Let’s be real. Cats can be weird sometimes. If you’re new to the world of cats, they can sometimes seem so unpredictable and downright mean. For example, you two are chilling on the couch, enjoying a snuggle session when suddenly your cat attacks your hand with some teeth and claws.
Worry not – they don’t hate you. They’re not angry at you, whatsoever. You’ll notice how they’ll even lick your hand right after their supposed ‘attack’. All this biting and licking action is actually one of their ways to communicate to you. Let’s look at the possible meanings.
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Love bites. Literally.
Have you ever noticed that when your cat grooms itself they will first “bite” an area and then lick it? What they’re doing is actually detangling their fur and then licking it clean. They actually do the same thing when they’re grooming other cats.
When your cat bites you and then licks you during one of your petting sessions, it’s actually just their way of showing how much they care about you – by giving you a bit of a grooming session (pun unintended). It could simply be that your cat is used to biting or “combing” the area they’re grooming.
Other than grooming, cats are observed to do some gentle love bites – again to show affection. Unfortunately, because humans don’t have fur, we’ll actually feel their sharp tiny teeth when they do this. One of the biggest things that makes a love bite different from a full on angry bite is that love bites very rarely draw any blood whatsoever. If your cat isn’t showing any signs of aggression or agitation (like flattened ears, growling, or very swooshy tails), their bites are nothing but love bites.
It’s time to play.
As you well know, cats can’t communicate with words like humans do. Still, they’ll try to communicate how they feel to us in other ways they know how.
Cats, especially the younger ones, love to play. The way cats play is they simulate hunting. As early as they are able in their kittenhood, they will start to pounce, bite, and paw at their littermates. Even after they’ve matured, cats will still love playing around.
When they think it’s time to play, trust that they will let you know. Some cats will whine at you, pounce, scratch, or even do a bite-lick combo. They best way to tell if they indeed want to play is to play with them. However, if you notice that your cat does NOT want to play and seems to show some aggressive behavior, it could be that they’re trying to tell you something is wrong.
Is something wrong?
Sometimes, when you are just getting so into the petting session, your cat will suddenly give you a bite then lick. One of the reasons why they do this is that they simply have had enough of the petting session, and would very much like to stop now. The bite is them asking you to stop, and the lick is them saying that they still love you. When they communicate this to you, let them go. Nothing feels worse for a cat than feeling restrained.
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Common questions about cat bites and licks
What should you do after a cat bite?
If you’ve had an aggressive interaction with a cat that resulted in a bite or scratch, wash the wound with soap and water and seek out medical help IMMEDIATELY. Don’t let 8 hours pass before you see a doctor. Cat bites can be very infectious especially if the person bit is immunocompromised or have diabetes.
Why is my cat licking me?
Licking is one way your cats show their love for you. For kittens, it’s the same thing as hugging someone they love.
Another reason why they could be doing it is that they’re marking their territory. Cats love leaving their scents on things they perceive as theirs – this includes people. Every time your cat licks you, they’re simply declaring to the world, aka the other cats in the area, that you are theirs.
How to stop play aggression in cats?
Cats who grew up around humans who played with them roughly or encouraged their aggressive behavior tend to play rougher than other cats. If you are a cat owner, do not bully them.
Bored cats also express a bit of play aggression because they just have so much pent up energy. Keep your cats engaged and healthy by playing with them regularly and making sure that your home is suitable and enriching or cats.
Finally, cats will start showing signs of aggression if they are in pain. Get your cat checked by your vet to rule out any medical problem as the cause of their behavior.
Conclusion
Because cats can’t communicate with humans with words. They make do with what they can. For the most part, cat bites, if they’re done without aggression are absolutely nothing to worry about – especially if they’re followed up with a bit of licking. They’re your cat’s way of saying they love you, or that they want to play with you. Other times, it’s a soft warning that they’re getting a bit overstimulated with the petting.
