Many cat owners face an unpleasant situation when their furry pets suddenly start biting their hands.
This causes not only pain, but also confusion. Why does a cat bite hands and how can this behavior be prevented?
Hunting and Playing Instincts
Cats, even as domestic animals, retain their natural hunting instincts.
In the wild, they hunt small animals, so playing with the owner's hands can be perceived as a training process.
When a kitten or adult cat grabs your hand and bites, it is displaying its natural behavior.
This is not aggression, but a normal game that helps cats survive in nature.
Stress and discomfort
Cats are very sensitive to changes in their environment. Moving, new family members or other animals can cause stress for them.
In such situations, they may bite the owner's hands, expressing their anxiety and irritation.
It is important to pay attention to changes in your cat's behavior and try to eliminate possible sources of stress.
Lack of attention and activity
Lack of physical activity and play can lead to aggressive behavior.
Cats that don't get enough attention and an outlet for their energy may begin to bite their owner's hands in an attempt to get attention or simply release pent-up energy.
Regular play and exercise can help reduce the likelihood of this behavior.
Painful sensations
Pain and discomfort can also be a cause of aggressive behavior.
A cat experiencing pain may bite its owner when trying to pet or pick it up.
Diseases of the teeth, joints or internal organs can cause this behavior.
In such cases, you should contact your veterinarian for examination and treatment.
Incorrect upbringing and encouraging aggression
Some owners themselves provoke aggressive behavior by encouraging play with their hands and allowing the kitten to bite them.
This forms wrong associations and habits in the animal. It is better to use toys and special devices for games, avoiding contact of hands with the cat's teeth.
Hormonal changes
During periods of sexual activity, cats may exhibit aggressive behavior. This is due to hormonal changes and the desire to find a partner.
Spaying or neutering helps reduce aggression and prevent unwanted behavior.
Earlier we talked about why cats like to jump on the table.
