Cats aren’t as strange as you think. They’re actually simple creatures with limited ways of communicating with people. And scratching’s one of their communication tools.
For instance, some felines scratch at the start of the petting session. Others exhibit this behavior after you stop stroking their back. Alternatively, most cats scratch their owners if they touch their bellies, tails, or legs, which they consider vulnerable.
Common reasons most cats scratch their owners during petting include overstimulation, intolerance, poor socialization, playfulness, petting the wrong areas, and fear.
Not all cats like petting, so they scratch and bite their owners during petting. However, most cats enjoy limited petting, so you can prevent scratches by respecting your cat’s limits.
Below, I will explain why your cat bites and scratches you when you pet her in detail and list possible solutions, so take a look.
Why Do Cats Suddenly Scratch When You Pet Them?
Most cats don’t like long petting sessions because they’re not part of their nature.
When friendly cats meet, they rub against each other for a few seconds and then move apart. They can groom each other, but their grooming sessions don’t last long.
Also, some kitties that allow petting will bite and scratch their owner’s hand if they reach for their hind and stomach areas. Studies suggest that cats see these parts of their body as vulnerable. That’s why most cats don’t like belly rubs.
When petting your kitty, you should focus on the areas with scent glands, like the head, neck, and base of their tail, and avoid their tail, legs, feet, and stomach. Otherwise, you might end up with scratches and bite marks.
See more: What does it mean when a cat grabs your hand?
Have You Heard of the Petting and Biting Syndrome?
Recent studies suggest that felines can easily get stressed by their owner’s affectionate behavior. Vets who research what triggers stress in cats, like Dr. Daniela Ramos, claim that people’s affectionate behavior affects the stress levels in cats.
Many cat parents touch, hug and kiss their cats excessively, but most cats despise this behavior and get stressed during such instances.
As a result, some cats escape and hide, while others tolerate this behavior but don’t like what’s happening.
The studies also suggest that some felines become anxious and act aggressively during petting sessions, known as the petting and biting syndrome.
The petting and biting syndrome can reflect a kitty’s anxious personality or result from a lack of petting during kittenhood. If your feline scratches during petting, they’re probably more nervous than other cats.
In this case, you shouldn’t force petting your cat. After a while, your cat will become less anxious and welcome longer petting sessions.
You can prevent bites and scratches by looking for common signs of discomfort, stress, and overstimulation, such as ears pointed backward, twitching tail, dilated pulps, etc.
If you notice these signs while petting your feline, stop immediately.
Do Cats Bite and Scratch to Show Affection?
Cat owners associate biting with negative feelings. However, some kittens don’t bite out of aggression. On the contrary, they bite out of love.
Have you heard of love bites? When cats playfully nibble at someone’s hand or fingers, they express their love for the person.
You can easily tell if your cat plays with you and bites you out of love because love bites don’t hurt. They’re touchy and awkward because your cat doesn’t mean you harm.
Playful biting isn’t the same as aggressive biting and scratching.
Why Does My Cat Swipe At Me When I Stop Petting?
If your kitty swipes at you when you stop petting, it’s their way of saying they want more petting. Some cats swipe at their owners after petting because they’re in a playful mood. So, prolong your petting session or playtime and show your cat some extra love.
Common Signs of Petting Aggression in Cats
If your cat’s acting aggressively during petting because they don’t like what you’re doing or you’ve done it too long, you can prevent biting and scratching by watching your cat’s body language.
Stop petting your cat when you see the following signs:
- Vocalizing (meowing or hissing instead of purring)
- Tail lashing
- Walking away and hiding
- Raising a paw
- Grooming
- Back rippling
- Freezing
- Turning their head toward your hand or fingers
Aside from body language, other factors can help you predict and prevent aggressive biting and scratching during petting, such as the following:
- Location in the household
- Time of day or night
- Presence of other pets or family members
- Activity or noise in your home or outdoors
- What was your feline doing before the petting session
These things can trigger your cat’s aggressive behavior, so considering triggers like the ones above and observing your cat’s body language will help you prevent aggression during petting or playtime.
Ways to Prevent Petting Aggression in Cats
You can prevent or at least minimize petting aggression by considering where and how long you’re petting your cat. (*)
Here’s a breakdown of where, how, and for how long most cats prefer petting.
Areas to Pet Your Cat Safely
When most cats initiate petting, they typically start by rubbing their face on their favorite human. That’s because they prefer petting around their face, head, and under their chin. On the flip side, they hate when someone touches their tail, belly, and legs.
Check my guide on the best places to pet your cat for more details.
Touching these parts of your cat’s body will probably cause a negative reaction, so don’t give your cat belly rubs or touch their legs, feet, and tail. Otherwise, you will end up with bloody hands.
Lastly, every cat’s different, so learn what your kitten enjoys. That way, you will prevent negative reactions in the future.
How You Pet Your Cat Matters
Most cats prefer long strokes and gentle pressure. If you pet your feline in this manner, you’re guaranteed a good reaction. On the flip side, strong and quick strokes can evoke less positive responses in cats, so keep that in mind when petting your kitten.
Avoid Long Petting Sessions
If your cat’s acting aggressively during or after petting, you can cut the petting sessions short and see if anything changes. Also, observe your feline’s behavior during and after shorter petting sessions.
Start with a few long and gentle strokes, then take a break. Your kitty will eventually get less anxious and allow for longer petting sessions.
If you see any red flags, stop what you’re doing and see your cat asks for more petting. Cats that don’t rub against you or walk away and hide express discomfort.
When you stop petting at the first sign of agitation, you’re respecting your feline’s limits and preventing the escalation of negative events, such as biting, scratching, etc.
Should I Punish My Cat for Biting and Scratching Me?
Some owners punish their cats for biting and scratching. However, punishment isn’t the solution to petting aggression.
On the contrary, punishing your cat’s “bad” behavior might ruin your bond. Furthermore, punishing methods, such as spraying water, scruffing, or flicking when your kitty rejects petting, can worsen their behavior.
Your kitten has probably given you multiple warnings during petting, and you didn’t stop, so they had to bite or scratch your hand.
Kitties can’t use their voice to tell you to stop doing something they don’t enjoy. So, they find other ways to express their emotions, such as biting, scratching, running away, etc.
If you punish your cat, you can teach your furry friend that attacking you without warning might work better. Moreover, your cat might start avoiding you or act aggressively.
Final Thoughts
Some people who’ve never had a feline sensitive to petting take petting aggression as a personal attack. You’re trying to express your love for your kitty and get bloody hands in return.
However, you must understand that felines have limits, especially those who aren’t big fans of petting.
Like most people, cats have specific preferences about what they enjoy and don’t.
Their past and recent experiences and personality shape their preferences. Moreover, cats have a different tolerance level for things they don’t enjoy.
Some kitties express their discomfort more appropriately, while others scratch.
You can prevent such attacks by shortening the petting sessions, learning your cat’s behavior, and respecting your cat’s limits. Medical conditions can also cause petting aggression.
Can My Cat Bite As a Result of a Medical Condition?
Some medical conditions can make a cat react aggressively during petting. Illness, pain, and some diseases can make your feline more sensitive and anxious.
So, if you suspect your kitty’s acting poorly because she’s in pain, schedule a vet appointment immediately.
If your feline’s in perfect health, the tips above can help you recognize the warning signs of petting aggression and meet your cat’s needs without crossing boundaries.
I have a male cat who doesn’t enjoy longer petting sessions; he starts biting my hands a few minutes into the petting session when he’s in a playful mood. Sometimes, he walks away and gives me a sign that petting’s over.
If your cat enjoys petting but warns you when they’ve had enough, respect their boundaries. As your relationship strengthens, your cat will allow longer petting sessions.
If the tips above don’t help, consider contacting a cat behaviorist for help.
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*image by suebsiri/depositphotos