Felines are not very associated with biting. Unlike dogs, the behavior is much less frequent in felines. That is precisely why many people end up ignoring bites because they underestimate the animal's strength and think it will not hurt. Cat bites can not only occur for many reasons, but they can also cause accidents. Generally, cats give some signs thatanticipate the bite and it is important that you learn to recognize them, as well as understand the reasons that lead the cat to have this attitude. We have prepared a complete article on the subject, so come and understand why cats bite!

Why do cats bite - 6 reasons!

Felines are unique animals. This phrase may sound cliché, but it is true. Each kitten acts, feels and expresses itself in a different way, even if they are the same breed or from the same litter. We know that in some cases, the animal's behaviors are passed on from mother to child. But why do cats bite their owners? Many reasons can justify it. It is important that you understand the cat biteas a way for them to communicate with you. The most common reasons are:

1. Fear

Our kittens can be easily frightened by other animals, people and even noises, such as fireworks and thunder. In this case, it is normal for them to bite anyone who tries to help them. They are not to blame, fear speaks louder! If you are faced with this situation, wait for your kitten to calm down and come to you for comfort. In situations of fear, it is valid to offer theanimal a place where it can hide and feel safe, such as burrows and beds.

2. Confusing stimuli

When we use our hands to play with kittens, we are encouraging them to bite, even if it's just for fun. While humans use their hands and feet to defend themselves and pick things up, they use their mouths. So when we take our hands to places they don't like, like the belly, they will bite us as a defense. To avoid bites, the ideal is to play with wands, mice, and other toys.toy and other stimuli.

3. Stress

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Cats are very quiet animals - and some felines really value moments of calm and tranquillity. So, when they are exposed to unusual situations, such as visits, trips to the vet or just a thorough bath, they can become very stressed. At such times, felines often try to escape from their owners' laps and may also react with pawing and grunting. As with most catsSometimes they are ignored, only bites are left to show their annoyance: it is a way of saying "look, human, this is not cool and I want you to stop right now!". If you know that your cat does not like something, the ideal is to avoid it or seek professional help to teach him to associate a certain situation with something positive.

4. Illness

If your kitten is not in the habit of biting - even in situations of fear, stress or play - there may be something wrong. He may be experiencing pain or some other discomfort in his body, which can be either a skin injury or intestinal discomfort. Since he cannot speak, the feline needs to communicate in other ways and, in this case, he knows that the bite willIt is also necessary to watch out for other signs that may indicate an illness, such as loss of appetite, apathy and lack of interest in everyday activities. If this is the case, go to a veterinarian and keep your kitty's tests up to date, okay?!

5. Playing and caring

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When they are kittens, kittens play with each other with bites. That is why it is so important to respect the weaning time of the animals, which is usually 60 days, because it is at this stage that they learn to socialize and not to repeat these behaviors. In some cases, however, our felines can also bite for fun or for love. The little nibble may even hurt, but he is not doing itHands, arms, the armpit area, ankles and feet are the most common places: the kitten knows exactly what to do to get your attention. Although it is cute, it is not worth rewarding this behavior, as the kitten can intensify the force of the bite when it feels frustrated.

6. Not wanting more affection

If on the one hand kittens bite to ask for affection, in other cases they may bite to signal that that area should not be touched, as is the case with the belly. Have you tried to identify which places on the body your cat most likes to receive affection? It is worth observing and making coexistence with your friend even better, respecting your limits. If your kitten bites youwhile you are petting, do not insist. Let him leave the place or change position and give him time to come to you again for this moment of exchange of affection.

Cat bites: know the signs to anticipate and avoid this behavior!

Kittens often let us know when they're going to bite us, but for all their cuteness and our overwhelming desire to pet them, we end up ignoring these signs or putting another meaning on them. And then, when we least expect it, the bites come! So you should pay attention to some signs that may indicate when our feline is going to give us a little nibble of love - or, in other words, a little nibble.in some cases, even anger.

In case of stress, fear and aggression, the cat behaves as follows:

• Dilated pupils with fixed gaze;

• Interruption or decrease in the act of purring;

• Coarse fur with raised back (in case of attack) or shrunken back (in case of fear);

• Ears back;

• Growls and grunts.

In the case of no longer wanting the affection, we can observe the cat behaving in this way:

• Excessive tail twitching;

• Rotate the ears inwards;

• Become very agitated;

• Nibble lightly.

Cat biting: how to avoid this problem?

Once you have identified the reason why your cat is biting you, it is time to decide what to do about this problem. There are a few things that can help reduce this cat biting problem:

• Castrate your best friend!

Neutered cats are less aggressive, so the sooner they are neutered, the better. Neutering has many benefits: it prevents aggression, territory marking, escapes and behavioural problems, and increases the longevity of the cat;

• Avoid bathing if your cat doesn't like it!

Cats don't need to be bathed, as they do it by themselves with their tongues. For some cats, contact with water can be quite stressful. Despite this, some breeds, such as the Angora, love water, so it's worth assessing how your cat's bathing behavior is.

• Respect your cat's limits!

Many owners like to keep their kitten close, but they don't always react well to this display of affection. The ideal is to let your cat come to you. Don't try to grab him or keep him tied up, if he wants affection, he will ask for it.

Cat bite: what to do when it happens?

• If the bite was severe, ice the wound. Ice will relieve pain, stop blood flow, and prevent the chance of a bite infection. It is important to wash the bite site with soap and water;

• It is not recommended to give stitches to animal bites, as their tongue may have bacteria and suturing the wound may contribute to an infection at the site;

• Make sure the cat is vaccinated and free of zoonoses that can be transmitted to humans. Do not try to medicate yourself;

• Last (and not least), there is no reason to discard your feline after a bite. Remember that the behavior is part of their instinct!