Biting cat

[Biscuitscoco]

Why does my cat who is really sweet and affectionate sometimes just bite me out of the blue?

Like today, she came and sat on my lap while I was reading and at one pint gripped my arm in a death grip and started gripping on with her teeth. When I protested she just intensified it all.

Is it love or hate?

[MrsSchadenfreude]

Ah yes. Mine was hanging off my arm by his teeth last night. I have a large bruise. 2 minutes later he was on my lap purring. Bastard cats.

[QueenOfTheNight]

It's love. Ours is the same. You stroke her and she gets over excited and loves you with her teeth.

Over the last 30 years we've had here and at home probably 10 cats and none have ever bitten out of anger. They've just been over affectionate.

When they're cross they hiss and rip your skin to shreds with a quick lash with their claws. Teeth are nothing.

[Biscuitscoco]

Aah so it's love ... I'm glad.

[girlywhirly]

Mine nips out of frustration when she can't make us understand what she wants.

I say 'no biting!' in a loud cross voice and remove myself from her.

[frostyfingers]

Mine does that, I like to think it's a sign of affectino but you never can be sure! If he does start he gets a tap on the nose and a "no" in a loud voice. He either then stalks off in a huff or bites even harder.

He does it to the dog, and given the chance to the horse as well - amazing that he hasn't been bitten or squashed really!

[SingingMog]

Ours does that, but he will also sit and wait outside the shower for me and then try to bite my ankles as I flail towards the bedroom when I come out! I like to think it is love but who knows.

[1Catherine1]

Both my girls bite but for different reasons.

Hattie my eldest (9) bites to say "I'm hungry, are you going to get my dinner or is it human for tea tonight?" as she gently nibbles on my finger or my nose.

Ghidora my baby (3) bites to tell me she's had enough or it's play time. If she comes and sits on your knee quite often she is happy just to be there and doesn't want stroking, just your company. If you stroke her she will often turn and nip your hand in a gentle way that says "stop". Other times she will sit with me and attack my hand with claws and teeth in a "play with me" sort of way. Although since I bought her the snake toy she doesn't do this as much, instead she now tells me it's playtime by bringing in the snake with it's head in her mouth. It is quite cute to see.