2006-10-27 04:49:34 · 25 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
Yes, it's normal. They are showing affection to you. And don't do like the one person said and "bat" them around the ears, you will be rebuking their affection if you do that, and you may frighten them and lose their trust. As long as it's gentle, it's okay. If they ever bite you to be mean or out of anger, firmly say NO and then ignore them for a bit, or put them in a "time-out" inside a kennel or cat carrier for about 5 minutes.
2006-10-27 05:00:11 · answer #1 · answered by nimo22 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Normal? Yes. A good idea? No.
Funny cat has given you a great answer. Kittens that gently bite and purr while intereacting with their owners are showing signs of a nursing behaviour that they have not grown out of. Cats allowed to persist in this area may never need to grow out of it and therefore some older cats perform this behaviour as well.
The vestigial nursing behaviour is not a problem, however the fact that they are biting YOU could be, if you don't teach them that this isn't permitted from the start. Developing a "No Biting" rule from the start is important to be fair to your pet, and not suddenly change the rules on them when they get a little bigger and the biting isn't cute anymore. Funny cat's suggestion of batting over the ear is one I have never tried, but it is good in theory. I would try that before I tried the water gun or nose thump ideas.
Tanya
2006-10-27 04:58:46 · answer #2 · answered by juliette62 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds as if they might be trying to "nurse" on you. Or do you mean that they are rubbing the sides of their teeth against you, and it feels like biting? That behavior is just scent marking, which is a good thing.
Or are you saying that while petting them, they purr and bite you lightly? If that's it, the purring is fine, but the biting is not. You should never encourage a cat to bite or claw hands. By not discouraging them, that's encouragement to continue. Simply stop petting and move your hands away.
It doesn't sound like anything bad is occurring, but I'm not quite clear on what you're describing.
2006-10-27 04:53:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's normal. Not every cat will do this, of course. It might be because she is tired of being petted (cats expect you to know exactly what makes them happy at any given time. Either that, or it is as you said: a love bite. Cats also often knead you with their claws when they lay on you. This is because, when they are kittens, they knead their mother's skin while suckling milk. It is like when a human curls up into the fetal position: it just feels right.
2016-05-22 00:49:02 · answer #4 · answered by Jaime 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
kittens yes this is normal, cats not so much, the reason they rub their cheek on you is because they are smelling you, they have glands in the back of their mouth used to smell (they dont just use their nose:) ) biting, you might have a certain smell to you, try washing your hands before touching them, it could also be that you touched a spot they dont want you to touch so its more of a warning, or it could be that they are kittens who are teething. purring, biting, and rubbing all at once kinda sounds like how they react to catnip... if you do give your cat cat nip, do NOT take it away from them when they are around it, you'll get bitten. also they could just be a little frisky. just watch them when you're petting them keep an eye out for what you touch when they bite you. i think they'll be okay, and i think they'll get used to you. no worries!
2006-10-27 05:19:21 · answer #5 · answered by . 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have found it to be a form of affection. My cat is almost five and still does it. She is very bratty and usually can't stand me - and of course, i feed her, change her litter and buy her toys and give her affection - it's the one who's not a cat person she prefers. Anyway - she sleeps with us and in the AM she'll get all cuddly when she knows it's time for us to get up and she'll purr and roll over and then does this sucking thing - she'll knead the bed or your shirt or whatever is near and then start to suck on it. We thought when she was a kitten she was trying to nurse, but at 5 she's still doing it.
It's amazing - that animal can be so sweet when she wants to - lol enjoy them both! :)
2006-10-27 04:57:14 · answer #6 · answered by Weasel 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have two kittens that do the same thing. They are little love bites. If they bite to hard gently thump them on the head. Key word "gently".
2006-10-27 05:30:25 · answer #7 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The biting is normal it's just play fighting just make sure they don't get ruf it could turn out to be a bad behavioral
2006-10-27 18:56:29 · answer #8 · answered by jessica_adams54 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, its normal. You see this same behavior in lions as well. Cats playfully bite eachother. They aren't hurting eachother or fighting, just playing.
2006-10-27 04:58:26 · answer #9 · answered by Zach S. 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. They love to bite gently while you play with them.
2006-10-27 04:52:06 · answer #10 · answered by Juliart 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋