How to Solve Cat Biting

Biting and aggression is the second most common behavior problem in cats, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. When your cat bites you or someone else, it can cause pain and lead to an infection. To prevent your cat from biting, you need to modify this behavior and improve your relationship with your cat. Use positive reinforcement techniques and treats to encourage non-aggressive behavior and keep your cat calm and content.

Things You'll Need

  • Cat treats
  • Cat toys
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lure your cat to you with a treat and pet it. When it begins to show signs of aggression indicating it may bite, get up and give your cat a treat. An aggressive or agitated cat will flatten its ears, become tense and whip its tail about, the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine reports. By ceasing to stroke your cat when it shows aggression and rewarding its behavior before it bites, you will positively reinforce desirable behavior. Continue these sessions with your cat to decrease its biting.

    • 2

      Say "no" emphatically and then ignore your cat if it bites you. After the bite, give your cat a "time out" period to calm down before approaching it again. By taking away any attention from your cat, it will begin to learn that biting does not produce positive results.

    • 3

      Close the blinds in your home if outside cats come into your yard regularly to prevent your cat from seeing them. If your cat sees a neighborhood cat outside it can become agitated and aggressive. This behavior, known as redirected aggression, can result in your cat biting your or another cat, leading to further behavioral problems.

    • 4

      Approach your cat when it is sleepy and calm. Touch sensitive spots such as its ears, tail and feet for a few seconds at a time, then stroke your cat gently. Reward calm responses with a treat and walk away if your cat tries to bite you. Increase the time of these touching sessions by a few seconds each day and reward good behavior each time.

    • 5

      Provide toys that let your cat work out its energy appropriately. Cats need physical play and activity to satisfy their predatory instincts. Play with toys on strings so your hands do not come in contact with your cat while it plays. Cats can accidentally bite you while playing, so keeping your hands and fingers out of the way of rough play prevents your cat from thinking this is acceptable behavior.

    • 6

      Take your cat to a veterinarian for a checkup, especially if it has recently started biting. Some medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism and arthritis, can cause increased aggression and pain. These conditions may cause your cat to bite, especially if you touch it in a painful area. If your vet rules out a medical condition, she may prescribe a medication to calm your cat and prevent it from biting.