How to Discipline a Cat for Biting: 7 Vet-Approved Methods
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Owning a cat can be a fun and rewarding experience. Purring cuddles and affectionate meows will bring a smile to any cat owner’s face, but if your pet has a biting problem, that smile will be replaced with an “ouch” face. No owner wants their cat to bite, especially when you have family or friends over for a visit. A biting cat can cause injuries to you and others, and you’ll want to nip it in the bud as soon as possible.
In this guide, we’ll list seven tips on how to discipline a cat for biting and how to resolve the issue for good.
Before You Start
Cats may bite for a variety of reasons. Kittens may bite playfully, but when an adult cat bites, there may be an underlying issue.1 Adult cats will bite when they feel the need to protect themselves, such as being in pain, stressed, or frustrated or simply acting on their predatory instincts. You’ll want to ensure your cat doesn’t have a medical problem before starting any discipline processes, and you should make an appointment with your veterinarian to ensure your cat is healthy.
Now that a medical issue is ruled out, let’s check out some tips for stopping this unwanted behavior.
The 7 Ways to Discipline a Cat for Biting
1. Voice Your Pain and Remove Attention
When we say “voice” your pain, we don’t mean “scream” your pain. When your cat chomps down on whatever unlucky body part is in their jaws, firmly say “no” or “ouch.” It’s important not to scream at your cat because this will only upset your cat and cause even more biting. Don’t yank your arm or finger or whatever your cat has ahold of either; this could cause your cat to continue biting and cause even more injury to you. Simply voice your pain, and remove yourself from the situation. Your cat will learn that if they bite, the cuddles, fun, or attention will disappear.
2. Avoid Provoking Aggression
Some cats will bite if you do something they don’t like, such as hold them. Of course, as cat owners, we want to hold our pets and give them lots of love, but if your cat is not of the reciprocating sort, their instinctive reaction will be to bite. Cats are notorious for being independent, and some are even downright aloof. If you have a cat that is not ready for your affection, abort the mission. Your cat may let you pet them over time, but be aware that they may never be fully accepting of being held.
3. Observe Body Language
This one ties in with avoiding provoking aggression, but it’s an excellent tool to use to prevent an unwanted encounter with your cat. Cats are not like dogs, which are usually happy to see their owners and want love and affection. Cats want your love and affection when they want it and not the other way around. Look for these signs your cat is annoyed and may bite.
- Flattened or pinned ears
- Hissing
- Large, dilated pupils
- Low-to-the-ground stance
- Stiff tail
- An arched back
- Puffed-out fur
4. Don’t Startle Your Cat
You know the reaction when someone sneaks up on you, right? You may jump or yell at the person out of a natural response or instinct. Now, think about your cat’s reaction if you sneak up on them—odds are, they’ll bite out of fear or by being spooked. You probably are not fond of someone sneaking up and startling you, so don’t do it to your cat!
5. Don’t Use Your Hands as Toys
It may seem fun when your cat is a kitten to play with the tiny tike with your hands. But you should note that any unwanted behavior from kittenhood will likely carry over into adulthood, and if you don’t correct bad behavior in your kitten, be prepared to figure out how to do this when your cat is an adult. So, instead of using your hands, ensure you have plenty of cat toys for your cat to play with. Your pet will understand they can bite at the toy, but not your hand.
6. Reward Good Behavior
Now that your cat is not biting, reward them for the desired behavior. Using positive reinforcement is a true-and-tried method that will give you the results you want. Never hit your cat, grab them by the scruff of the neck, or yell, as these types of behaviors will only make your cat afraid of you, which will get you nowhere. If your cat likes treats, give them one when they don’t bite you, to show them that they are on the right track.
7. Hire a Professional
If all else fails, you can always enlist the help of a professional cat trainer. We know that you probably don’t want the issue to escalate to this point, but a feline behaviorist can help you establish a terrific relationship with your cat that doesn’t involve biting. They have the training and experience to help you find and understand your cat’s triggers and make a management plan to prevent your pet from biting.
Conclusion
Having a cat that bites can be frustrating and seem hopeless, but don’t fret! It is possible to discipline a cat when and if they bite you, but you’ll need to muster up patience. Be consistent in whatever methods you use and remember to never use physical punishment to discipline your pet. In time, your cat will learn that you are not to be bitten, and you can form an everlasting bond that will last many years.
- Related read: Why Does My Cat Bite Me Gently Out of Nowhere?
Featured Image Credit: Sozina Kseniia, Shutterstock
