat Lick Me Then Bite Me?
Sometimes all seems fine as an owner pets their cat on the couch. It returns the favor with licks, but then suddenly it nips at their hand. These kinds of nibbles are known as “love bites.” Cats use gentle love bites as a sign of affection, to bond and share their feelings, according to PetMD.
It could happen in reverse, too. A cat may bite their owner’s hand and immediately follow it up with kisses, Koski said. Cats become enamored and stimulated by petting, so they need to react. This comes as a soft bite or nibble, Koski added. Licking is an extension of expressing their feelings.
“[They’re] marking you with their scent, a way to groom, a way to be close to their people and a sign of affection,” the consultant said.
Why Does My Cat Bite Me When I Pet It?
Owners might feel confused as cats sometimes bite during a petting session. Known as petting-induced aggression, this response tells the person touching them to stop or that they’ve had enough.
Koski stressed the importance of an owner understanding their cat’s body language, as it would give them clues when to pet and when to steer clear.
“Pay attention to suitable changes in body language,” Koski said. “Seeing the tail start to flick or ears turn toward you or even body weight shifting away from you or head turns toward you are indicators that they are done.”
Following such body language clues and not overstepping their cats’ wishes will keep owners from damaging their bond.
How Do I Stop My Cat Biting Me?
Owners shouldn’t take the biting as a sign their cats don’t like them. Biting is common, and an owner may still be their cat’s favorite person, even with the bites. Still, the habit may be unwanted, so Koski walked through steps to work on redirecting the behavior.
“I like to use a very long wand toy,” she said. “There are short ones that keep them close to your feet or hands, but that puts you more in danger of getting bit or swat at accidentally.”
The wand triggers a cat’s natural hunting instincts. They’ll chase, pounce and bite onto the toy at the end of the stick.
When Should I Be Concerned?
Biting habits should always raise a flag to owners because it could have a deeper meaning.
Cats hide pain well, Koski said, but perhaps their owners have noticed them biting or lashing out. Maybe they show other unusual behaviors or owners can’t understand why their cats may be throwing up—all of which could indicate they have an injury or condition, such as arthritis. It is always best to check with a veterinarian.
Owners should also worry about how a bite might affect them. Koski said they should always keep an eye on a bite anytime they get a puncture wound because “cats’ mouths are chock-full of bacteria.”
Owners needs to monitor the redness and puffiness and watch for infection. Older people, especially, should worry about getting bit, Koski said. This is because their skin is thinner and easier to puncture.
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