Petting Aggression in Cats: How to Stop Bites

Many of us cat parents have likely experienced it: One moment, our cat begs to be petted (Isn’t it the sweetest thing?), so, of course, we comply. And while they seem to be enjoying it, a few cuddles or strokes in, they lash out at us the next, leaving us bewildered.

Yes, while pet aggression in cats can be frustrating or worrisome for us cat parents, there are compassionate ways to manage it. Let’s talk about the causes, signs, and what we can do about it below.

Content:

1. Why Do Cats Bite You When You Pet Them
2. Signs Your Cat Is About to Bite While Petting
3. How to Stop a Cat From Biting When Petting
4. Conclusion

Why Do Cats Bite You When You Pet Them

“Why does my cat bite when I pet her?”, you might wonder. This response after being touched (often after seemingly contented with the touch they receive) is what animal behaviorists refer to as petting-induced aggression, status-related aggression, or overstimulation aggression, and is a common behavior in many cats.

In a video by Lucy Hoile, a Feline Behaviorist, she shares how she looks at it in 2 sections: Cat Issues & People Issues

Cat issues

• Cats have individual thresholds and boundaries - This can be based on their experiences or how socialized they are. And unlike most dogs, cats tend to get overstimulated with touch more easily. Also, if they have been abused in the past, for instance, their default is likely to be defensive.
• Temperament - some cats love physical touch while others are more independent.
• Emotional state - This may depend on how their day is going or what their environment is like. If they are currently stressed with their environment, they may not be open to cuddles. On the other hand, other cats, may want to seek comfort, so it depends.

Petting-induced aggression is most common in active kittens that were separated from their littermates early and are left by themselves for long periods.

People issues

• Cat handling - Do you interact in a cat-friendly way or not? When scuffling fur and stroking in different areas, for instance, some cats may be okay with this while others may be more sensitive.
• Mindfulness - Being mindful as to when they may be getting overstimulated helps a lot. It’s understanding that sometimes, for instance, our cats just want to be near us without necessarily having physical contact at that moment. Meanwhile, some may want cuddles, but only up to a certain point.

Signs Your Cat Is About to Bite While Petting

Petting aggression in cats can be frustrating and dangerous, especially for young children who mean well. It is therefore important to get to know the signs that your cat is about to bite or scratch when petting to avoid such situations from happening.

There are different ways in which cats communicate, but body language gives us hints as to what they feel or are about to do.

• When their purring changes to low growls, it’s a signal to back off.
• When your cat’s pupils suddenly dilate, this shows that something is arousing them.
• When their tail is active and ears are lowered, they are about to attack.
• An increasing heart rate shows that your cat is on guard.
• When their skin on the back is raised, it signals irritation or provocation.
• Any or a combination of the above signs is a warning that your cat is about to bite or scratch.

A reliable pet camera such as Petcube Cam 360 is a helpful gadget to have when it comes to understanding cat behavior and aggression. The pet camera features a sharp 1080p HD live streaming video with a 110° wide-angle view for full-room coverage with clear night vision. Not to mention, you also get to see up close with its 8x digital zoom feature.

How to Stop a Cat From Biting When Petting

Below are some tips to understand petting aggression in cats and prevent it from happening again:

Make Sure It Isn’t a Medical Issue

Several medical conditions (especially those that involve physical pain) may cause aggressive behaviors in cats. Therefore, it’s best to rule out any medical issues before trying to change your cat’s behavior.

Determine Your Cat’s Threshold for Petting

Cats accept strokes on their head and neck when groomed by other cats, but sometimes show signs of discomfort when stroked on the bottom part of the body. Because of this, it’s best to limit the petting to your cat’s head and the back of their neck.

Then, determine their threshold for petting. Count how many strokes they accept before showing aggression while closely observing their body language. Once you’ve determined your cat’s limit, refrain from petting before they attack. The key here is to let your cat know that they can trust you.

Condition Your Behavior

Prevent situations that can trigger your cat and manage the situation before they try to bite or scratch. Remember to be consistent so that your cat won’t go back to bad habits.

In a Reddit discussion, a Redditor was asking advice on how to stop petting aggression. A commenter shared that when your cat shows signs of attacking, become a statue to help calm your cat down and not trigger him/her further. And once they pull away, you can then remove your hand.

Another way of conditioning is to provide an environment that would prevent your cat from getting distressed. A good quality pet water fountain like Petcube Water Fountain, for instance, not only keeps your cat healthy and hydrated, but it also provides environmental enrichment and aids in resource management (in multi-cat households).

Positive Reinforcement

Use rewards to motivate your cat to respond positively. Start by petting your cat then stop before reaching their threshold. You can then offer them a treat or toy before standing up.

Note that punishing your cat by spanking them may do more harm than good since cats may view it as a challenge, making them more aggressive the next time you pet them.

Desensitize Your Cat

Raising your cat’s threshold for petting is possible. For instance, if your cat accepts four strokes before they show signs of discomfort, add another stroke and pair it with a reward. After which, stop petting them and stand up before they get a chance to bite. When you add one stroke per week, for example, your cat’s threshold may increase over time.

Conclusion

By being more aware of petting aggression in cats and addressing the behavior properly and with compassion, we can definitely help curb petting aggression in our cats. Efforts such as learning their signals, respecting their boundaries, and creating an environment where they feel safe give our cats the space to thrive on their own terms.

Over time, small adjustments can lead to big improvements in how they respond to touch and closeness. When we meet our cats with understanding instead of frustration, we strengthen the connection that makes sharing our lives with them so rewarding.