Love Bites

From LoveToKnow Cats

Cats show affection in a variety of ways that sometimes perplex their human owners. Our experts answer questions about love bites and other behaviors related to cats showing affection.

Cats sometimes bite to show playfulness or affection.

Visitor Questions about Love Bites and Feline Affection

Cat Bites After Being Petted

Hi,

We have three cats and one of them, Raven, bites every time I'm done petting him. It's a rather hard bite. My husband thinks Raven is trying to show some kind of affection or acknowledging that he enjoys being petted, but it's annoying. It hurts and we don't want to pet him. Do you know why he does this and how to get him to stop?

Thanks,

~~Lori, Bob & Raven

Expert Reply

Hi, Lori,

Your husband is right in thinking that this is a form of affection. Many cats give what I call "love bites" to show that they are happy and playful. I hate to tell you this, but it's hard to break a cat of doing this because it's almost instinctive. Cats have tougher skin than humans. Also, it is easier to break a kitten of love biting than an older cat. However, there are a few things you can try that might help a little. Persistence, patience and positive reinforcement can often work wonders.

  1. When he bites, put him down immediately, say "no" and walk away. Do not give him any other attention. Do this every single time he bites.
  2. Do not yank your hand away when he lays his teeth on you. This can actually make the bite feel worse, even though it is instinctive on a human's part to want to jerk away. The cat can also see this as a sign that you're ready to play rough. Wait until he loosens his bite and then tell him no and walk away.

On the other end of the spectrum, many cats have a low tolerance to stroking and petting or grow overexcited. If you pet the cat just a second too long, he will sink his teeth into you to let you know he wants you to stop. Signs that your cat has had enough stroking and petting:

  • Twitching tail
  • Flattening ears
  • Purring stops
  • Turning head toward you or your hand

If you notice your cat doing any of these things, immediately take your hands off him and see if this helps the situation. Good luck!

~~Lori

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Comments

Hi Jen,

Some cats have a tendency to become over stimulated from petting and will react in this way. It sounds like that may be happening with this cat. Watch her closely for signs of irritation and at the first sign stop petting her and walk away.

Signs include:

  • Ears laid back flat against head
  • Narrowed eyes
  • Twitching tail
  • Fur raised
-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

I have two one year old cats one of which loves to sleep on my stomach at night when I sleep. We have actually developed a routine every night and every morning. At night when I climb into bed my cat walks back and forth accross my stomach and chest while I pet her. She throws her head into my hands and purrs. When I stop she seeks out my hands and bite them. The problem I have is that while she is being petted she runs reaches up and latches on to my forearm while my hands are scratching her. I do believe it to be a love bite because she does not exemplify signs of irritation but it is painful. I tend to end the petting when this happens and it only provokes her to seek out my hands and bite those too because she is irritated that I stopped.

-- Contributed by: Jen

Hi Tracy,

It may just be that he associates your time on the phone with play time. It does sound like it is a playful action from him. Since cats have much tougher skin than humans, he probably doesn't realize he is hurting you. The same attack would not hurt his litter mates, for example.

When you go get him a toy, you are reinforcing that your time on the phone means time to play. Instead, I would do a couple of things. Try to tell him no firmly and set him away from you. If he returns and does it again, remove him from the room. Place him in the bathroom or a laundry room if possible until you are finished talking on the telephone.

If he acts differently at any time while you are on the phone, praise him. Cats respond best to positive rewards.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard
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