If you’ve ever wondered “Why Cats Bite?” you’re not alone. In fact, cats often do it to assert dominance, defend territory, or demand attention. Sometimes they even bite to communicate, such as to stop you from trimming their nails. Besides trying to get our attention, cats sometimes bite to communicate with us. It’s a good idea to understand the underlying cause of your cat’s behavior so that you can take steps to stop it.

Whether you’re a cat owner or a dog owner, you’ll need to understand why cats bite. First, cats exhibit behaviors that are instinctual to them. This includes play biting and predatory aggression. Kittens go through a teething stage, similar to that of babies. They find fingers to be the most suitable texture for their teeth, latching on them and moving them up and down. While this behavior is natural, it can lead to infections.

Some cats are highly sensitive, and prolonged petting sessions can cause irritation. You may notice rippling skin on the back of your cat, flattened ears, and dilated pupils. Observe your cat’s behavior and determine whether it is merely expressing its natural fear and aggression or is simply overstimulated. If you notice a twitch of the tail, your cat might be in pain and may bite to stop your interaction. If you suspect your cat is acting this way, visit your veterinarian to determine if it’s a medical problem.

If you don’t know why your cat bites, consider this simple explanation: it’s fun for them! Moreover, small kittens are probably just trying to show you affection. Older cats, on the other hand, are more likely to be stressed, frustrated, or simply showing affection. Regardless of the cause, you should try to discourage this behavior early on so your cat doesn’t get bored and learns not to bite you.

Some cats bite because they dislike the feeling of being touched. Others do it to avoid a situation where you’re petting them. These cats may be hypervigilant or hyperarousal. These two emotions can cause your cat to attack another cat. Knowing the difference between these two states will help you identify which one your cat is experiencing. For example, a cat that hates taking its medication may bite to keep it from getting more of it.

Other common causes of cat bites include overstimulating. Cats bite to protect their territory and feel out of control. It can also be a symptom of an infection or the beginning of an illness. Regardless of the reason behind the attack, a cat bite will result in bleeding or a painful infection. If you suspect that your cat has an infection, see a doctor as soon as possible. You may need a tetanus booster and even a rabies vaccine.

When a cat bites you, take care to keep a log of the time and place it occurs. A simple chart can help you identify the most frequent time your cat bites you. If you notice a pattern, you might be on the way to discovering the cause of your cat’s attack. You might have missed a few days or even a whole week. But it’s better to be proactive than sorry.