Last Updated on March 9, 2023 by Woody Pet
Why Does My Cat Bite Me Unprovoked? It is not untrue to say that cats are easily provoked and prickly animals. Many cat owners probably were unpleasantly surprised and suffered a sudden attack from their cats. Many of you likely have asked yourself the question – “Why is my cat biting me all of a sudden?” Did I do something wrong?”
There is not only one answer to your concerning question. Cats can bite because of many different motives. If you keep a cat, or if you are planning to do so, it would be wise to learn what can cause cats to bite someone. This way you will be able to know how to treat your cat and prevent it from hurting you or your loved ones, guests, and friends.
In this article, therefore, we will help you resolve this matter and answer the question of this topic – why does my cat bite me unprovoked?
Why Does My Cat Bite Me Unprovoked?
One of the answers may sound very typical for a cat – simply because they want to do so.
Another reason can be territorial – this is their primal reaction, common among animals. If the cat bites you at home, it might be that it wants to mark the place as its territory. So if your reaction is – “my cat bites me and holds on!”, then you can be certain that your cat wants to demonstrate superiority and make a statement while biting you and is not willing to step back.
The next question you might be asking yourself might be – why does my cat bite me gently?
If your cat is nibbling you and does not cause you pain, it is in a playful manner, and you shouldn’t be concerned about this unless you are annoyed by it.
If the cat bites you more gently on your leg or your arm, then, it wants to show you that they need to be tended to and has some particular urges. They do not always meow if they desire something. For example, cats do this to ask you to let them go outside, give them their daily meal, or something else. If they want to go outside, they’ll go towards the door, if they want to be fed, they will head towards their bowl.
How to Stop my Cat From Biting and Attacking Me?
In order to teach your cat good manners you should follow certain rules. Cats are not very different to other domestic animals in this matter.
For example, after your cat bites you, you must sanction its action right after that. This way, it will remember quickly that it is being chastised exactly for the biting.
Some cats are trained easier and some are harder. That is why you will have to do this repeatedly – if your cat continues to bite you on and on until it finally gets it.
In comparison to biting, show some appreciation for your cat’s good manners and award it with something when it behaves well. Do this so that the cat would be able to recognize what is seen as good behaviour by you, and distinguish it from the bad approach to asking something or marking its territory.
Depending on what the cat is trying to accomplish with its biting, you should take a different approach.
If the cat shows signs of communication and tries to get something out of it, you need to demonstrate milder methods in order to teach them good behaviour.
For example, you may just do nothing if their bites are less aggressive. They will most likely switch their mild biting with meowing. Then, if you realize that their needs are reasonable, give in to them. If it is indeed time for their meal, feed them. If you need to clean up after them, time to empty their box.
If the cat is trying to make a statement regarding territory, you need to play it hard. Raise the voice, yell at them, or simply put, give them some tough love. This should set your cat straight. Again, we remind you that you should be constant with your reprimands, and not lose ground to your pet. This goes more for female cats than for male ones. Female cats are easier to handle.
The male cats are a little different story, though. They can lean towards showing more hostile behaviour, and you will have a bit more difficulty task to handle them. Try to reprimand their bad and reward their good conduct, and raise your voice more often.
In the end, if none of the above is working, unfortunately, the best choice would be to castrate your male cat. After all, a male cat is more peaceful when it is gelded. However, think well about this and consult the veterinarian to whom you entrust your cat’s well-being.
Why Does My Cat Bite Me When I Sleep?
Cats do this because they are hunters, and the night is the best time for it.
In the dark, if your cat notices your movement while you are sleeping, it does not realize that it’s you they are going after. This is just their natural, primal instinct.
Again, this is unacceptable, and you should punish this behaviour if you are out of options, but even better, try to take care of yourself and close your door before you go to bed.
Why Does My Cat Bite Me Conclusion
We believe we covered a good number of reasons why cats are biting their owners when unprovoked, and we explained how to deal with the biting.
Since cats bite for different purposes, one should always take into consideration the manner of the biting – whether it is milder, or more hostile. The biting that does not hurt requires more lenient punishment, while the more aggressive one deserves a harsher one.
However, even tough love has its limits. Don’t overstep the border we mentioned in this text, since if you go too far – your cat will become frightened by you and may not even demonstrate that they are in need of basic things in the future.
Last but not least, do not be ashamed to consult the experts or other people who own cats and have already dealt with their biting. The people you bought your cat from and the vets should be of great help with their counsel.
