My cat, Whiskers, has started biting and scratching me more frequently lately. It’s not a constant thing, but it seems to happen in a few different situations, and I can’t figure out the pattern. Sometimes it happens when I’m petting him, even when he seems relaxed and purring. Other times, he’ll do it while we’re playing with a toy, almost like he’s getting too excited. And occasionally, he’ll even do it when I’m just walking past him, seemingly unprovoked. The bites aren’t usually super hard, and the scratches aren’t deep, but they’re annoying and sometimes painful, and I’m worried he’s developing a bad habit. He’s about 3 years old, neutered, and otherwise seems healthy. He’s an indoor cat, but has access to scratching posts and plenty of toys. So, with all that in mind, why is Whiskers biting/scratching me? What could be causing this behavior, and how can I stop it?

Answer

Your cat might be biting or scratching you for a variety of reasons, which can be broadly categorized into play, affection, defense/fear, medical issues, or learned behavior. Understanding the context of the behavior is key to identifying the cause.

Play Aggression:

• Hunting Instinct: Cats are natural predators. Biting and scratching can be part of a playful hunting sequence involving stalking, chasing, pouncing, biting, and kicking (bunny-kicking). This is especially common in kittens and young cats.
• Lack of Play: If your cat isn’t getting enough playtime, they may direct their pent-up energy towards you.
• Excitement: Overstimulation during play can lead to biting and scratching. The cat might get carried away.
• Inappropriate Play: If you’ve used your hands or feet as toys in the past, your cat may see them as acceptable targets.
• Single Cat Syndrome: Kittens learn appropriate play boundaries from littermates. A kitten separated too early may not have learned to inhibit biting and scratching.

Affection (Love Bites):

• Grooming Behavior: Cats groom each other. Gentle nibbling can be a form of social grooming and affection. These "love bites" are usually gentle and accompanied by purring.
• Attention Seeking: The cat may have learned that biting gets them attention, even if it’s negative attention.

Defense/Fear/Frustration:

• Fear: If your cat feels threatened or cornered, they may bite or scratch to defend themselves. Signs of fear include flattened ears, dilated pupils, hissing, and a tucked tail.
• Pain: If you touch a painful area on your cat, they may bite or scratch in response.
• Overstimulation (Petting-Induced Aggression): Some cats have a low tolerance for petting. What starts as a pleasant interaction can quickly become overwhelming, leading to biting or scratching. Look for signs of overstimulation, such as tail twitching, rippling skin, flattened ears, or dilated pupils.
• Resource Guarding: If you approach your cat while they are eating, sleeping, or playing with a favorite toy, they may bite or scratch to protect their resources.
• Redirected Aggression: If your cat is agitated by something they can’t get to (e.g., a cat outside the window), they may redirect their aggression towards you.
• Frustration: Frustration can occur when a cat is confined or not allowed to engage in normal behaviors.

Medical Issues:

• Hyperthyroidism: This condition can cause increased irritability and aggression.
• Arthritis/Pain: Pain can make a cat more defensive and prone to biting or scratching when touched.
• Neurological Problems: In rare cases, neurological issues can cause aggression.
• Dental Problems: Dental pain can cause a cat to react when touched near the face.
• Skin Problems: Skin irritation can make a cat sensitive to touch.

Learned Behavior:

• Reinforcement: If your cat bites or scratches you and you immediately stop interacting with them, they may learn that this behavior gets them what they want (i.e., to be left alone).
• Punishment: Physical punishment is never recommended. It can make the cat fearful and aggressive and damage your relationship.
• Inconsistent Handling: Inconsistent rules or training can confuse your cat and lead to unpredictable behavior.

To determine the cause and how to address the behavior, consider the following:

• Observe the context: When and where does the biting/scratching occur? What were you doing before the incident? What is the cat’s body language?
• Keep a record: Track the incidents to identify patterns.
• Consult a veterinarian: Rule out any underlying medical conditions.
• Consult a certified cat behaviorist: A behaviorist can help you identify the cause of the behavior and develop a plan to modify it.

What to do during a biting/scratching incident:

• Remain calm: Avoid yelling or making sudden movements.
• Stop the interaction: Gently disengage and move away.
• Ignore the cat: Avoid giving the cat any attention, even negative attention.
• Do not punish: Punishment will only make the cat more fearful and aggressive.

Preventative measures:

• Provide adequate playtime: Offer a variety of toys and play sessions that mimic hunting behavior.
• Redirect unwanted behavior: If the cat starts to bite or scratch during play, redirect their attention to a toy.
• Avoid using your hands or feet as toys: Use toys to interact with your cat.
• Respect the cat’s boundaries: Learn to recognize the signs of overstimulation and stop petting before the cat becomes agitated.
• Provide a safe space: Make sure the cat has a quiet and safe place to retreat to when they feel overwhelmed.
• Introduce changes gradually: Avoid sudden changes to the cat’s environment or routine.
• Consider pheromone therapy: Feliway diffusers or sprays can help to reduce anxiety and stress.
• Train using positive reinforcement: Reward desired behaviors with treats or praise.
• Ensure proper socialization: Expose kittens to a variety of people, places, and things to help them become well-adjusted adults.