Cats biting and then licking their owners is a common behavior that usually has several explanations based on cat communication and emotions. The main reasons include:
- Overstimulation: Cats can get sensory overload when petted for too long or in sensitive areas, causing them to nip or bite as a way to say "enough," followed by licking to calm themselves or the owner. Signs include twitching tail, dilated pupils, and tense body.
- Play behavior: The bite-lick sequence can be part of play aggression where cats mimic hunting and grooming routines. Biting during play is a way to engage or escalate the game, while licking is a bonding/grooming behavior.
- Attention seeking: Cats sometimes bite lightly to get attention from their favorite person, then lick to show affection as part of their social interaction.
- Bonding and grooming: Licking is a natural grooming behavior cats use to bond socially. After a bite, licking may indicate the cat including the owner in their grooming routine like they do with other cats in their "family" group.
- Communication: Biting can signal different messages like overstimulation, playfulness, or even stress, while licking generally shows affection and reassurance.
In summary, a cat biting and then licking usually means they are either overstimulated and signaling a need for a break, playing, seeking attention, or expressing social bonding through grooming behaviors. These behaviors are generally normal and part of cat communication but watching the cat’s body language and providing appropriate toys and breaks helps manage the biting. If the biting is aggressive or sudden and accompanied by other distress signs, consulting a vet or behaviorist is advisable.
