How Can I Stop My Cat From Biting Me in the Middle of the Night?

Cats bite people for many reasons. Sometimes they bite out of fear or because they do not want to be handled. They may also bite because of their natural instinct to play fight and may not realize they are inflicting pain. Cats are nocturnal animals and like to play at night. Your cat may mistake movement under the covers as prey, which may motivate it to pounce and bite at your body. If your cat is biting you in the middle of night, teach it immediately this is unacceptable behavior.

Things You'll Need

  • Water bottle
  • Grapefruit or lemon lotion or moisturizer
  • Cat toys
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Spray your cat with a water bottle if it bites you. Water is a safe way to teach your cat it is not acceptable to bite you. Keep the spray bottle near your bed for easy access.

    • 2

      Give your cat 10-minute play sessions at least twice a day to reduce aggressive behavior and make it less likely to bite. Throw a ball and let your cat chase after it, or use cat toys to entertain it and stimulate its prey instincts.

    • 3

      Teach your cat not to bite during play sessions. This is the best time to instruct your cat that it must be gentle and careful. If your cat bites you, use a noise deterrent, such as a human-generated hiss, to startle it out of the behavior.

    • 4

      Keep your cat off your bed. This will help teach your cat not to associate your bed with play sessions.

    • 5

      Apply grapefruit-scented lotion or moisturizer all over your body at bedtime. Cats are repelled by the citrus scent and will stay away.