Why your cat bites you and how to avoid it

Cats are unique and enigmatic animals. They can be affectionate only to bite us moments later. However, before they do that, they warn us in subtle ways.

Cats do not have a good reputation. They are often considered mean, malicious, and moody. The truth is that they are very loving and devoted animals, although they don't show affection as obviously as dogs do. Unlike dogs, they also do not have as much patience for humans or other animals. When their boundaries are crossed, they may attack.

Cats are very intelligent. They know their abilities and limitations. They know when they need to eat, hunt, or rest. They sleep for between 14 to even 18 hours a day. After several minutes of play, they head to a soft and safe place to rest.

At this point, many owners decide to pet their feline friend. Sometimes, instead of purring, the cat starts biting us. However, it sends us a warning signal before it does, as confirmed by Agata Kudra, a cat behaviorist.

In one of her recent posts, she explained why cats attack us during play or other interactions. "Initially, there is licking. Yes, it is often considered a friendly signal. But in this situation, it is actually a request for me to move away," she explains.

In the attached video, you can see the Instagrammer approaching the cat to pet it. Initially, the animal seems relaxed and willing to be petted, but after a while, it begins licking the owner compulsively. In this way, it shows that it wants her to move away. "When the cat sees that I do not respect these signals, it shows me this clearly," she explains. Suddenly, its whole posture changes. Its body tenses, and its ears point in the opposite direction. It starts pushing the owner away with its paw and nervously swishing its tail.

In the further part of the video, the behaviorist explained that she should have stopped touching the animal from the beginning. "In this way, the cat sees that there is no need to resort to more painful solutions because these subtler signals are sufficient," she added.

Cats are very territorial and feel best in a calm, stable environment. Biting or scratching is a sign that their boundaries have been crossed. However, if aggressive behaviors occur even when there is no interaction with them, it is worth considering a visit to the vet and a behaviorist to find the cause.