Don’t take it personally. Petting aggression in cats, although confusing because it seems so sudden and unpredictable, is absolutely normal.
Cats may bite when they’re afraid, angry, annoyed, or stressed. They might even bite when they’re feeling playful or over stimulated. Or even if they simply don’t want to be touched anymore.
Cats differ in the amount of petting they will accept. Not all cats bite when they’ve had enough, some simply jump from your lap and saunter off in search of new interests.
Watch the warning signs
Be aware of the cat’s body language. The cat will always give you signals that he’s had enough of your petting.
Keep the petting sessions short and end the session the second the cat exhibits warning signs. If your cat suddenly becomes restless, stiffens and stares at your hand, or if his head starts to follow your hand, she could be about to nip you. More subtle signs will proceed the obvious:
- Watch for a twitching or thumping tail and a body that starts to tense up
- Skin rippling
- Growling, cessation of purring
- Ear flicking or flattening against her head