why does my cat bite me?
why does my cat bite me and scratches me for no apparent reason? This article will try to give you and i the tools to help your cat no longer have this type of unpleasant behavior.
To help you understand why it does this, defining the cause of the aggression can help you.
8 TIPS IF YOUR CAT BITES YOU FOR NO PARTICULAR REASON
UNDERSTAND why does my cat bite me
First, try to understand when your cat gets excited and bites or scratches you. Is it during the play sessions? He probably has a deficit of self-control. Does he tend to chew your calves when you’re standing in the kitchen or sitting on the couch?
He’s bored and wants to play. Defining the cause of the assault can help you.
YOUR HAND IS NOT A TOY
When a kitten is still small, we often like to make it play with our hands … but be careful; if this becomes a habit, the cat may take your fingers for toys and find it perfectly normal to bite or scratch them.
Never get your little companion used to having fun with your hands! For interactive games, choose a catfishing rod or a feather duster that keeps Miaou at bay while helping her express her hunting instinct!
STOP THE GAME TO PREVENT YOUR CAT FROM BITING
Sometimes the bite can be accidental, for example, if the play session goes off or if you use a toy without a wand. But if you suspect that your cat is attacking you during the game, take a break. Mark your disapproval with a firm “No!” and stop playing.
Ignore the chat and possibly resume playing a minute later. After a few cycles of this type, your little aggressive panther will understand that hands are not prey! If the break is not enough, you can be even firmer: for example, stop the play session, take it to your arms (never by the skin of the neck, you could hurt it), take it to another room, and return to your activities. Little by little, he will be able to link the bite and the end of the recess!
Punishment vs. Positive reinforcement: physical discipline (spanking, newspaper strike) does not work with cats because it scares them and makes them anxious, which almost always worsens the annoying behavior.
Our domestic cats are hedonistic animals that are looking for the satisfaction of their desires. Telling them a firm “No” or clapping their hands to be unpleasant without hurting them, then ignoring them is a good deterrent.
Combined with positive reinforcement (reward after the desired behavior, such as a treat after a non-aggression play session), it is the technique that achieves the best results.
EXHAUST YOUR CAT TO LIMIT AGGRESSION!
If your cat attacks you outside of the play sessions (mostly if you don’t play a lot!), for example, if he jumps on your calves when you walk in the house or attacks your feet when you watch TV, chances are he’s bored!
Even domesticated, the cat has kept many remnants of its wild state and has a powerful predation instinct. When he lives in an apartment with no access to the outside and little stimuli, he can quickly get frustrated and bored. Therefore, he will take anything for a prey (your moving feet, for example) and will attack. It is therefore essential to play it often and for a long time!
At the slightest “attack,” grab your fishing rod or a laser pointer and run it to make the best use of this precious energy. Also, consider leaving many toys to keep him busy in your absence, such as a laser game.
CALM CAT’S ANXIETY TO STOP BITES
Sometimes a stressed cat can transfer his feeling of aggression (to another cat, dog, or any other distressing situation for him) onto you, simply because you are next to him! Ask yourself: does your cat have a reason to be stressed, which could explain these unexpected attacks?
Spreading Feliway in the house (for sale here) can help soothe it.
Toys stuffed with catnip or valerian on sale here euphoric are also good ideas to please him!
BEWARE OF SENSITIVE AREAS!
Like us, our cats are sensitive and do not like to be touched on certain parts of their body (for example, on the belly).
If you insist on an unpleasant area for him, beware of scratches! Learn how to handle your cat in a way that suits him: for example, some cats feel assaulted if we present our hand in front of their head to caress them. In this case, offer the back of your hand and approach it by stroking its vibriosis by the side of the head.
WOULD HE BE IN PAIN?
If your kitty bites you during a caressing session on an area that is usually not a problem for him, it may be in pain!
Set it aside to calm down, and test later, gently touching the area in question to try to identify an injury or lump. If in doubt, go to the vet!
CONTACT YOUR CAT TO AVOID BITES
Learn to identify the warning signs of aggression in your cat (bite or scratch):.
Dilated pins, swollen tails, or nervously whips air? It’s a sign to stop your game or your caresses for now: you’ll come back later!
Never force him: he must always be able to escape from an unpleasant situation for him. If you interpret his messages correctly, your cat will be less tempted to bite or attack you!
