How To Stop A Cat From Biting | Chewtorials
Tired (or flat-out terrified) of your cat’s biting? Find out how to stop your cat from biting with tips from vet experts.
How To Stop a Cat From Biting: A Step-by-Step Guide
If your cat has gotten into the habit of biting you when you’re playing, or they aggressively bite you when you’re simply minding your own business, there are some steps you can take. Here’s how to stop a cat from biting you:
1. Watch Their Body Language
One of the best things you can do to avoid being bitten is to follow the golden rule: Treat your cat as you’d want to be treated. That means paying attention to your cat’s mood and respecting their wishes. If their body language says “back off,” then it’s time to back off. Hey, if you’d wanted a pet who’s happy to see you no matter what, you’d have gotten a Golden Retriever.
So, before you initiate contact, observe your cat’s body language. If you see these signs, it’s best to leave them alone:
A low-to-the-ground stance
Wide eyes
Flat ears
Arched back
Stiff tail
Puffed-out fur
All of these indicate that your cat is feeling stressed, which means they may be more likely to bite you if you come near.
2. Don’t Startle Them
You wouldn’t like it if somebody snuck up behind you and scared you, would you? Well, neither does your cat. In fact, startling them may trigger their instinct to self-protect by biting. So, it’s important to make sure your cat knows you’re coming before you touch them. For example, if your cat’s taking a nap, let them sleep—they’re likely to thank you with snuggles or playtime when they’ve woken up on their own terms.
3. Handle Your Cat With Care
Cats have a lower tolerance for mishandling compared to most dogs, and may bite you if you’re too rough with them. While each cat’s preferences are different, it’s generally best to follow these general rules:
Use both hands to pick them up—it makes them feel more secure
Don’t dangle them in the air
Never pick them up by the scruff of the neck
Pet their head and neck, avoiding areas like the belly and the tail (unless you have already determined that your cat likes pets in those areas)
4. Use Toys—Not Your Hands—During Playtime
Cats love to play, but getting your hands involved can result in cat bites. Using hands-free interactive toys—such as lasers, wands, or toys that move on their own—are great to satisfy a cat’s prey drive. There are also treat dispensing toys that you can fill with treats or dry food. For added difficulty, fill it up and then hide the toy in your house. This allows your cat to “hunt” for their food.
Shop cat toys: https://www.chewy.com/b/toys-326
If your cat starts biting you while playing, immediately remove your hand and replace it with a toy they can bite instead. This allows them to act on their biting instinct, while continuing to stay close and interact with you—all while preventing you from getting hurt in the process.
5. Reward Your Kitty for Good Behavior
If your cat likes treats, incorporate them into your interactions to positively reinforce good behavior. Use the treat that your cat loves most, and offer it at regular intervals during playtime—as long as they refrain from biting you.
If they do bite you, pause playtime and step away, waiting at least a few minutes before restarting. This teaches your cat that good things come from keeping their biting instinct in check—and that biting you will interrupt the flow of their favorite snacks.
6. Consult a Professional
Cats who aren’t properly socialized may be more apt to bite their owners. Working with a cat behaviorist can help curb this behavior so you and your kitty can enjoy more quality time together. Organizations like the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants host listings that allow pet parents to search for reputable behaviorists in their area.
There may also be a medical reason for your cat’s biting behavior, especially if your kitty has suddenly begun biting you for seemingly no reason. If your cat is typically well-behaved but has begun biting you seemingly out of the blue, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health conditions. You can also use Chewy’s Connect With a Vet service for instant advice from a veterinary expert.
Understanding why your cat is biting you is the first step in learning how to end that behavior. Still dealing with a grumpy kitty? Find out more about aggressive behavior in cats: https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/...
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