Did your kitty mean to hurt you, or was it just a playful nip? Here's why your cat bites you—and what to do about it.
Why Does My Cat Bite Me? Experts Explain Common Reasons
Updated on Jun. 17, 2025
Ever settled in for a cozy evening, only to have your cat surprise you with a sudden nip? One minute they’re purring and kneading your lap, the next they’re testing your reflexes with a playful (or painful!) bite. It can feel like you’re solving a furry mystery: What is this kitty really thinking? Why does my cat bite me? A good place to start is by decoding your cat’s behavior—it can offer insights into what’s normal and what might be a red flag.
Reader’s Digest asked veterinarians Rachel Barrack, DVM, and Deborah Greco, DVM, to unpack common reasons behind cat bites, what they say about your particular feline’s behavior and how to handle them. Sometimes the signs are easy to miss, but because cats communicate so much with their bodies, learning the basics of cat body language can help prevent those surprise nips. Keep reading to learn more.
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Why does my cat bite me?
The short answer? Your cat bites you to communicate. The long answer: It depends on the situation, but cat bites usually fall into one of three categories. Your cat might be:
- Feeling annoyed, overstimulated or threatened: “The most common reason a cat bites you is that they aren’t enjoying the current interaction,” says Dr. Barrack, a veterinarian at Animal Acupuncture in New York City. “Biting is their way to say ‘back off’ when they feel threatened” or annoyed.
- Playing (whether you are or not!): “Cats also may bite when playing, as they are natural predators,” Dr. Barrack says. If you’ve ever seen a cat playing with, aka tormenting, a mouse or bird before killing it, you get it.
- Trying to get your attention: Dr. Greco, a veterinarian and consultant at Desert Veterinary Specialists in Palm Desert, California, adds that some cats bite to express a need: “It’s important to carve time out of your day to play with your cat, to check that their litter box is clean and to make sure that they have plenty of food and water, to help minimize the biting.”
Do certain behaviors trigger my cat to bite me?
Absolutely. Cats bite when they’re scared, angry or simply irritated, and your behavior can play a part in that reaction.
“This makes it especially important never to tease your cat, which can be frustrating and threatening,” Dr. Greco says. Medical conditions, especially ones that cause your cat pain or discomfort, can also cause a cat to bite, and it’s on you as their caregiver to not force the interaction.
“Whatever the reason, a cat often gives warning signs before they bite,” Dr. Greco adds. “If she is hissing, flattening her ears, or emitting a low growl, it’s time to back away.”
How common is it for cats to bite?
It’s actually pretty common. And while it might seem sudden or unprovoked, biting is usually a response to something—often subtle, but specific. Understanding your cat’s body language is key to decoding their intent, so pay attention to the signs your cat is giving off. Not all biting is aggressive; sometimes it’s playful or attention-seeking, so don’t overreact or your cat might react in kind.
Do cats ever give “love bites”?
Yes. Not all cat bites are bad! Some cats give a gentle nibble or a soft hold with their teeth that doesn’t break the skin, aka a “love bite.”
“A playful nibble or love bite is very different from a truly aggressive bite that typically is in conjunction with hissing and meant to cause harm,” Dr. Barrack says. Think of it as your cat’s quirky way of saying: I like you!
Are cat bites dangerous?
They can be. Given how small domestic cats are, you’d think that a bite wouldn’t be a big deal. That’s not the case, however. “Cat bites are extremely dangerous due to the bacteria present in a cat’s mouth!” Dr. Greco says. “If your cat bites you and it breaks the skin, you must clean the bite immediately with warm, soapy water.”
She also recommends seeing a doctor for antibiotics, especially if there’s bleeding, or if the wound becomes red, swollen or painful. And if your cat bites another pet, a vet visit is also in order. Bottom line: Never brush off a cat bite.
How can I stop my cat from biting?
The best way to prevent biting is to identify and avoid your cat’s triggers. If your cat bites when picked up a certain way, that’s their way of saying: I don’t like this! Learning what sets them off—and avoiding it—can make a big difference. Some of those “harmless” habits might be exactly what your cat wishes you’d stop doing—and dropping them could help reduce unwanted biting.
If your cat bites during play, Dr. Barrack recommends using cat toys as a buffer. Continue to play with them, but use a toy as the middleman, so to speak. “You can also reward them when playing with their paws and not play biting,” she says. “Always reinforce positive behaviors.” That might include head scratches, gentle praise or even a treat.
When should I talk to my vet about cat biting?
Biting is a normal cat response to certain stimuli, but talk to your vet if your cat’s behavior deviates suddenly, as it could signal that something is wrong.
“Should your pet suddenly show changes in behavior—such as aggression, which includes biting—veterinary attention is required to determine if there is an underlying medical condition causing this behavior,” Dr. Barrack says.
If the biting becomes severe or is affecting your daily life, even if it’s not a sudden change, consult a feline behaviorist or a veterinarian. These pros can help identify triggers and create a plan to manage and reduce biting. Too many cats are dumped in shelters or abandoned on the streets because of behavior problems that owners don’t want to deal with, so be a part of the solution when you can.
FAQs
Why does my cat knock things over?
Cats knock things over to explore, communicate or satisfy their hunting instincts. That swipe off the table isn’t just random mischief, it can signal curiosity, a need for attention or a burst of playful energy. If your cat regularly targets objects on shelves or countertops and knocks things over, it might be trying to engage with you or its surroundings.
Does purring always mean my cat is happy?
Purring is not always a sign of happiness. Cats also purr when they’re stressed, injured or even frightened. Understanding why cats purr can help you better interpret their emotional state in different situations.
Do cats cry?
Cats don’t cry emotional tears like humans do, even if it sometimes looks that way. If you’ve ever seen your cat’s eyes well up or spotted a tear on their cheek, it’s likely due to something physical like dust, allergies or an underlying health issue. According to experts, cats don’t cry for emotional reasons, but they do express their feelings in other subtle ways. Understanding the full range of feline emotions can make you a more responsive, empathetic pet parent.
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Sources:
- Rachel Barrack, DVM, veterinarian at Animal Acupuncture in New York City
- Deborah S. Greco, DVM, veterinarian and medical consultant at Desert Veterinary Specialists in Palm Desert, California
