Biting when being pet?

[picat]

My cat Pi is a really great cat, but she has one issue which makes her unpleasant to be around - she tries to bite anyone that pets her.  It's not constant, sometimes when she's really relaxed and cuddling, she'll let me pet her, but after a bit she'll usually try to bite.  It's not hard at first, it's almost more of a mouthy thing, but if you try to take your hand away she'll bit harder and grab on with front paws as well (I've trimmed her claws, so at least I'm not getting clawed up as well...).

Usually when she does this I take my hand away and tell her "no" and then ignore her, but I feel like I'm teaching her to bite when she wants to be left alone, which is not what I want.  She's my first cat and I have very little idea of how to correct behavior like this.  I have a lot of toys and some vertical space for her, but I'm in a very tiny apartment right now so I don't have a lot of room for climbing things for her.  I don't know if this behavior is because she doesn't want attention and is annoyed, or if she is understimulated and wants to play.  She was not with her siblings for very long so I don't know if she had a good chance to develop the social skills she would have with other cats, i.e. learning that biting hurts and she shouldn't do it to others.  

Anyone have experience with this?

 

[feralvr]

OH yes - many have kitties that have this tendency! It is very common. How old is Pi? Is she spayed? If she is still a kitten, then this behavior is fairly common in kittens. They love to play, nip/bite while teething, and will also grab your hand when you pull it away. It becomes a game of sorts to them. Getting her spayed will also help if she is becoming hormonal or going into a heat cycle. She will lash out and become unruly due to her cycle coming on. IF she is already spayed, then, she is just a kitty that gets overstimulated with petting. Especially petting the belly, will prompt a quick nip of warning. Try playing with her before you go to sit on the couch for cuddles. Get her a bit worn out first. When you sit on the couch, have a special treat bag ready and offer her a treat when she is a good girl and allowing a few nice pets. Having said that, though, there are some kitties that just can't tolerate too many pets all at the same time. You will have to get to know when to stop and when she has had enough before she gets to the biting stage. This way you will be in control and not the other way around. She will really appreciate it and respect you for not overdoing the petting. Sometimes, scratching under the chin and cheeks is best for these types of cats too. All kitties readily accept that because it feels good and they are putting their scent all over your fingers and hands. :lol3: Hopes this helps some. Also - some good information in our Behavior article section which is linked in this comprehensive article. http://www.thecatsite.com/a/the-dos-and-donts-of-cat-behavior-modification Good reading.

 

[picat]

Sorry for never replying!! 

Pi is only a little over a year and a half, and she is spayed.  I think it may be that she gets overstimulated.  I've taken to watching her tail and if she twitches it, I know to stop.  Of course it's not the perfect solution, but it is working and I haven't been bitten as much lately!  I hope that also as she gets older she will mellow out a little.