5 Ways to Keep Your Cat From Biting

Does your cat have a habit of biting you? One thing that is unique about our feline pals is the fact that they are the only pets who will bite us affectionately or just for fun. Here, an Oconomowoc, WI vet offers some tips on how to stop your furball from chomping on you.

Kittens are almost impossibly cute, especially when they are being playful. We know, it’s hard to think of a tiny ball of fur as a fierce predator. However, if you let your furball get away with biting you when she’s little, you may regret it later. Those little teeth are sharp! Plus, you may have a hard time breaking that habit down the road.

Never punish Fluffy for biting. This may just scare or anger her, and make her feel even more like she needs to defend herself. When your furball tries to bite you, tell her ‘No’ in a firm, disapproving tone. You can also say something like ‘Don’t Bite’ or ‘No teeth!’ The key is to be consistent. You can also blowing into your pet’s face or squirt her with water. This won’t hurt her, but it will help get the point across. Then, walk away and ignore your frisky furball for a while.

Regular play sessions can teach your feisty feline to take her aggression out on her toys, rather than on you. Use toys that you control from a distance, like a wand toy or laser pointer.

Another thing you can try is putting a bit of taste deterrent on your hands. (Note: you may want to use gloves for this.) It may not take long for Fluffy to decide that human hands don’t taste very good.

Cats can be a bit confusing, because they sometimes change gears from playful to angry to cuddly very quickly. A love bite may very well be your kitty’s way of showing her love. A full out chomp? That’s a different story. If your furball is growling, hissing and/or is really using force, she’s probably not feeling very playful. The best thing to do is just walk away. Consult your vet if Fluffy frequently acts aggressive.

Please contact us, your Oconomowoc, WI vet clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!