Why Cats Bite
While bites from dogs tend to receive a lot of attention, it is
rare to see an article or new story on cat bites. Aggressive behavior
toward people is probably second only to elimination as the most common
behavior problem we see in cats. Cats tend to bite people for different
reasons than dogs. Dogs often display territorial aggression toward non-family
members. Cats seldom are territorial to people, although territorial
aggression toward other cats is very common. The most common types of
cat aggression toward people are play motivated and the poorly understood ‘don’t
pet me anymore’ behavior.
Owners whose cats display playful aggression often describe their pets
as ‘turning mean’ or ‘vicious’. Even though the
motivation is play, these bites or scratches can still break the skin
and hurt. Because play behavior often resembles elements of predator
behavior, this type of aggression usually involves either stalking or
hit-and-run attacks. Hands and feet are often the most likely targets,
and some bites occur when the cat can spring out and pounce or ambush
the owner. Common situations for playful aggression are when the owner
gets out of bed, comes around a corner where the cat is lying in wait,
steps out of the shower or is playing with the cat who suddenly directs
the bite toward a hand rather than a toy. Usually this behavior is easily
dealt with by increasing the cat’s opportunities for appropriate
play. Cat toys should be provided that encourage all different kinds
of play, including stalking, chasing, batting and swatting, pouncing
and even carrying small objects in the mouth. Playful behavior directed
toward human body parts should never be encouraged or allowed. A brief
time out often discourages inappropriate play or even a squirt of water.
For the latter to be effective, the owner must have the squirt gun in
hand – it’s too late if you have to go search for it.
The ‘don’t pet me anymore’ aggression usually occurs
when the cat is being petted and suddenly turns and bites. More often than
not, the cat gives some warning, such as flicking his ears, twitching his
tail, or making intention movements with his head (quickly turning his
head to look at the hand that is petting him). This type of aggression
seems to be more common in males than females. Proposed explanations for
the behavior are that the petting becomes either unpleasant or sexually
arousing, or that the cat is attempting to establish a dominant role with
the owner. None of these explanations have been either refuted or substantiated
scientifically. Owners can best avoid being bitten by becoming more aware
of the cat’s warning signs, and stop petting before the cat bites.
Confining petting to just the head may also be helpful. If petting is
also paired with a special tidbit, the cat may allow the petting to continue
for longer time periods.
Article supplied by: Edited version first published in the
Rockky Mountain News, Denver, CO.
Any use of this article must cite the authors and the Rocky Mountain News
Daniel Estep, Ph.D. and Suzanne Hetts, Ph.D.
www.AnimalBehaviorAssociates.com
Copyright ABA, Inc. |
