August 20, 2024, 11:04 am | Read time: 5 minutes
The cat is still enjoying the cuddles but then suddenly bites while being stroked. The reaction seems to come out of nowhere. There are various reasons for this. PETBOOK editor and cat behavior expert Saskia Schneider explains what’s behind the behavior.
Every cat owner knows the situation: the cat lies purring on your lap and enjoys being stroked. Suddenly, the animal turns around abruptly and bites the hand whose caresses it enjoyed just a second ago. What has happened? For us humans, the reason is often not immediately apparent. This is because cats usually only send subtle signals that we humans don’t always notice. Especially when we stare at the TV while stroking them, lost in thought. Some cats then simply get up and leave. Others, however, become frustrated that their human is not heeding the clear message they are sending and may express this more forcefully. Here are the most common reasons why cats might bite while being stroked.
Reason 1: Humans do not notice the signals
Cats communicate with each other almost exclusively via body language. This is not always easy for humans to interpret. However, if you stroke your cat carefully, you can quickly recognize when it no longer wants to be stroked.
You should pay particular attention to the tail and ears. If a cat twitches or lashes its tail, it may indicate irritation or annoyance. In any case, it is unhappy with the situation. Sometimes, the ears also start to twitch. However, it is more common for the cat to put one ear back. Both can be signs that the animal is nervous or feels disturbed.
If you notice the ears or tail twitching – sometimes only the tip of the tail moves – you should stop stroking the cat. It is worth taking a close look, as a slight twitch can be the only warning of a bite with some cats.
Reason 2: The cat is overstimulated
If you stroke your cat for a very long time or in places that are uncomfortable for them, this can lead to so-called overstimulation. Similar to sensory overload, the petting is simply too much for the cat at that moment, and it bites. Signs of this are a twitching of the skin over the back, dilated pupils, or folded ears.
Sometimes, the cat also suddenly turns its head and stares at your hand while you are stroking it. At this point at the latest, it is better to stop petting or choose a less unpleasant spot for the animal.
The reaction to overstimulation can also be very abrupt, almost explosive. The cat might even bite more forcefully. It is, therefore, crucial to recognize when petting becomes too much for your cat and which areas it finds uncomfortable. It is also best to inform petting visitors or roommates.
Reason 3: The cat wants to play
Young cats, in particular, quickly switch from a cuddly mood to a playful mood. But adult cats also show this change of mood. They often try to encourage their humans to play by gently grasping their hands and licking or nibbling them. As a rule, however, they are somewhat cautious. Nevertheless, younger kittens, in particular, may not yet be able to assess their strength when playfully biting fully.
The absence of hissing or growling clearly indicates that a cat’s biting during petting is playful. Nevertheless, you should always remember that playful behavior trains the cat to catch its prey, at the end of which it will bite the prey to death. Therefore, it’s better to avoid using your hands as toys and instead offer a suitable plaything.
Also interesting: 5 toys to combat boredom in cats
Reason 4: Redirected aggression
Cats can also bite if they see something that frightens them and puts them under stress. For example, the animals can react aggressively if they see a stranger in their territory through the window. This causes some animals to become so enraged that their aggression “jumps around.” Experts refer to this as an “aggression shift.”
The aggressive behavior is then no longer directed at the actual trigger – the strange cat in the garden – but at the human who happens to be nearby. We are often unaware of the exact cause, and we get the impression that the cat bit us out of nowhere.
Behavior explained 8 reasons why cats arch their backs
Pay attention to signals Almost everyone makes these mistakes when petting cats
Behavior explained This is what happens when the baby is suddenly attacked by the cat
What should I do if the cat bites while I am stroking it?
If the cat bites while you are stroking it, you should not take offense. Under no circumstances should you raise your voice or act aggressively towards the cat. This can put a strain on the relationship and make the cat very insecure.
The best approach is to closely observe your pet and recognize the signs early on. If you don’t stop stroking the cat before it bites, you should end the interaction after the bite at the latest. This is important because cats can transmit diseases, including previously unknown pathogens, through bites.
After you’ve stopped playing with the cat, allow the animal to decide its next action. Some will leave the situation immediately and retreat for a while. Others want to stay close to their human; they just don’t want to be stroked anymore. As owners, we should respect this – even if it is sometimes difficult.