Member

Posts: 84
From:Ontario Canada
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 11-15-2003 05:01 PM         

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Does anyone else have a cat that does this? WHen I pet my 'new' cat on the side of his face, he often nibbles on my hand--not biting, just putting his teeth on my hand. He's purring while he's doing this and I'm trying to break him of this habit. I don't think he's telling me to stop as he seems to enjoy the petting. My other cat will often lick my hand or my arm when I pet her the same way. Is this a reflex thing or do I just have strange cats?

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Posts: 790
From:uk
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 11-15-2003 05:42 PM         

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Hi my friends cat does that when he is petted he likes to nibble your hand and will even roll over so he can have a kick at it.
He is very hyper most male cats are like this but not all i wouldnt worry to much unless he actually bites and draws blood from your hand then if this happens put the cat on the floor and ignore him, then try petting him again about 10mins later if he bites and hurts again do the same again put him down and ignore him the problem should then go away

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Posts: 401
From:Tennessee, USA
Registered: May 2003

posted 11-15-2003 05:51 PM         

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Okay, my cat that I use to have (may he rest in peace now) use to "nibble" at my hand when I would pet him but he would also put in a few licks and nibbles so I think that it might jsut be love nips. It is just a thought but I don't think that ithe is trying to hurt u.

[This message has been edited by ilovemypets (edited 11-15-2003).]

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Posts: 120
From:West Chester, PA.
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 11-15-2003 06:09 PM         

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That is a sign of strong affection and being very content Your cat isn't trying to hurt you. Both my 5 month old kitties do this to me
How old is your cat?

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Posts: 38
From:Louisiana
Registered: Jun 2003

posted 11-15-2003 10:42 PM         

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ok, what's the difference between a nibble and a bite? my cat does it, and purrs, but it really hurts. (and he tends to slobber a bit) anyways, if it's a sign of affection, then I don't want him to get the wrong impression if I try to stop him. but, on the other hand, no pun intended, i'd like to keep all my fingers!!

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Posts: 84
From:Ontario Canada
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 11-16-2003 05:04 AM         

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Im glad to see that my cats aren't alone in this! He's 2-1/2 years old and he's a ball of energy. I agree, it doesn't seem like he wants to hurt me and he will roll on his back and grab my hand and get the back feet goin' if I let him. I'd like to think he's being affectionate, but I don't want him to bite me hard, I can live with the occasional scratch but bites are serious business!

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Posts: 152
From:Ottawa, Ontario
Registered: Oct 2003

posted 11-16-2003 04:38 PM         

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My 5 month old kitten does the same thing.
She'll nibble, then lick, then roll over and play with my hand, and then lick it. Then I pet her some more.

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Posts: 10
From:SanJose, California
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 11-17-2003 08:41 PM         

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I know exactly what you are going through. Do you have more detail on this problem? The reason my cat does this ,is because she turned out to be in heat. Maybe it is the same with you. GOODLUCK!

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Posts: 84
From:Ontario Canada
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 11-18-2003 09:28 AM         

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THe cat is a neutered male, so thankfully he isn't in heat! He spends a lot of time alone and is very playful so I think he has a lot of energy to get rid of. (Ideally he won't be alone for long as I am slowly integrating him with another cat). He was a shelter/foster cat for 8 months and a stray before then, so I don't think he has had much disciplining as the foster parent was never around and he was the only cat in the house. I'm hoping that with time and patience we can teach him not to bite hands and arms.

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Posts: 1392
From:
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 11-18-2003 10:53 AM         

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Yes, with play biting in cats, the best thing you can do is be consistent in not allowing it. Don't yell or punish him or anything, just don't give him the opportunity to bite you, and if he persists end the play session. Also, you can try playing with him with a toy instead of your hand, so he can bite the toy.

Keep in mind that cats have a scent gland at the corner of their mouths. When a cat rubs against you with the side of his mouth like that, he is leaving his scent on you.

Just like purring and kneading, I consider this to be a sign of affection and trust.

Jamiya

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