Why Does My Cat Bite Me? Bad Cat Behaviors.

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“A cat has absolute emotional honesty: human beings, for one reason or another, may hide their feelings, but a cat does not.”

-Ernest Hemingway

Manuel Breva Colmeiro / Getty Images

It wasn’t until I had my cat for over 8 years that he first started biting me. At first, I thought it was playful but to my astonishment the more I ignored it, the more he continued. Working as a Veterinary Staff Member I felt it my duty to understand why my cat would just randomly start being a jerk after 8 years. To my findings among tons of journals and articles about cats dating back to 350 B.C. when the first cat was mentioned in old English literature, I realized that not only was it bad that I didn’t recognize why my cat was biting me…it was bad that I really didn’t recognize my cats behaviors at all. Like everyone else, they were “just cats”. To understand a cat is truly a divine aspect. So if you want to learn some interesting things about your little lions keep reading.

Non-veterinarians in the Veterinary Industry or Animal Science Field such as myself, who study canine and feline behavior, often go by animal behaviorists and offer counseling on behavior problems of pets. Some have a doctoral or master’s degree in psychology or a related field, and some have a certification. Because many behavior problems in cats can be influenced by medical conditions, always go to a veterinarian first, before assuming your cat is just misbehaving are the professionals who can offer the most comprehensive care.

Cat biting otherwise known as Status-related aggression is scratching or biting by cats at humans that try to control the cat’s behavior. Another name for what this is it has been called the “leave-me-alone bite.” Cat behavior is not like dog behavior, so unlike similar situations in canines this behavior in cats is not associated with resources such as food, toys, or space. It’s most likely due to lack of attention, wanting control or trying to tell you off.

There are plenty of other “bad cat behaviors” which may just be “natural cat instincts” that might not be favorable to us humans. Cats do things we don’t care for, such as jumping on the table,counters,stoves,window seals, and fridges. Infamous for scratching furniture, or attacking our feet like prey when we walk by or sometimes at 3:20am – the hour of the cat. Before getting angry, the only thing we need to learn before we try to “correct” these behaviors is that they are derived by natural feline instincts, thus, once stimulated or excited the cat by nature is not always “in control” of it’s behavior. Often times a Veterinarian will give a cat a “cool-off” period while trimming nails, or giving vaccines- as like humans. Once they’re pissed off, they’re pissed off. Next time you enter your home, try greeting your cat as you would your roommate. They much prefer that then baby-talk and aggressive head pats.

Marking items, walls, and other belongings outside of the litter box is called Spraying. This is the elimination of urine through a small stream of potent ammonia smelling urine. It is done standing up, with the tail raised and quivering (watch for this sign, it’s never good). The urine is directed onto a flat or straight surface, such as a wall, curtain, or inside of a suitcase, laundry basket etc. Spraying or urine marking is more common in intact male cats, and neutering will help to reduce and possibly eliminate future spraying behaviors. Cats may spray as a form of marking his or her territory, letting one know they do not appreciate their presence or simply as a sign of anxiety. Most commonly after a baby is born, a new friend moves in, or you move homes.

Cats can’t help getting stimulated and like any creature need to exercise. If your cat is indoor only they definitely need some stimulating toys. Believe me when I say you will hear them playing with their simple but intricate looking toys at 3:20am. Quite often, if your cat is misbehaving due to new changes in his or her life your cat may have to learn to live with the trigger and anxiety. Call your Veterinarian, at least get recommendations and try calming cat products such as feliway pheromones, supplements, medications, and special diets (Veterinary Prescribed). You can also give your cat other things to focus its energy on, like exercise-inducing toys. Little mice, springs, feathers and cat tunnels. Keep your cat entertained, and he’ll make sure to not make your life hell.

There are many other behaviors that I couldn’t cover in one blog if I tried such as eating grass, messing with our feet, chirping, bashing tails etc. but for now the best thing you can do for your biting friend, is read up about him. Get to understand your feline friend on a different level. Establish a better relationship. A list of credible resources below for the good cat owner.

BIBLIOGRAPHY: WEIRD CAT BEHAVIORS

“10 Weird Cat Behaviors That Could Be Signs of a Sick Cat | PetMD” . n.p., 19 Sep. 2020.Web. 19 Sep. 2020.

“10 Weird Cat Behaviors and Quirks Explained” . n.p., 19 Sep. 2020.Web. 19 Sep. 2020.

“10 Strange Cat Behaviors Explained” . n.p., 19 Sep. 2020.Web. 19 Sep. 2020.

“13 Strange Cat Behaviors Explained” . n.p., 19 Sep. 2020.Web. 19 Sep. 2020.

“14 Weird Cat Behaviors Explained” . n.p., 19 Sep. 2020.Web. 19 Sep. 2020.

“20 Weird Dog and Cat Behaviors Explained by Science | Live Science” . n.p., 19 Sep. 2020.Web. 19 Sep. 2020.

“25 Cat Behaviors That Seem Random, but Really Aren’t – SheKnows” . Jana Randall, 19 Sep. 2020.Web. 19 Sep. 2020.

“6 strange cat behaviors” . n.p., 19 Sep. 2020.Web. 19 Sep. 2020.

“8 Weird Cat Behaviors That Stump Kitty Parents” Catster. Rita Reimers, 19 Sep. 2020.Web. 19 Sep. 2020.

“Animal experts give insight into unusual cat behaviors | Worldation” . n.p., 19 Sep. 2020.Web. 19 Sep. 2020.

“Cat Acting Weird? Signs Your Cat May Be Sick | Petfinder” . n.p., 19 Sep. 2020.Web. 19 Sep. 2020.

“Odd Cat Behavior Archives” Clairmont Animal Hospital | Clairmont …. n.p., 19 Sep. 2020.Web. 19 Sep. 2020.

“Odd cat behavior explained (maybe) – Abycats’ Thoughts” . n.p., 19 Sep. 2020.Web. 19 Sep. 2020.

“Shocking Truths Behind 11 Strange Cat Behaviors | PetMD” . n.p., 19 Sep. 2020.Web. 19 Sep. 2020.

“Strange behaviour in elderly cats | Purina One” . n.p., 19 Sep. 2020.Web. 19 Sep. 2020.

“Weird Cat Behavior Archives” Arlington Animal Hospital, Arlington …. n.p., 19 Sep. 2020.Web. 19 Sep. 2020.

“Weird Cat Behaviors Explained | Hill’s Pet” . n.p., 19 Sep. 2020.Web. 19 Sep. 2020.

Cats can’t help getting stimulated and like any creature need to exercise. If your cat is indoor only they definitely need some stimulating toys. Believe me when I say you will hear them playing with their simple but intricate looking toys at 3:20am. Quite often, if your cat is misbehaving due to new changes in his or her life your cat may have to learn to live with the trigger and anxiety. Call your Veterinarian, at least get recommendations and try calming cat products such as feliway pheromones, supplements, medications, and special diets (Veterinary Prescribed). You can also give your cat other things to focus its energy on, like exercise-inducing toys. Little mice, springs, feathers and cat tunnels. Keep your cat entertained, and he’ll make sure to not make your life hell.

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