She is almost two. I got her at eight months. She's affectionate and loving, and seems very healthy. However at the start, she often bit my arm, kind of hard. I wanted her to stop, so every time she bit I would pick her up and put her on the floor; soon she stopped biting. But a friend said no, it's play biting, it's affection. However, when she bites it seems in anger or defense, and I don't think it's play biting at all. I think when I pet her rear end is when it happens, but then mostly, that part is fine. I am wondering about hidden pain; also what type of biting it is. She will jump away, turn, come back, bite my arm, and then oddly curl up on my lap. She seems angry... What do folks think?
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I don't think it's play biting - I think I'm hurting her somehow
- Thread starter dwdanby
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Sounds like that's how she learned to communicate for you and pet her down, stop petting her etc.
Sometimes when we miss smaller signs of "no" cats move on to bigger ones.
Though arthritis has been present in really young cats sometimes. Could be worth an xray to see if she has some in her lower back.
Sometimes when we miss smaller signs of "no" cats move on to bigger ones.
Though arthritis has been present in really young cats sometimes. Could be worth an xray to see if she has some in her lower back.
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Some petting can get cats overstimulated. Sometimes near the tush it's pretty sensitive. Sometimes when they get overwhelmed they might bite. But also, sometimes if a cat doesn't want you to pet somewhere (i.e. tummy) they will bite to say "stop it" or "not there". Those things being said, there are affection bites too. I have a cat who does love bites when we're nuzzling. But if it's paired with jumping away, coming back, etc - then it sounds more like play or something else.
Hi. I'll chime in to say I don't really think you are hurting her or that this is pain related. It is likely overstimulation, and she is reacting to that. Obviously, based on what she originally did when you got her to stop by placing her on the floor, she is prone to biting, so that may be a habit that can't entirely be broken.
Your best bet is to watch her for signs that when you are petting her it is leading up to her wanting to bite you - the signs are there, you just have to look for them and then stop the petting at that point, or at least change what area you are petting or perhaps give her some chin scratches instead.
I am not sure there is anger involved either. She is just responding to a stimulation that momentarily riles her, and she lets you know. The fact that she curls up on your lap is surely a sign she is not angry.
Your best bet is to watch her for signs that when you are petting her it is leading up to her wanting to bite you - the signs are there, you just have to look for them and then stop the petting at that point, or at least change what area you are petting or perhaps give her some chin scratches instead.
I am not sure there is anger involved either. She is just responding to a stimulation that momentarily riles her, and she lets you know. The fact that she curls up on your lap is surely a sign she is not angry.
Most of my cats have initially shown pleasure at the butt pat. The majority just walked away when they had enough and one who looked confused after 30sec. I've seen overstimulation at both ends of the spectrum. Those who complain if you stop and those who give a bite. The biters I don't touch that area.
One girl was a warning biter. She'd give one painful but not skin breaking nip each time we did something she thought was wrong. She came to us from my SI who was a loving strict parent. Snicky decided we should take care of our home the way her Mom did. It took her several months to train us.
The two we have now are love/play biters. I used the high pitched OWW at first. Leo likes to bite and wrestle with us. After 1 1/2 yrs I can quietly say "Gentle" and he knows to bite easier. Luna get overexcited happy and cobbs or bites. Most of the times a quiet Oww works now but occassionally I need to get louder.
One girl was a warning biter. She'd give one painful but not skin breaking nip each time we did something she thought was wrong. She came to us from my SI who was a loving strict parent. Snicky decided we should take care of our home the way her Mom did. It took her several months to train us.
The two we have now are love/play biters. I used the high pitched OWW at first. Leo likes to bite and wrestle with us. After 1 1/2 yrs I can quietly say "Gentle" and he knows to bite easier. Luna get overexcited happy and cobbs or bites. Most of the times a quiet Oww works now but occassionally I need to get louder.
I think Jump, Bite = Hey I don't like that and come back for cuddle = But I still love you
