What Makes a Cat Start Biting?

Cats are often solitary animals that have a number of aggressive behaviors, such as marking their territory and biting other animals or humans. Cats often start biting for a number of reasons, many of which have to do with establishing their dominance.

  1. Hunting Instincts

    • Your cat may start to bite you or other animals because her natural instincts cause her to want to mimic hunting behaviors. This can cause her to start biting your clothing or parts of your body, such as your ankles, or other animals, especially when she is playing.

    Fear

    • When you bring a new cat in your home, especially if you have another cat or a dog, he may feel fearful. This fear can cause him to start biting or scratching you, other human beings or other animals.

    Sensitivity to Touch

    • Your cat may bite you when you are petting, brushing or touching her in certain spots because areas of her fur or skin may be sensitive to touch, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Your cat may also not like being petted or groomed.

    Territorial Instincts

    • Your cat may act out in different ways, including biting and scratching you, other animals and other pets, because he is trying to establish his dominance over certain parts of or your whole house.

    Redirected Aggression

    • One common reason that your cat may bite you is that he is redirecting his anger, fear or other feelings towards another animal or human, which he is not able to reach, towards you.

    Maternal Instincts

    • If your female cat has had babies, she may bite you or other animals because her maternal instincts are causing her to try to protect her kittens.