How to Train a Cat Not to Bite

Biting is a natural method of play, or a way to express displeasure in cats. While it is instinctual, it is painfully irritating and can spread bacteria. You can train your cat not to bite if you understand the source of the biting and respond appropriately.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Neuter your male cat. In addition to health benefits, neutering a male cat stops several types of bad behavior, including biting. Neutering a male cat reduces his natural desire to be aggressive.
2. Ask a vet about the behavior. Cats often act aggressively when they are sick but may not show other symptoms. Pride sometimes prevents cats from showing symptoms of illness, but frustration of the problem shows through in biting.
3. Watch for warning signs your cat is about to bite when you are playing with it. If she stops purring, switches her tail back and forth rapidly or flattens her ears, she is annoyed and may bite.
4. Play with your cat appropriately. Cats often do not like their bellies, feet or sides touched. If you cat shows one of the signs of annoyance when touched in a certain area, find a different way to pet or play with your cat.
5. Tap the cat gently on the nose after it bites you. Cats tap other cats lightly on the nose after they hurt one another and will understand they have hurt you if you train them this way.
6. Train your cat to feel comfortable with you and trust you. Hand feed him treats and play with it gently without surprising it. Cats appreciate being played with but dislike surprise. Surprise during play may induce biting.
7. Keep your cat well stimulated with toys, scratching posts and cat grass. This will relieve tension which builds up by a lack of stimulation.