Cats bite when you pet them for several common reasons:
- Overstimulation or petting-induced aggression: Cats can enjoy being petted at first, but repetitive or prolonged petting can become irritating or overwhelming. The biting acts as a way to say, "I've had enough," signaling that the petting session should stop. Cats may show signs such as tail thrashing, tense body, or a change in purring before biting.
- Love bites: Sometimes cats use gentle bites as a form of affection, similar to a hug or kiss, often called "love bites." These tend to be light and not harmful and can be accompanied by behaviors like pawing or kneading.
- Communication: Biting can be a way for cats to tell you to stop petting, as they may become overstimulated or annoyed. It can also be their way of grooming you or seeking attention by getting a response from you.
- Fear, anxiety, or pain: If a cat feels threatened or uncomfortable, or if petting touches a painful area, it may respond by biting defensively.
To avoid biting, watch for signs of discomfort (e.g., stiffening, tail flicking, ears back), keep petting sessions short, and respect your cat's signals. Never punish the cat for biting, as this can worsen behavior.
In summary, cats bite when petted mainly as a form of communication to express overstimulation, affection, or discomfort.
