Cats bite in response to a variety of reasons. Pet owners should know these potential reasons to prevent bringing on the behavior and also be better equipped in dealing with the behavior in positive ways.

Common causes of aggressive biting in cats

• Overstimulation during petting sessions

A cat may feel that he has had enough of tactile stimulation while being petted and won’t hesitate to nip or bite the person’s hands or fingers. To prevent overstimulation, you will know that your cat has had enough of being touched and petted when he pulls his ears back and narrows his eyes before he nips and bites. When you see these signs, stop petting and let go of the cat.

• Redirected aggression

Frustration is an important trigger for redirected aggression. An indoor cat that sees birds or another cat through the window may vent out his frustration at not being able to chase the birds or the cat. This may cause him to attack the nearest cat, person, or thing that comes his way or is within his reach.

A cat with an underlying health problem may display undesirable behaviors like scratching and biting. So it’s a good idea to bring your pet to your Pickerington, OH veterinarian for a thorough checkup.