Website design By BotEap.comNext to litter box failures, cat biting is one of the biggest behavior problems for their owners. Most cat owners don’t understand this behavior among their cats, so they tend not to treat it properly. Many feel that biting back at the cat is a good way to discourage this behavior, but they usually end up getting a second bite or a nice scratch or two in return.

Website design By BotEap.comOne of the best ways to stop cats from biting is to never allow the behavior in the first place. Using your hand or foot as a ‘spider’ or other type of monster while playing with your kitty lets her know that attacking and biting is acceptable. Little teeth become big teeth, and a cat taught to play this way as a kitten will usually want to play the same game as an adult. My husband played with our cat when he was young, rubbing his foot on her stomach until she lashed out. Now that he is fully grown, he will still periodically lie down on the ground near his foot and bite and scratch him. He yells and I smile sweetly and mention that I told him it was a bad idea years ago.

Website design By BotEap.comAlways be attentive to your cat’s body language. If he’s lying comfortably on your lap while you pet him, pay attention to what he’s trying to say. When it has had enough or you have touched a sensitive area, it will warn you of the imminent bite. Cues will include a flattening of the ears, a flick of the tail, and its head will turn toward your hand. When you notice this happening, stop petting immediately. If you’re still not sure, stand up to force her to jump.

Website design By BotEap.comCats that stalk simulated prey also bite. Again, body language will tell you everything. Before attacking, it will crouch down, flatten its ears, dilate its pupils, and swish its tail or wag its butt. Although this is just your way of honing your skills, the attacks can still hurt if you’re the target. If you see him getting ready to pounce, divert his attention by rolling a toy on the floor or placing a stuffed animal between you and the cat. Allow your cat to wrestle and play with the toy and praise him. Another great cat toy is one that you can pull across the floor and let your kitty run after it.

Website design By BotEap.comIf your cat bites your hand, yell “Oww” or “No.” Usually this will surprise her and let her go. Pushing your hand toward her instead of pushing it away, like a prey would when he’s trying to get away, is another way to make it easier for him to let go. After you get your hand back, walk away from the cat and ignore it.

Website design By BotEap.comBy being persistent and always discouraging or redirecting the behavior, biting cats will soon stop using you as their primary target.