Cats nibble on humans for several reasons, mostly related to communication and affection. The common reasons include:
- Affection or love bites: Gentle nibbling is often a sign of affection. Cats may nibble as a way to bond and show that they feel close to you, similar to grooming behaviors they display with other cats they trust. These bites are usually light and not meant to hurt.
- Communication to stop petting: Sometimes cats nibble to tell you they want you to stop petting them, especially if you are petting them too much, too hard, or in a spot they don’t like.
- Playfulness or attention-seeking: Cats use their mouths to play and may nibble during playtime or to get your attention when they want interaction or are feeling lonely.
- Grooming behavior: Cats nibble to groom each other, and when they nibble on you, it's a sign they consider you part of their social group and are grooming you as they would another cat.
- Learning and teething: Young kittens nibble as part of learning and teething, exploring their environment and moderating their biting behavior.
Overall, these nibbling behaviors are mostly affectionate or communicative, not aggressive. If the nibbling causes discomfort, it’s important to observe your cat’s body language and respond accordingly to their signals.
