Often, cats become overstimulated when being pet and instinctively bite to let their owners know they've had enough – a behavior known as petting aggression. Biting is a hunting instinct, so cats may also bite during playtime.
Playfulness. The most common reason that cats bite their owners isn't that they have an aggressive cat, it's because they are trying to play! While sharp teeth or claws may not feel very “playful” to you, hunting behavior equals play behavior for your kitty.
Cats are prone to jealousy, which may be why they sometimes attack their owners' husbands.
You are certainly not alone in your struggle with a cat that is afraid of or aggressive toward one person, and this behavior is often a reaction to stress. Your cat may have been frightened by your guest or your guest may play too roughly with him, for example, causing stress and the aggressive behavior.
Why does your cat hate your partner? “The most frequent reason is that your cat is not well socialized to people outside the home and is afraid of the new person,” says cat behavior consultant Jennifer Van de Kieft. “Your partner may show up frequently and stay overnight, and the cat has not had time to adjust.”
It was a notion often sneered at by some, but researchers have uncovered evidence confirming what pet owners have always known. Our pets — and other animals — can become jealous and act just as fiercely as we humans do when we're concerned someone is moving into the heart or our significant others.
Counterintuitively, this may mean that he likes your partner more than he likes you. One of our cats shows love by biting. Whenever we pet her and she's really happy about it, she will resort to biting extremities (toes, fingers, nose, wrist, arm, leg, ...).
Instead, whenever the cat begins to swat or play attack, immediately stop the play by walking away or by using some non-physical form of punishment such as a water sprayer, can of compressed air, cap gun, hand held alarm or perhaps a loud hiss.
These are “alpha cats.” They are natural leaders; they refuse to be led and attempt to take charge of practically every situation. These cats like their food when they want it and the way that they like it … or else. They may only let you touch them for short periods of time and then again, only on their terms.
Love bites
Some cats may gently nibble or bite their owners as a sign of affection. It is thought to be reminiscent of how a mother cat will groom her kittens with small bites and is more common in cats who have had litters. This is not usually a problem form of biting.
Avoid situations that you know make a cat aggressive. Separate cats that act aggressively toward each other and reintroduce slowly with positive reinforcement, as described in the Territorial Aggression section. Food treats are excellent positive enforcers of non-aggressive behavior.
They include: Dilated pupils, direct staring. Thrashing/twitching tail. Hissing, growling or spitting.
Affection: The Love Bite
If your cat licks then bites you out of the blue then you might be in the presence of a love bite, lucky you! This is a very common (and usually gentle) interaction with cats, especially kittens. If your cat does this they might be trying to show you affection.
Sensitivity threshold: The cat enjoys the human contact at first, but then the repetitiveness of the petting becomes irritating. The cat turns and bites as a way to say, “I've had enough.” An analogy to human behavior can be made. If someone pats you on the back, it feels good.
You may clean the wound with a mild salt solution, made by mixing 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of table salt in 2 cups (500 ml) of water. Control bleeding by applying direct pressure to the wound using an absorbent dressing or bandage. You should see a physician as soon as possible.
If you are playing with your cat and he does manage to bite a part of your body, firmly say "no," and then withdraw from the play session for a few moments. If every time your cat's teeth touch human flesh, playtime ends, your cat will quickly learn to stop biting. Never yell at or hit your cat for play biting.
Our team of vets agree that using water bottles to discipline cats isn't the best course of action. According to Dr. Dwight Alleyne, “Spraying cats with water can create a negative association with humans. As a result, they may become more anxious or even aggressive over time.”
Never let the cats “fight it out.” Cats don't resolve their issues through fighting, and the fighting usually just gets worse. Interrupt aggression with a loud clap of your hands or spray from a water gun.
Common reasons why cats bite their owners:
Overstimulation from being pet. Instinctual behavior during playtime. Simple communication. Fear, stress, or frustration.
Are you confused when your cat is snuggling on your lap, purring, seemingly content, you are gently stroking them and all is harmonious… then they turn around and bite you? Rest assured, this is not unusual! Some kitty lovers call this a 'love bite', others call it petting aggression.
Cats are often stereotyped as standoffish and aloof, even to the people who love them most, but the truth is that cats can be just as protective of their people as dogs are of theirs.
According to a study done by the nutrition company, Canadae, they discovered that the person who makes the most effort is the favorite. People who communicate with their cat by getting to know their cues and motives are more attractive to their cat companions.
A cat that prefers one person over another is often a sign of affection. They may follow their favorite person around the house, sit on their lap and purr when they are nearby. If your cat sleeps next to you, it could also indicate that they want to be close to you.
Catrin says: “If your cat is 'cheating' on you, they may change their behaviour towards you and either become colder with you, or alternatively become more cuddly. If you find your usually cuddly cat is starting to give you the cold shoulder, it could mean they are getting their affection fix elsewhere.