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Pets Files

Bite the hand that pets you

Last night I settled into my favorite armchair, ready to read the final chapters of the newest bestseller. Sitting contentedly on my lap was Phoenix the Feline. As I read, I stroked her gently, and she audibly purred her contentment. Lost in my novel, cat on my lap, it was a Norman Rockwell moment. All of a sudden, without provocation, Phoenix pounced on my hand and took a bite. “But why, Phoenix, why? I’ve given you nothing but love and affection?”

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
Many cats have certain areas where they don’t like to be touched, such as the back legs, paws or chest. However, if your previously content cat starts biting when you touch a particular area, a visit to the vet is in order. The biting could signal that something’s wrong and it hurts.
 
React to protect
 
Most people make the mistake of pulling away from the cat, which only makes him bite down harder because your movements resemble prey. Gently push toward the cat, which momentarily confuses him and disengages your hand from his teeth. Let out a little yelp, which also confuses the cat and makes him shift his focus from your hand.