Cats often bite for different reasons. Find out which are the most frequent and how to make sure your cat doesn't bite anymore
Bite marks and scratches all over the place .. It is easier to recognize a cat owner than you think. Our domestic feline does indeed dispense unconditional love, but through certain attitudes, such as bites, he tries to communicate something specific.
While escaping his biting attempts is important, as these can cause infections - although less dangerous than those developed from dog bites, deciphering his language is equally important to prevent these situations from happening again.
So why does our cat behave like this? Here's everything you need to know about why your cat bites and how to prevent it (again).
Index
Age
The very young age of the feline is the first reason that pushes it to pay homage to its owner, as well as more or less large objects, of its bites. In fact, the little ones bite to play and because they are unaware of the act itself. As is normal for a puppy, kittens must discover the environment around them and learn about the things that are part of it.
It is very important at this stage that the kitten is, if possible, flanked by a bigger fellow. As with children, animals learn - or should - the meaning of certain behaviors from their adults, and then avoid them with age. Hopefully at least.
It is in its nature
As each of us has its own character with its strengths and weaknesses, so does the cat has its own personality only. If your cat bites, this is probably also largely down to his or her genes. This does not mean that you have to constantly deal with a tiger, but certainly his nature, as well as that of his parents, is strongly present and influences the actions he performs.
The master's behavior
As with felines, the cat tends to emulate the behavior of its owner, perceiving his every emotion. Whether in moments of calm and happiness, or in sad ones, your cat participates in your mood and reacts accordingly. Particularly aggressive cats in their environment often correspond to equally impetuous owners who in everyday life tend to scream, raise their voices towards the animal or move abruptly out of nowhere. In this case the reactions of the feline are properly defensive and lead it to bite to protect itself.
Domestic changes
The cat is a habitual animal that love the routine and change is one of its worst enemies. Whether it's a relocation, major housework, the arrival of a baby or another animal, this is just a huge amount for your cat. stress factor which turns into bites or other attitudes. Many cats are jealous, as well as a brother or a sister, while others are happy and carefree, even if the first case is the most popular.
Stress in cats should not be underestimated, not only for bites, but for behaviors, such as tearing their hair, scratching relentlessly, which could turn into more serious health problems.
Provocations
As we just said, cats have their own habits and don't like to change them at all, no matter what is happening in the world or in the room next to them. This often involves having fixed times for pampering, but also vices. If your cat doesn't want to play, he doesn't want to and the bite, along with a few paws, is their first response to your provocation.
Primary needs not met
The bite can also be your cat's way of letting you know that there is something wrong with it, or rather as usual.
Among the triggering causes are, for example, the primary needs that the animal has and that the owner has not - or has not yet - satisfied. The dirty litter box, the bowl empty at its usual time, the water no longer fresh. An attitude of yours or a small forgetfulness that your cat does not tolerate can thus turn into a bite.
How to stop your cat from biting
So how can you prevent your cat from behaving like this? First of all you need to:
- find out what the triggering cause is in order to resolve the situation or at least buffer it as much as possible;
- evaluate your behavior to understand if we have done something that the feline did not particularly like;
- take steps like stop cuddling if he just bit you or get out of the way. Just as you have to reward your cat when he behaves well, the same should be done in case of bites or scratches;
- dedicate more time to it because sometimes what your cat is asking you is just more attention towards him;
- if you can, adopt another cat to allow him not to be alone when you are not at home. In company, your cat behaves differently than when he is the only one in the family. He has someone to play with, to sleep with and to discover the world with, it's not cheap!
If your cat continues to bite or interact aggressively, it is always best to contact your veterinarian to avoid other possible causes.
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