If you notice that your cat is constantly biting you, it may be time to look at your cat’s behavior. Most cats like to play with humans and practice hunting on them. Kittens will frequently use their needle-sharp teeth to nip during play. This is normal and is part of their teething process. The next step is to reduce your cat’s exposure to petting and other types of contact.
Understanding your cat’s body language
To understand your cat’s body language, it is helpful to watch its behavior. There are several signs that will give you an idea of what’s bothering it. For example, if your cat’s tail is down, it means that it’s scared, while its tail is raised means that it’s happy or content. If it’s arched up, it probably feels comfortable with you and wants to interact.
Reducing frequency of petting
If you notice your cat getting aggressive when being petted, limiting the frequency of petting is one way to stop it. Cats tolerate some amount of petting, but not full body strokes. When you attempt to pet a cat who bites frequently, you’ll likely end up provoking the behavior further. You can reduce the frequency of petting your cat by following these tips:
Understanding redirected aggression
If you are getting more aggressive cat bites, it might be redirected aggression. Whether your cat has a specific trigger, or its attacks are random, misdirected aggression can be frustrating. However, the first step to resolving the situation is to understand the cause. Understanding redirected aggression when cat is biting you is critical if you want to prevent further attacks. Here are some tips to help you prevent your cat from hurting you:
Treating a bite
If you have been bitten by a cat, you probably don’t want to go to the hospital right away. While cat bite wounds can easily become infected, you can use simple home remedies to treat a cat bite wound. If the bite is superficial, you can clean it yourself and apply hydrogen peroxide or Chlorhexidine to the wound. To stop bleeding, apply a bandage to the wound. You should also check for swelling and lymph nodes, which may indicate a more serious ailment. If there are lymph nodes, seek medical attention immediately. If you notice any negative changes, you need to see a medical professional, who can administer independent antibiotics.
Rewarding your cat for biting
Whenever your cat starts to bite you, stop petting them and address the perceived threat. Avoid giving food as bribes and instead try to reward your cat for other appropriate behavior. It will be easy to understand if your cat has a natural tendency to bite, but you must not encourage this behavior. Besides, your cat may become accustomed to these rewards and will continue to bite you if you continue to use such methods.