In life, we have all encountered cats licking their owners and then biting them. Sometimes he would lick it again after biting it. Here are the most common reasons your cat licks and then bites you, and how to stop your cat from biting you.
1. Marking: love bites
Cats lick you for the same reasons they lick their feline friends – for grooming and bonding. If your cat licks you and then nibbles lovingly on you, it’s most likely leaving its scent on you to mark you as its human. These little “love bites” won’t hurt the skin or cause discomfort.
2. Correct you: You are petting your cat the wrong way
When cats are not groomed or petted the way they want, they bite each other and us. Some cats bite as a way to end an interaction.
3. Overstimulation: Your cat is getting impatient
Sometimes petting for too long can over-stimulate the cat and cause the cat to resist. Cats that are overstimulated often have other symptoms such as body twitching, slight or strong tail wagging, restlessness, and ears slightly tilted back or sideways.
4. Want to play: Your cat is telling you they want to play
Biting is often a sign of pent-up energy. Cats may bite you to get your attention and tell you that they want to play. You can play interactive games such as cat teasing sticks with your cat.
5. Intuition: Your cat wants to hunt
If your cat licks you, bites you, and then tries to pull your hand, he may be using your hand as prey and is practicing hunting.
6. Stress: Your cat may be stressed or anxious
Anxiety and stress can increase a cat’s aggression, including biting, snapping, and hissing. Other signs that your cat is stressed include peeing indiscriminately and changes in sleeping habits.
7. Fear: Your cat is scared
A lick and a bite may have nothing to do with you at all. This is called a directed attack and is caused by sudden fear. Your cat may be hearing unfamiliar sounds in the next room. Your hand happens to be the target.
8. Underlying health conditions: Petting a cat can cause discomfort to the cat
If your cat licks you and then bites you when you touch or pet a specific area, he may be telling you that he is in pain or uncomfortable.
Summary: It is wrong to beat or scold the cat after being bitten by it. If the cat has a hunting desire, you can give it some toys to bite, and then give them some food rewards to simulate hunting; if it is over-stimulation caused by petting for too long, you can pet the cat for a while and then stop. Still rubbing your hand before continuing to stroke. Pay attention to the location, timing and technique of stroking. Stop petting your cat when you notice signs of impatience.
Original article author：Shit Shovel Officer，If reprinted, please indicate the source.：https://www.petcatanddog.com/article/10357.html