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Stop Cat from Biting | How to Stop Feline Scratching, Biting Behavior

Filed under: Cat Health — Tags: , , , — Nik @ 5:24 am

How to Stop Cat from Biting:

Biting is one of the natural instincts of cats along with other behavioral issues such as scratching and urinating in inappropriate places. Cats, despite their wild streak, can at times be quite predictable and there is little that they do without reason. Here are a few reasons attributed to cat biting:

Cats don’t always bite or scratch out of hostility or fear, but at times may simply be trying to grab on and get a firm grip. At other times they may bite or scratch accidentally while playing, not realizing how rough they can be.

A cat’s reaction depends largely on your relationship with it, and if you do harass your cat or force it to do things it does not like you can expect to be scratched or bitten. Most cats will however not bite or scratch their owners if they have a trusting relationship, and have been discouraged from doing so.
Cats are the natural predators. Even a domestic cat grows with hunting skills. Biting and scratching are part of a cat’s hunting skills. As the cat grows older, it keeps practicing its skills. By doing this, it sharpens its innate properties.

Inadequate training or socializing during the kitten stage makes a cat suspicious about strangers. They display anger by biting or scratching. However, in certain cases, even a trained cat can also do this out of the fear of being touched by a stranger. Cats are very particular about their territories; they hardly resist any intrusion. If they do, they react by biting or scratching.

Health is also an important reason which has an effect on their biting behavior. If they react unpredictably, then it is time to visit a veterinarian.

Here are some ways to stop a cat from biting:

  • Domestic animal training is very important when a pet is young. It is important to deliver good training to your cat to cover its behavior with you and in a social situation. Keep a close watch on behavioral changes. Always fix a boundary and set a play time with your cat.
  • If your cat bites even after  the training, then follow the methods given below:
  • Always keep a spray bottle by your side and spray the cat every time it bites you. Avoid spraying water into or near its ears.
  • If your cat bites you due to you touching it or petting it too much (cats tend to construe unwanted attention and affection as harassment!), then try avoiding your cat for a while. Fix a limit to show your affection and try not to bother your cat too much. Your cat will come to you of its own free will.
  • Respond by yelling ‘ouch’ or a loud ‘no’ to your cat when it bites. By doing this each time, your cat will get the idea that it hurts when it bites.
  • Spend quality time with your cat and reward it for good behavior.
  • Socializing cats when they are kittens is very important. It will help get rid of fears of being touched by strangers. Never force your cat to meet strangers. Treat them with their favorite food if they show some positive signs of mingling with strangers.
  • Though cat biting is a part of their growing behavior, it can be dangerous for you sometimes. A good training session and continuous visits to a veterinarian can keep stop your cat from biting.