How to Stop a Cat From Biting Humans

As a pet owner, you may enjoy cuddling up to your cat while giving it a scratch behind the ear. The moment of joy can turn into shock as your kitty turns around and nips you. According to Pet Education, cats fall short of being as sociable as dogs. Because of this, cats are more in tune with their natural instincts, which means they may not want to be petted or interacted with. Medical conditions may also contribute to a sudden onset of biting.

Things You'll Need

  • Cat toys
  • Towel
  • Cat treats
  • Prozac
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Instructions

    • 1
      Begin training your cat.

      Socialize with your cat as early as possible. Kittens as young as seven weeks that have a few minutes of human contact every day, are more socialized than cats that don't interact much.

    • 2
      Your cat's signals will tell you when to back off.

      Watch your cat's body language. Petting will encourage purring, but when your cat becomes over stimulated, purring will become clawing and biting. Warning signs to watch for include protruding claws, low growling, twitching tail and stiffened body.

    • 3
      The tummy is off limits.

      Tell others to avoid petting your cat's belly. The Cat Site indicates that a cat's belly is sensitive, especially in males. Petting a male cat's belly can lead to arousal and biting is a mating response.

    • 4
      Teach your kids to be gentle.

      Teach your children to respect your cat's space. Your cat isn't likely to accept noisy children grabbing and pulling at it.

    • 5
      Remove yourself from your cat.

      Teach your cat not to bite. Engage your cat into playing, praising it when it remains calm. However, freeze when your cat bites you. If your cat continues aggressive biting, say "Ouch," and ignore your cat, as suggested by Perfect Paws.

    • 6
      Use a ploy.

      Use cat toys to distract your cat. Toss a cat toy away from your cat to stop it from biting.

    • 7
      Remove your cat.

      Shield your friend or family member with a towel. Gently hold the towel between you and your cat and herd her into another room. Keep your feet covered to prevent your cat from biting your toes.

    • 8
      Trust needs to be developed.

      Develop confidence in your cat. Avoid large groups of people in your home, which will aggravate your cat. Cats need to accept strangers within their home on their own terms. This may take days to weeks.