Imagine: a cat is curled up comfortably on your lap, you are petting it, enjoying the moment, and it suddenly turns around and bites you.
Why do such cute creatures sometimes behave so unexpectedly?
Cats are natural hunters. Even the most affectionate domestic kitten has not lost its wild instincts.
Play biting is more common in young animals who are exploring the world around them. For them, it is a way to test boundaries.
Sometimes people provoke this behavior themselves. Playing with your hands or fingers can teach your cat to perceive them as toys.
The consequences of such communication will become apparent in adulthood, when the animal begins to bite harder, but still in a playful manner.
Sometimes an animal's bite may not be a game or a request to stop petting, but a manifestation of fear or a defensive reaction. For example, if the cat feels threatened or is in a situation that causes stress.
Unexpected movements, loud noises or new people in the house can provoke such a reaction in the animal. It is important to remember: cats never bite without a reason.
To reduce the likelihood of bites, it is important to understand why the cat behaves this way. Ignoring signals or responding with aggression will only make the situation worse. A few rules will help to avoid bites:
1. Do not use your hands as a toy;
2. Pay attention to the animal's body language;
3. Give the cat time if he is clearly irritated.
Every cat is unique. Some prefer to be constantly near a person, while others require more personal space. Even representatives of the same breed can exhibit different behavior.
Siamese cats, for example, are known for their emotionality. They can bite to express displeasure or to attract attention. But the British are more often restrained and less likely to bite without reason.