Why Do Cats Bite During Grooming?

Cats often bite during the grooming process. Sometimes it's playful and sometimes it's more serious. There are several reasons cats bite during grooming.

  1. History

    • The ancient Egyptians began to selectively breed cats approximately 6000 years ago. Cats are often bred to enhance the length and thickness of their coats. Cats with long or thick coats require regular brushing.

    Love Bites

    • Cats frequently bite their owners after they've been brushed for a few minutes. They are simply signaling that they are bored with being brushed and now want to play; another cat would think this behavior was perfectly appropriate. Bites among cats are often signs of affection.

    Over-Stimulation

    • Brushing or petting a cat can cause over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety for the cat. Learn to recognize when your cat has had enough and stop before your cat tells you she's done--with her teeth.

    Serious Biting

    • Most cat bites are not painful or serious. If a cat seriously bites you during grooming, ask your vet to look for underlying conditions or injuries--especially if biting is a change of behavior for your cat. You may also want to consider experimenting with a softer brush.

    Grooming Tip

    • Groom your cat after he eats or plays. This is a natural time for a cat to groom himself. Your cat will welcome your attention at these times.

    Start Small

    • If you have trouble brushing your cat, brush her for small periods of time, starting with her head and slowly building towards grooming her entire body. Many cats learn to love brushing, and often demand to be groomed.