We’ve all had this happen.
You’re just sitting there petting your kitty and he for reasons only apparent to him decides
to bite you.
It’s common and if you have a cat, you know it’s gonna happen, but why?
Let’s find out.
This is the first in the series of videos we’re simply calling, “Why Does My Cat...”
a look into cat behavior.
Hi, I’m Leroy and I’m Rosie and this is Animal Facts.
Let’s get started.
But, before we start, take a moment to like and subscribe for more fun, fauna facts.
When trying to figure out why your cat bites you, the first thing is to distinguish between
aggressive cat biting and gentle bites (sometimes called "love bites.").
[Love bites] No!
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The first is aggressive biting.
It can be painful and can lead to bleeding.
When a cat bites aggressively it is usually because they are feeling scared, or because
they are reacting to some sort of stimuli.
These types of bites often have to do with play aggression (playing too roughly,) territory
aggression, or a response based on early abuse that the cat may have endured.
Play aggression is the most common reason for cat bites to humans, particularly among
young cats.
Our cats are a part of our families, but your cat is still an animal and needs to play to
let out some of his excess energy, as well as to instinctually hone his natural hunting
skills.
Cats typically play with each other to practice their social skills and to work on their coordination,
too.
However, your cat may be the only cat in the household, so it makes sense that he needs
and wants to play with humans!
The problem occurs when your cat plays a bit too rough for your human skin.
Cats have a thick coat of fur, and will often bite, scratch and wrestle with each other.
This behavior comes naturally to your kitty, and he doesn't realize that you have sensitive
skin with no fur for protection.
The second type of bite is the less “ouchy” bites.
So-called "love bites".
[Love bites] … No, I said, no!
Love bites are actually a form of cat communication and typically occur when a cat is feeling
overstimulated or when he feels a strong bond with you.
These bites are typically gentler bites and don’t break human skin.
Love bites are not typically painful (though they can be at times and depends on the cat).
These types of bites will often happen when a cat does not want to be pet anymore, when
he would like to be put back down, or when the cat is just beginning to feel a bit playful.
You can usually tell when you’re about to get a love bite.
Just pay attention to your cat's tail!
If your cat's tail is swishing and low toward the ground, it's typically time to give him
some space!
Also watch out for the ears moving back toward the back of his head, which may mean that
he is about ready to bite.
Cats do give us signals when they are unhappy with us or have had enough, and it is up to
us to pay attention to them.
Some cats do not have much of a tolerance for petting, for instance, and we’ve got
to respect that.
Cats are intelligent, loving, wonderful pets.
Just don't forget that they are also animals and it is up to us as humans to work with
them in order to live in peace!
Cat bites are usually a form of communication, letting us know what a cat needs more or less
of.
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And as always catch ya next time.