Aggression, Biting, Scratching

Question: My cat bites and scratches me sometimes for no apparent reason. I think I'm petting her gently.

Answer: Kittens or young cats (6-12 months) can be playfully aggressive so be patient but on guard with them. Pet your kitten gingerly because he may turn around and bite you on the hand. Kittens would be engaged in this type of play with their siblings if they were still with them. Play aggression in kittens is normal and gives them opportunities to practice social and predatory skills. Just accept it, wear shoes and long pants when you are around the kitten to prevent ankle bites and scratches, and take parental pride in his great motor skills. If you treat your kitten well, and discipline him gently for youthful aggression, your cat will naturally grow out of it around 12 months.

In adult cats it may be difficult to know the difference between playful and true aggression so be intolerant of all aggression, biting and scratching. A cat may make a playful pass with retracted claws, but it can quickly escalate into a claws extended scratch or bite. Cat bites and scratches are both painful and easily susceptible to infection.

If your adult cat bites you while you are petting or grooming him you should move away slowly. It’s possible you petted or brushed your cat where he has a wound or infection or in a sensitive area.  You can try again later to see if your cat has visible skin wounds or infections, and if so, make an appointment with your vet. It’s also possible that your cat decided it was playtime. It’s best not to encourage or tolerate aggression. Don’t let your cat to play with your hand or any body parts or clothes. If your cat does bite or scratch you, move away slowly while saying (not yelling) the word “No”.

If your cat’s play is too aggressive you can try providing more play and exercise opportunities as a healthy outlet. Indoor climbing towers, scratching posts, fake mice, feather toys, balls, cardboard boxes and paper bags are all better victims than you for your cat’s play aggression. Try playing with your cat by using a toy at the end of a stick such as a feather dancer toy, or gently tossing toys. Never punish a cat physically. If you hit or hurt the cat, try to block him or  run away from him, he may think you are escalating the aggressive play and will become more aggressive too, or may switch from play to real aggression out of fear and stress. You may hurt the cat or frighten him so that he will always keep his distance from you. This is an opportunity to modify your cat’s undesirable behavior in a positive way so you and your cat can enjoy a more peaceful and enjoyable relationship.