1 year old cat started 'nipping'

[Bluegill]

She's an incredibly loving cat. She likes lots and lots of cuddles and has always snuggled into me when we're relaxing. Just recently, if I stroke her near her lower belly she nips me. I thinks it's where her scar is following her op. She still lies in me after nipping but clearly doesn't like me touching her there. There couldn't be anything else wrong could there?

[cozietoesie]

When did she have her op?

Are you stroking her actually on her belly? If so, many cats aren't keen on that and she may have an added memory that it hurt at one point, making her even more sensitive about it.

I'd restrict yourself to her flanks and upper back and see how you get on - if she seems otherwise healthy, it sounds to me as if she's saying 'No' more than anything else.

[Bluegill]

Her op was when she was 4/5 months and she's a year. She's appears beautifully healthy. I don't remember her ever being bothered until recently. I guess its just that she doesn't like it.

[cozietoesie]

Could be - she might just be growing up and becoming a little more assertive with you.

Keep a weather eye on her of course but maybe best to just back off from some of the stroking elements.

(I know that Seniorboy, who is as bonded to me as most cats could be, has some things he doesn't like so I don't do them - and vice versa. I don't allow nipping so he would be told off firmly for that but I just don't generally attempt anything which might provoke it.)

[Bluegill]

She's clearly not keen on that area being stroked on that area. I'll respect that and accept maybe an occasional nip when I forget. She's way too cute to get cross with

[Bluegill]

Haha, sorry about repeat of 'on that area'.

[mineofuselessinformation]

My old fella doesn't like it either!
Between front legs, fine. Any lower and he will put his teeth on my hand, but not actually nip - so I just avoid the area.

[tabulahrasa]

Isn't that just what cats do?

[Bluegill]

Haha, brilliant tabulah.

[itstooearly]

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[Bluegill]

That about sums it up itstooearly