why does my cat nibble me

Cats nibble humans for a variety of reasons including play, affection, attention-seeking, overstimulation, and communication of discomfort or pain. Nibbling can be a gentle, affectionate behavior often paired with licking and purring, signaling closeness and social bonding. It can also be a way for cats to indicate they want attention or to play, or to signal that they are overstimulated and want a petting session to stop. Sometimes nibbling may caution against touching sensitive areas or express stress, discomfort, or pain. Cats also use nibbling as a learned behavior from kittenhood and as part of their natural predation instincts, where their biting behavior during play mimics hunting. Recognizing the context and accompanying body language helps in understanding why a cat nibbles and how to respond appropriately, such as redirecting play or giving the cat space. In summary, cat nibbling is often a natural, communicative, and affectionate action unless it becomes aggressive or frequent enough to suggest behavioral or health problems.