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Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Cat started nipping

3 replies

EatYourFive · 11/03/2022 17:02

We have had Cat1 for just under 2 years, she was around one when we got her. We also have another young rescue cat who is 1.5. The girls tolerate each other, play chase etc but aren't besties. They are currently indoor cats (Cat1 has always been indoors, Cat2 was born feral) but planning to secure our garden to start letting them out in the summer. We live near a busy road so not keen to let them roam free.

In the last couple of weeks Cat1 has started gently nipping us. She doesn't hurt or bite hard, it really is very gentle. But I find myself now tensing whenever she approaches as even if it doesn't hurt it's not pleasant either.
Why is she suddenly doing this? I initially suspected it is some sort of affectionate behaviour as she does it with my DH more than with anyone and she absolutely adores him. But now I have just seen her go to Cat2 when Cat2 was asleep and gently nip her cheek, they never groom each other or sleep together. She went into an ambush position after so maybe it was an invitation to play or attention seeking?

Just trying to understand why she has suddenly started doing this, and how can we get her to stop it? She's never hurt anyone but it's just not a nice thing to do, especially as we have kids and their friends often visit.

OP posts:
Birthdaygirl1210 · 11/03/2022 17:09

One of my cats does this - doesn’t hurt just uses her mouth to get your attention, she’s usually hungry but sometimes just wants a fuss.
Just make a big fuss of them or offer some food - it’s a way to communicate with you and quite clever really .
Don’t try to stop it she won’t understand why you won’t engage with her.

fairylightsandwaxmelts · 11/03/2022 17:14

It's attention seeking/affection. Normally they just want a cuddle/fuss/play so it's not something I would try and stop, personally. It's important for them to be able to communicate with us.

EatYourFive · 11/03/2022 17:23

Thanks @Birthdaygirl1210 and @fairylightsandwaxmelts. I don't think it's about food as DH never feeds her, and as she did that with Cat2 as well. But yes attention/affection makes sense, wish she would have come up with some other way of showing that though!

But thanks for the advice, will not tell her off or anything when she does it, but I can't help but tense up or withdraw if she nips my arm for instance.
DH has a beard and she loves nipping that, at least that doesn't hurt even if she wasn't being that gentle! Grin

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