How to Stop Cat Biting

Cats bite for a variety of reasons. Most of the time, these reasons have nothing to do with fear and aggression, though sometimes that is the case. If your cat is biting out of fear or aggression, you have deeper problems than can be fixed with a few tips on how to stop your cat from biting. If you have a cat who is biting and breaking the skin, you need to seek professional help. If, on the other hand, you are one of the millions of cat owners whose cat bites while playing, and does not break the skin, there are a few tricks you can try.

Instructions

  1. Stopping Biting With Kittens

    • 1
      Kittens bite and scratch while playing because they don't know they are hurting you.

      Start being playful with the kitty and see if he bites you. If the kitty bites you, gently tap her on the top of the nose and say "no bite," then stop playing. This is simple cat training.

    • 2

      Repeat step one throughout the day. Play with your kitten and every time she bites, gently tap her nose, say "no bite" and stop giving the kitten attention.

    • 3

      Praise your kitten when she catches on. Start playing with her and if you notice her open her mouth around your hand and then hesitate, don't move your hand, look at the kitty and remind her "no bite." You may even raise your finger like you are ready to tap her on the nose if she bites. If the kitty stops herself from biting, praise her and give her positive reinforcement such as petting her in the spot that makes her purr or a special treat. Keep giving her attention.

    Stop Biting in Adult Cats

    • 4
      Cats bite when they become over stimulated.

      Freeze if you are attacked while petting your cat. You are calmly petting her and she turns and bites you with such force you don't know what you did to deserve it. Adult cats bite for two reasons: play aggression and over-stimulation. If you are suddenly attacked with claws and teeth, simply freeze until she lets go.

    • 5

      Offer your cat a sock or stuffed animal to bite and attack when she goes into this mode. You will see her wrap herself around the object in a simulation of a hunting attack. Once she gets this out of her system, you will be safe until the next time.

    • 6

      Note how long it takes your cat to go from the sweet, purring little domestic kitty on your lap to the raging house cat who is about to take your hand off. For some cats, petting can be tolerated for up to two minutes. For others, 30 to 60 seconds is their limit. Take note of your cat's limit and be sure to stop petting her before she reaches her point of tolerance.

    • 7

      Place your cat on the floor or in a room away from you for five minutes and ignore her. When you stop playing or giving her attention you are punishing her. She will calm down and this will interrupt the attack.