While a kitten bite can be adorable, an adult cat bite can be uncomfortable. Allowing a feline, whatever its age, to bite as often as it wants can cause many inconveniences for the owner over time.
With a little training, felines can learn to limit the force of their bites and use their paws without trying to scratch. Your cat can still bite you and play properly without it getting out of hand.
Why do cats bite?
Cats and kittens can bite for very different reasons, and it's important to recognize them to prevent unwanted bites from your cat. A kitten usually bites due to a socialization problem, while an adult cat may bite for a very different factor.
Kittens learn good manners by interacting with other kittens and their mother; other felines won't stand to be hurt. Too often, kittens go to new adoptive homes too soon before they have learned these crucial lessons and their owners must teach them.
Kittens don't know that teeth and claws hurt, unless you explain it in kitten language like a mom would.
Start training as soon as you receive your kitten or feline.
A well-socialized adult cat who understands the rules of the game will give the best lessons to kittens. Kittens may also bite to meet a need, to explore their environment, or because they are teething.
There can be a multitude of reasons for biting in adult cats:
- This may involve asserting supremacy or reacting to danger . If a feline bites and then doesn't pull away, this could be the case.
- Some cats bite to stop unwanted actions or behaviors from humans or other animals, especially if it has worked in the past.
- Some felines bite as a form of communication or a demand for attention . Instead of meowing, they bite. If a feline bites you and then tries to lure you into an activity, such as playing with a toy, this could be considered play calling!
How to stop your cat from biting
Although you can't stop your feline from biting again, there are some methods you can try.
You will likely need to tailor your action to your feline's age (older feline or kitten) and the reason for the bite (assertion of supremacy or communication).
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Maintain consistent reactions and make sure all family members and visitors follow the same rules. If the chat receives mixed messages, it will be more difficult for you to implement your training.
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Never allow your kitten or feline to play with your bare hands , fingers or toes. All felines need to learn that hands are not toys. If you give your hands as toys, you are encouraging a risky habit.
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Give the cat an appropriate, interactive toy that it can bite on . Stuffed animals are very popular with many felines. There should be a variety of toys (at least three) available so that your feline doesn't get tired of them. Kibble dispenser toys are a great way to keep their environment enriched and encourage appropriate play behavior by rewarding play with treats.
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Continually and gently praise your cat when he uses his paws and mouth without hurting ! If the claws come out or the canines hurt, make a shrill noise and remove your hand like another cat or kitten would do to stop the play. Use this as an interruption to break habits, not as a punishment.
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If your feline bites and won't let go, grit your teeth and push your hand and arm toward the bite to encourage your feline to let go. Moving away from the bite encourages him to bite more. Additionally, you need to view your clothes as an extension of your skin and ban them, otherwise your cat won't know the difference between scratching your jeans and your bare legs.
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Implement replacement habits. If your feline gets overexcited and attacks your feet when you enter a room, teach him to sit and reward him for it. Subsequently, when you are in a room, your cat will automatically sit to get a treat. You can clicker train it by matching a benefit, such as food, to a click of the clicker.
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Avoid physical punishment , which only makes cats more excited and more likely to fight back and protect themselves or engage in rough play.
How to deal with a feline bite?
Cat bites pose a threat to you and other animals. They can cause serious infections and should be treated immediately.
If a feline bites you, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Up to 75% of cat bites have harmful bacteria in the body including Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Pasteurella. Fever, which comes from the bacteria Bartonella henselae, can also be transmitted by a feline bite.
Signs of infection can appear within hours and are particularly dangerous for the hands, joints and tendons.
Immediate action is essential if a cat bites you:
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Eliminate germs from the feline bite by applying pressure to the wound. This may cause additional bleeding, but will also help remove bacteria from the body.
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Wash the wound completely with soap and water . Use a clean cloth to clean the wound.
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See a doctor, who will likely analyze the wound and wash it again. This will require a recommendation for prescription antibiotics, intervention on the wound if necessary, and a tetanus booster vaccination if this is exceeded.
- After the doctor's evaluation, follow the prescribed care and keep the injury area clean. Watch for signs of infection, including inflammation, oozing, swelling, pain, or fever, and if you detect any, seek medical attention again promptly.
Frequently asked questions about cat bites
Why does my cat bite me when petting?
Felines bite for many reasons: they may be overstimulated or seeking affection; if they are babies, they can teethe; they may be depressed or scared, or they may be upset or ill.
Why do felines knead and bite blankets?
Felines knead and bite blankets for many reasons, the most common being to soothe or calm down after activity. They also do this if they are more than happy and seem to have their minds elsewhere. The kneading and biting are reminiscent of the time when they nursed their kittens.
Why do felines like to bite?
Veterinarians assume that felines like to bite when overstimulated. Bite of love.
Why do cats bite their necks?
Cats bite their necks for many reasons: dominance, mating and play. As long as they don't hurt themselves it's nothing to worry about.
