How to Deal With Cat Biting
People expect dogs to bite, but they're not always aware that cats can be even more aggressive. Cats are predators, and they have plenty of weapons -- namely, four claws and sharp teeth. Cats bite when they're threatened, fearful or feeling aggressive. They learn to control their biting best when they're very young, but it is possible to retrain them later in life.
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Instructions
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Place kittens together to play. Cats, like dogs, learn to temper their biting when they are very young. Putting them together to play and figure out that biting hurts can reduce a cat's rambunctiousness, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. If your cat is grown, you'll have to train it on your own.
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Socialize your kitten. A young cat who grows accustomed to frequent visitors and human activity is far less likely to attack. Guests, veterinarians, friendly dogs and groomers all make good company for your cat.
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Teach children to hold and pet the cat in a gentle way, one that will not cause fear (and the subsequent biting).
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Engage your cat in light play-fighting. Praise the cat for gentle play, maintain eye contact throughout, and stop immediately if the cat becomes aggressive (swatting with claws, biting).
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Reprimand the cat for rough play. According to Perfect Paws, it's best to scream "Ouch!" and walk away.
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Give your cat something to attack. Cats are predators, and such toys indulge their killer instinct. Playing for 15 minutes twice a day allows your cat to expend its energy in a healthy way.
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Tips & Warnings
Have your cat spayed or neutered, and know cat body language.
Give your cat as few reasons as possible to attack. If the cat seems agitated, leave it alone. Cats bite when they're feeling threatened or aggressive. Signs of fear include crouching, retraction of the head, fully dilated eyes, pinned-back ears, hackles up, hissing and turning sideways. Signs of aggression include shrieking, positioning the body to look bigger, and displaying claws.
See a veterinarian if your cat appears overly aggressive and resistant to training.
Never break up a cat fight. Cats redirect their aggression, and not always right away. According to the ASPCA, this is often what leads to cat attacks that owners describe as "out of the blue."
